Bianca&Marko’s guidebook
Famous meeting/starting point for locals/tourists
Start your journey early in Ban Jelačić Square, the city’s main square of historical importance. A huge statue of Governor Josip Jelačić on his horse is the one by which the square is named. Right next to the statue is a tall clock where you will see many people standing around it.
A famous meeting point of locals started to attract many tourists, so join them if you are waiting for someone. It is also a cool place for people watching so don’t forget to bring your camera.
The square is also popular due to its nice fountain with a legend behind it, as well as numerous café bars, bookstores, shops, and interesting architecture. During the winter months, the square becomes a huge Christmas Market with a large decorated tree and lots of colorful stalls selling all kinds of food and beverages.
During other months of the year, this is a place of great concerts, parades, organic food markets and even a venue for sporting events.
Exploring the beating heart of the city is one of those things to do in Zagreb for free.
Ban Josip Jelačić Square
Start your journey early in Ban Jelačić Square, the city’s main square of historical importance. A huge statue of Governor Josip Jelačić on his horse is the one by which the square is named. Right next to the statue is a tall clock where you will see many people standing around it.
A famous meeting point of locals started to attract many tourists, so join them if you are waiting for someone. It is also a cool place for people watching so don’t forget to bring your camera.
The square is also popular due to its nice fountain with a legend behind it, as well as numerous café bars, bookstores, shops, and interesting architecture. During the winter months, the square becomes a huge Christmas Market with a large decorated tree and lots of colorful stalls selling all kinds of food and beverages.
During other months of the year, this is a place of great concerts, parades, organic food markets and even a venue for sporting events.
Exploring the beating heart of the city is one of those things to do in Zagreb for free.
Besides being a paradise for all shopaholics, Ilica also makes a beautiful frame for street photographers. One of the main squares that you’ll pass by is named ‘Flower Square’ (Cvjetni trg) due to little stalls selling flowers. It is also the most popular place in the city for having a cup of coffee, so don’t be surprised if you find a seat next to famous Croatian celebrity names.
If you are interested in learning more about the popular clothing item made in Croatia, head to ‘Octogon’. A romantic passage offers not only interesting shops but also a Croata shop where you can buy a handmade tie. Not a bad souvenir to take home, right?
70 locals recommend
Cvjetni trg
Besides being a paradise for all shopaholics, Ilica also makes a beautiful frame for street photographers. One of the main squares that you’ll pass by is named ‘Flower Square’ (Cvjetni trg) due to little stalls selling flowers. It is also the most popular place in the city for having a cup of coffee, so don’t be surprised if you find a seat next to famous Croatian celebrity names.
If you are interested in learning more about the popular clothing item made in Croatia, head to ‘Octogon’. A romantic passage offers not only interesting shops but also a Croata shop where you can buy a handmade tie. Not a bad souvenir to take home, right?
Food scene
After enjoying the urban atmosphere of Ban Jelačić Square, head to the city’s main food market, known locally as Dolac. This vibrant market will enchant you with its combination of flavors, colors, and smells. It's a great opportunity to mingle around the locals while buying fresh food products. If you pay attention, you’ll see Dolac is divided into categories.
The delicious fruit is at the very beginning of the market while vegetables are behind it. There is a large fish market within the location as well as colorful stalls selling traditional crafts, flowers, clothing and all those little things for the home.
Don’t forget to buy a traditional gingerbread heart, which is a Zagreb’s trademark.
46 locals recommend
Dolac Market
DolacAfter enjoying the urban atmosphere of Ban Jelačić Square, head to the city’s main food market, known locally as Dolac. This vibrant market will enchant you with its combination of flavors, colors, and smells. It's a great opportunity to mingle around the locals while buying fresh food products. If you pay attention, you’ll see Dolac is divided into categories.
The delicious fruit is at the very beginning of the market while vegetables are behind it. There is a large fish market within the location as well as colorful stalls selling traditional crafts, flowers, clothing and all those little things for the home.
Don’t forget to buy a traditional gingerbread heart, which is a Zagreb’s trademark.
End the day full of sightseeing in one of the most atmospheric and charming streets in Zagreb. Completely pedestrian, Tkalčićeva Street offers you a wide range of café bars, pubs, casual pizzerias, and fine dining restaurants. Always bustling with live music performances and outdoor terraces, locally called Tkalča attracts many locals, but tourists as well.
