Zagreb Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Zagreb

Zagreb is divided into the historic Upper Town on the hill and the elegant Lower Town below, both easy to explore on foot or by tram.

• Upper Town (Gornji Grad) — The medieval heart of the city, with gas-lit lanes, old palaces and St Mark’s Church, famous for its colourful tiled roof.
• Ban Jelačić Square — Zagreb’s main square and favourite meeting point, surrounded by cafés and handsome buildings.
• Dolac Market — A bustling open-air market beneath red umbrellas, selling fresh produce, cheese and flowers from across the region.
• Zagreb Cathedral — The city’s landmark cathedral, whose twin neo-Gothic spires rise above the Kaptol district.
• Lotrščak Tower and funicular — A medieval tower with city views, reached by one of the shortest funicular railways in the world.
• Museum of Broken Relationships — An original museum displaying everyday objects and the stories of love affairs that ended.
• Mirogoj Cemetery — A peaceful, park-like cemetery with grand arcades and domes, often described as an open-air gallery.

Best time to visit Zagreb

Spring, from April to June, and early autumn, from September to October, are the most comfortable times to visit. Temperatures are mild, café terraces fill the squares, and the parks of Maksimir and the Upper Town promenades look their best. These months are also ideal for day trips to Plitvice Lakes, when the waterfalls are full and the trails less crowded than in high summer.

Summer is warm to hot and many residents head to the Adriatic coast, especially in August, so the city feels quieter. Outdoor concerts, open-air cinema and street events keep evenings lively during the season.

Winter is cold, with occasional snow, but Advent in Zagreb, from late November to early January, transforms the city with Christmas markets, lights, music and food stalls across many squares and parks. It is one of the most popular times to visit, so book accommodation early. January to March is otherwise the quietest period.

Getting from the airport

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport lies around 15 kilometres south-east of the city centre, near the town of Velika Gorica.

• Airport shuttle bus — A dedicated shuttle runs between the terminal and Zagreb’s main bus station, timed around flight arrivals. The journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
• City bus — A public bus route links the airport with the local public transport network, a slower but budget-friendly choice.
• Taxi — Taxis wait outside the terminal and ride-hailing apps operate in Zagreb. The drive to the centre usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

There is no rail link to the airport. From the main bus station, trams connect quickly with Ban Jelačić Square and the rest of the centre. Tickets for trams and buses can be bought from kiosks, machines or the driver.

Where to stay

Zagreb’s centre is compact and well served by trams, so most visitors stay close to the main square to walk to the sights.

• Lower Town (Donji Grad) — Elegant boulevards, museums and parks around the main square, ideal for first-time visitors and those who like being at the centre of things.
• Upper Town (Gornji Grad) — Quiet, atmospheric lanes on the hill, suited to couples and travellers seeking historic charm.
• Tkalčićeva and Kaptol — A lively strip of bars and restaurants below the cathedral, popular with younger travellers who enjoy nightlife.
• Near the main railway station — Convenient for rail travel and day trips, with a range of options for different budgets.
• Maksimir — A green residential area beside the city’s largest park, good for families and longer stays.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Zagreb’s blue trams cover the city efficiently, and much of the centre is pedestrianised. Buy and validate your ticket before or on boarding.
• Café culture — Coffee is a social ritual in Zagreb, and lingering for an hour over a single cup on a terrace is perfectly normal.
• Payment — Cards are widely accepted, though some market stalls and small businesses prefer cash, so carry some euros.
• Tipping — Rounding up the bill or leaving around 10 percent for good service in restaurants is customary but not obligatory.
• Day trips — Plitvice Lakes, the hilltop villages of Zagorje and the coastal cities are all reachable by bus or car, making Zagreb a good touring base.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.