Croatia’s capital, with a hilltop upper town, quirky museums and café culture; its winter “Advent in Zagreb” has repeatedly been voted among Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Advent in Zagreb An Advent festival that fills the city with lights and market stalls.
St. Mark’s Church The church with a colourful tiled roof showing coats of arms, a symbol of the city.
Ban Jelačić Square The main square where trams and people converge.
Museum of Broken Relationships A quirky museum of objects and stories donated by former lovers.
Where to stay in Zagreb
Donji Grad (centre)
Near the squares, markets and trams.
What to eat in Zagreb
Štrukli — Pastry filled with cottage cheese and sour cream, boiled or baked
Zagrebački odrezak — Veal cutlet stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded and fried
Purica s mlincima — Roast turkey with thin baked dough sheets (mlinci)
Zagreb tips and things to watch out for
Best time to visit Zagreb
Advent in Zagreb runs from late November to early January; spring and autumn are good for walking, and summers are hot. Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Zagreb travel tips
A short funicular climbs to the Upper Town, saving you the uphill walk.
Trams are the easiest way around; validate your ticket when you board.
Croatia uses the euro, so no separate currency is needed.
Good to know in Croatia
In summer the old towns fill with cruise crowds; explore early morning or evening. source
Beaches are mostly pebbly, so water shoes help. source
Watch out for in Croatia
City walls and stone steps have little shade and get slippery; mind the midday heat and your footing. source
Split, Dubrovnik and other towns fine people walking the streets in swimwear or shirtless. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Zagreb are still being collected, so food and transport use official prices from other cities in Croatia (prices within one country do not differ much).
Zagreb attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.