Whether you dance the night away or just have a drink under the night sky, this is a place to be during your stay in Zagreb. If you liked people watching on the main square, you will also love this area!
291 locals recommend
Ulica Ivana Tkalčića
Ulica Ivana TkalčićaEnd the day full of sightseeing in one of the most atmospheric and charming streets in Zagreb. Completely pedestrian, Tkalčićeva Street offers you a wide range of café bars, pubs, casual pizzerias, and fine dining restaurants. Always bustling with live music performances and outdoor terraces, locally called Tkalča attracts many locals, but tourists as well.
Whether you dance the night away or just have a drink under the night sky, this is a place to be during your stay in Zagreb. If you liked people watching on the main square, you will also love this area!
Sightseeing
Right behind the market, you will spot a magnificent cathedral with a rich fountain in front of it. Zagreb Cathedral is the tallest building in Croatia and a must-visit if you have only 48 hours in Zagreb. With its outstanding twin spires that can be seen from almost every part of Zagreb, Cathedral is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. An impressive interior will leave you breathless from the moment you enter.
Massive chandeliers that are brought back from Las Vegas will welcome you at the entrance. Beautiful altars and magnificent statues in front of stained glass windows decorated in detail will surely leave you amazed.
Another gorgeous part of this sacral building is a luxurious organ, which is one of the top 10 finest in the world. However, as this is a sacred place for all locals and tourists as well, respect the silence that reigns here.
360 locals recommend
Cathedral of the Assumption
31 KaptolRight behind the market, you will spot a magnificent cathedral with a rich fountain in front of it. Zagreb Cathedral is the tallest building in Croatia and a must-visit if you have only 48 hours in Zagreb. With its outstanding twin spires that can be seen from almost every part of Zagreb, Cathedral is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. An impressive interior will leave you breathless from the moment you enter.
Massive chandeliers that are brought back from Las Vegas will welcome you at the entrance. Beautiful altars and magnificent statues in front of stained glass windows decorated in detail will surely leave you amazed.
Another gorgeous part of this sacral building is a luxurious organ, which is one of the top 10 finest in the world. However, as this is a sacred place for all locals and tourists as well, respect the silence that reigns here.
The Croatian National Theatre should be a definite stop. Surrounded by colorful tulips, this elegant, yellow building with extraordinary neo-baroque architecture and a fabulous dome is another city’s notable landmark.
Many world-known names have performed on its stage so it’s an ideal chance to experience high-class ballet, drama or opera performances at affordable prices!
If you managed to book last-minute tickets or you’ve already planned your visit to this spectacular building, be prepared to be amazed by its interior. Gilded columns, frescoed ceilings, marble details, and luxurious chandeliers exude elegance. Don’t forget to dress up!
346 locals recommend
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
15 Trg Republike HrvatskeThe Croatian National Theatre should be a definite stop. Surrounded by colorful tulips, this elegant, yellow building with extraordinary neo-baroque architecture and a fabulous dome is another city’s notable landmark.
Many world-known names have performed on its stage so it’s an ideal chance to experience high-class ballet, drama or opera performances at affordable prices!
If you managed to book last-minute tickets or you’ve already planned your visit to this spectacular building, be prepared to be amazed by its interior. Gilded columns, frescoed ceilings, marble details, and luxurious chandeliers exude elegance. Don’t forget to dress up!
Put on your walking shoes and start your journey by exploring the hidden gems of the Upper Town. Another stunning church you’ll find here is called St Mark’s Church. Built-in the 13th century, St Mark’s Church is a world known for its colorful tiled roof.
A medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia on the left side, and the emblem of Zagreb on the right side are credited for making this church one of the most photographed places in Zagreb.
Even though it’s open only during mass times, it is worth visiting especially because it contains sculptures by famous Ivan Mestrović.
Luxurious parliament and government buildings stand alongside the church. Every Saturday, between April and October, you can see the change of the guard ceremony.
250 locals recommend
St. Mark's Church
5 Trg Sv. MarkaPut on your walking shoes and start your journey by exploring the hidden gems of the Upper Town. Another stunning church you’ll find here is called St Mark’s Church. Built-in the 13th century, St Mark’s Church is a world known for its colorful tiled roof.
A medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia on the left side, and the emblem of Zagreb on the right side are credited for making this church one of the most photographed places in Zagreb.
Even though it’s open only during mass times, it is worth visiting especially because it contains sculptures by famous Ivan Mestrović.
Luxurious parliament and government buildings stand alongside the church. Every Saturday, between April and October, you can see the change of the guard ceremony.
Continue wandering through the alley that leads you straight to another city’s landmark. Riding in Zagreb’s famously blue funicular offers a unique chance to experience this part of the town. Open space next to the funicular provides a stunning view of the city, so take a minute to admire Zagreb’s panorama.
47 locals recommend
Funicular
7A Tomićeva ul.Continue wandering through the alley that leads you straight to another city’s landmark. Riding in Zagreb’s famously blue funicular offers a unique chance to experience this part of the town. Open space next to the funicular provides a stunning view of the city, so take a minute to admire Zagreb’s panorama.
For all those wanting to learn more about Croatian history, Lotrščak Tower is a place to be. Every day at noon, a blast from Grič canon shutters the city, reminding of an era when Turks planned to invade the town. Even if you’re not a history buff, climb the spiral staircase to the top because the view from the tower is worth the visit.
162 locals recommend
Lotrščak Tower
9 Tomićeva ul.For all those wanting to learn more about Croatian history, Lotrščak Tower is a place to be. Every day at noon, a blast from Grič canon shutters the city, reminding of an era when Turks planned to invade the town. Even if you’re not a history buff, climb the spiral staircase to the top because the view from the tower is worth the visit.
Cultural uplift
If you’re up for a little cultural uplift, head to the Museum of Broken Relationships. Just a short walk from St Mark’s Church, this cool museum is among the most interesting things to do in Zagreb. It is completely dedicated to failed relationships, so each exhibit you’ll find here has a special and unique story.
396 locals recommend
Museum of Broken Relationships
2 Ćirilometodska ul.If you’re up for a little cultural uplift, head to the Museum of Broken Relationships. Just a short walk from St Mark’s Church, this cool museum is among the most interesting things to do in Zagreb. It is completely dedicated to failed relationships, so each exhibit you’ll find here has a special and unique story.
Take a stroll around Strossmartre, a charming hub known for its artistic vibes and many hidden bars. During the summer months, this little alley has become a popular hangout place due to numerous concerts, food stalls, and art installations. If you have only limited time in Zagreb during the winter, the Square will enchant you with its bustling Christmas market and its delicious beverages, desserts, and events.
133 locals recommend
Strossmayerovo šetalište
Strossmayerovo šetališteTake a stroll around Strossmartre, a charming hub known for its artistic vibes and many hidden bars. During the summer months, this little alley has become a popular hangout place due to numerous concerts, food stalls, and art installations. If you have only limited time in Zagreb during the winter, the Square will enchant you with its bustling Christmas market and its delicious beverages, desserts, and events.
Around the corner is Stone Gate, another spot favored by locals. A shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary is also a pilgrimage site for religious Croatians.
72 locals recommend
Kamenita vrata station
Around the corner is Stone Gate, another spot favored by locals. A shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary is also a pilgrimage site for religious Croatians.
For all those hungry of culture, Art Pavilion that is located nearby hosts different large-scale exhibitions. If you’re spending 2 days in Zagreb during the warmer months, you will notice that the large meadow in front of the Pavilion serves as a picnic spot for many locals and tourists as well.
If you’re coming during Christmas time, this amazing place becomes Winter Wonderland with huge ice-skating point and lots of cute stalls selling boiled wine and hot tea.
79 locals recommend
Art Pavilion
22 Trg Kralja TomislavaFor all those hungry of culture, Art Pavilion that is located nearby hosts different large-scale exhibitions. If you’re spending 2 days in Zagreb during the warmer months, you will notice that the large meadow in front of the Pavilion serves as a picnic spot for many locals and tourists as well.
If you’re coming during Christmas time, this amazing place becomes Winter Wonderland with huge ice-skating point and lots of cute stalls selling boiled wine and hot tea.