Your Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Zagreb (2026)

Your Essential Guide to Exploring Zagreb

Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant and often-overlooked capital. While many travelers head straight for the Dalmatian Coast, Zagreb offers a rich tapestry of Austro-Hungarian architecture, a thriving café culture, quirky museums, and a palpable creative energy. This city is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern dynamism, making it an ideal destination for a European city break. This guide is designed for first-time visitors to help you navigate, explore, and fall in love with Zagreb in 2026.

Getting to and Around Zagreb

Zagreb is a highly accessible and walkable city, but understanding your transport options is key to a smooth trip.

From Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to the City Center

Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport is located approximately 17 kilometers southeast of the city center.

• Airport Shuttle Bus: The most efficient and cost-effective option. The bus runs every 30-40 minutes and takes you directly to the Zagreb Central Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor). The journey takes about 35-45 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs approximately €8.
• Public Bus: ZET bus line 290 connects the airport to Kvaternik Square. It's cheaper (around €1.50 for a 90-minute ticket) but takes longer (around 1 hour and 15 minutes) with more stops.
• Taxi/Rideshare: A taxi or Uber/Bolt will cost between €25 and €40 and take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Public Transportation (ZET)

Zagreb's public transport system, ZET, consists of a comprehensive network of trams and buses. Trams are the backbone of city transport and are an iconic part of the Zagreb experience.

• Tickets: You can purchase tickets at Tisak or iNovine newsstands. A 30-minute ticket costs €0.53, a 60-minute ticket is €0.93, and a 90-minute ticket is €1.33. A daily ticket costs €3.98.
• Navigating: The city center is very walkable, but trams are perfect for reaching sights slightly further afield or for resting your feet. Key lines for tourists include 6 and 11, which run past the main train station and Ban Jelačić Square.

The Best Time to Visit Zagreb

Zagreb is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different experience.

• Spring (April-June): Pleasant weather, blooming parks, and fewer crowds than summer. Ideal for exploring the city on foot and enjoying outdoor cafés.
• Summer (July-August): Hot and lively, with numerous outdoor festivals and events. The city can be quieter as many locals head to the coast.
• Autumn (September-October): Mild temperatures and beautiful fall colors in the city's parks. This is a great time for museum-hopping and enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
• Winter (November-December): Famous for its award-winning 'Advent in Zagreb' Christmas market, which transforms the city into a magical wonderland. Expect cold weather but an incredibly festive atmosphere.

Top Things to Do in Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

The historic heart of Zagreb, Gornji Grad, is a maze of cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and medieval architecture. It's where the city's story began.

St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka)

Instantly recognizable by its vibrant tiled roof, St. Mark's Church is an icon of Zagreb. The roof, laid in 1880, depicts the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia on the left, and the emblem of the city of Zagreb on the right. While the interior is often closed to tourists except during mass, the exterior is a must-see landmark in St. Mark's Square, which is also home to the Croatian Parliament and Government Palace.

Zagreb Cathedral (Katedrala Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije)

Dominating the city skyline, the Zagreb Cathedral is a monumental example of Gothic architecture. Its twin spires, currently under restoration following earthquake damage, soar to a height of 108 meters. Entry is free (donations are welcome), and inside you can admire the stunning stained-glass windows, the treasury, and the tomb of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac. The cathedral is located in Kaptol, one of the two medieval settlements that formed Zagreb.

The Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza)

This is not your typical museum. This award-winning concept showcases personal objects and stories from failed relationships from around the world. It’s a poignant, funny, and deeply human exploration of love and loss. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Summer), 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Winter)
• Admission: €7 for adults.

The Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata)

The last remaining gate of the old city walls, the Stone Gate is now a small chapel and shrine. According to legend, a great fire in 1731 destroyed everything except for a painting of the Virgin and Child. Today, locals frequently stop here to light a candle and pray. It's a peaceful and atmospheric spot connecting the Upper and Lower Towns.

Exploring Zagreb's Lower Town (Donji Grad)

Developed in the 19th century, the Lower Town is characterized by its grand Austro-Hungarian architecture, wide boulevards, beautiful parks, and bustling squares.

Ban Jelačić Square (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića)

This is Zagreb's central square and main meeting point. It's a vibrant hub of activity, surrounded by historic buildings and packed with people, trams, and cafés. The equestrian statue of Josip Jelačić, a 19th-century Croatian hero, stands proudly in the center. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the city.

Dolac Market

Just a few steps from the main square, Dolac is Zagreb's bustling central market. Known as the 'Belly of Zagreb,' it's a feast for the senses. Under a sea of iconic red umbrellas, vendors sell fresh produce, cheese, meat, and honey from all over Croatia. The indoor section offers fresh fish and meat. It’s a fantastic place to experience local life and sample some fresh food.

• Best time to visit: Mornings, especially Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Tkalčićeva Street

Formerly a creek that divided the rival settlements of Kaptol and Gradec, Tkalčićeva is now the most charming and lively street in Zagreb. Lined with colorful buildings, it’s packed with cafés, bars, and restaurants. By day, it's a perfect spot for a coffee; by night, it's the heart of the city's nightlife.

The 'Green Horseshoe' (Lenucijeva potkova)

The Green Horseshoe is a U-shaped system of eight interconnected parks and squares in the Lower Town. It's a beautiful area for a stroll, home to important cultural institutions like the Croatian National Theatre, the Arts and Crafts Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. Zrinjevac Park is a highlight, especially during Advent.

What to Eat and Drink in Zagreb

Croatian cuisine is diverse and delicious. In Zagreb, you'll find hearty, continental dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

• Štrukli: A traditional pastry filled with cottage cheese, it can be boiled or baked, sweet or savory. It's a Zagreb specialty.
• Kulen: A spicy cured sausage from the Slavonia region, often served as an appetizer.
• Grah i varivo: A hearty bean stew, often with sausage or smoked meat. A classic comfort food.
• Sir i vrhnje: Fresh cottage cheese and sour cream, a simple but beloved staple, often bought at Dolac Market and eaten with bread.

Insider Tip: Where to Find the Best Rakija

Rakija is a traditional fruit brandy popular throughout the Balkans. In Zagreb, head to a specialized bar like Rakijarnica to sample dozens of varieties, from the common šljivovica (plum) to more unique flavors like medica (honey) or višnjevac (sour cherry).

Insider Tips for Your Zagreb Trip

1. Listen for the Grič Cannon: Don't be alarmed by a loud bang at noon. Every day for over 140 years, the Grič cannon is fired from the Lotrščak Tower in the Upper Town to mark midday. You can climb the tower for €4 for one of the best panoramic views of the city. 2. Take a Free Walking Tour: Several operators offer 'free' (tip-based) walking tours that provide an excellent introduction to the city's history and layout. It's a great way to orient yourself on your first day. 3. Embrace the 'Špica' Culture: On Saturday mornings, locals flock to the city center for špica, a ritual of drinking coffee and socializing for hours. Grab a seat at a café on Cvjetni Trg (Flower Square) or Tkalčićeva to participate. 4. Ride the World's Shortest Funicular: The Zagreb Funicular connects the Lower Town (Tomićeva Street) with the Upper Town. With a track length of only 66 meters, it's one of the shortest public-transport funiculars in the world. The ride takes just 64 seconds and costs €0.66.

Sample 2-Day Zagreb Itinerary

• Day 1: History and Culture: Start at Ban Jelačić Square, explore Dolac Market, then walk up to Zagreb Cathedral. Spend the afternoon in the Upper Town, visiting St. Mark's Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and the Stone Gate. Catch the cannon fire at Lotrščak Tower at noon. Enjoy dinner on Tkalčićeva Street.
• Day 2: Art and Relaxation: Explore the Green Horseshoe, visiting Zrinjevac Park and perhaps the Mimara Museum or the Museum of Arts and Crafts. Enjoy the špica coffee culture. In the afternoon, visit the Mirogoj Cemetery, an architectural masterpiece and peaceful open-air art gallery, located just a 10-minute bus ride from the cathedral.

Zagreb is a city that reveals its charms to those who take the time to wander its streets, sit in its cafés, and soak in its unique atmosphere. It’s a capital city that feels both grand and intimate, making it a perfect and rewarding destination for any traveler.