Croatia’s capital is a contemporary European metropolis within the coronary heart of my stunning nation. The town of round 1,000,000 folks is a scientific, cultural and political hub. Zagreb is split into two components, Higher City and Decrease City. Higher City is the place you’ll be able to step again into medieval instances and luxuriate in its wealthy historical past, artwork and structure. As a bonus, you’ll get wonderful views of the entire metropolis. On the opposite facet, Decrease City is stuffed with vibrant parks, monuments, museums, theatres, bars and eating places.

These two components of Zagreb are separated by the principle sq., Ban Josip Jelačić, an area assembly level. In addition to being a cultural gem, Zagreb will amaze you with its stunning nature, inexperienced parks and biodiversity. The town is bordered by Mount Medvednica on one facet whereas the longest Croatian river, the Sava, flows on the opposite.

Zagreb has a particular place in my coronary heart because it’s my second house and the place I spent six years of my life. It’s town that by no means sleeps, with at all times one thing thrilling to do, from cultural occasions and clubbing to walks in nature. It’s near the opposite components of Croatia, and most of all, it’s spotless and secure. It’s a perfect-sized metropolis stuffed with alternatives, cultural range and nature. These are my 20 high picks of issues to do in Zagreb.

Zagreb, Croatia

20 Issues To Do In Zagreb

1- Mend Your Coronary heart within the Museum of Damaged Relationships

Do you keep in mind the emotional curler coaster you skilled after your first breakup? Possibly even after the second or third one? Did you assume it was the tip of the world?

So many reminiscences, feelings and emotions. Nicely, that’s love. What’s the world with out love?

The Museum of Damaged Relationships takes you thru heartbreaking tales and symbolic possessions, the place you can find a group of things and nameless tales.

You’ll chortle, possibly even cry, however most of all, it’ll remind you that love is gorgeous and we are able to’t reside with out it.

In 2010, the museum received the EMYA Kenneth Hudson Award for probably the most modern and daring museum venture in Europe.

The museum has a bistro and café, the place you’ll be able to style scrumptious meals made from domestically sourced natural substances relying on the season.

Situated within the Higher City, it will probably get fairly crowded, don’t lose your alternative to reserve your ticket right here.

The Museum of Damaged Relationships is at Ćirilometodska ul. 2, 10000, Zagreb.

2- Change Your Actuality In The Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is the place actuality takes on a special dimension to please your internal little one and the place you change into the grasp of illusions, identical to within the film “Now you see me”.

The museum will educate you about notion, the human mind and science.

It combines entertaining and academic content material appropriate for all generations.

It accommodates over 70 displays, together with defy gravity room, a rotating room, a maze of mirrors and one of many largest hologram exhibitions in Europe.

It’s within the centre of Zagreb, on Illica road, approachable by tram or foot. Test it out right here. 

The Museum of Illusions is at Ilica 72, 10000, Zagreb.

3- Uncover The Historical past Of Electrical energy At Nikola Tesla Museum

Discover the lifetime of one of many best inventors within the historical past of the world, a person who modified the way in which we reside.

Nikola Tesla gave us gentle and made many different innovations within the manufacturing, transmission and utility of electrical energy.

Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American engineer and physicist who invented the primary alternating present motor, the radio, tesla coil, neon gentle and plenty of extra.

The museum consists of a planetarium and exhibitions half that can information you thru the nice innovations of Tesla.

You will get there by tram, simply 10 minutes from the principle sq.. Discover out extra right here.

Nikola Tesla Museum is at Savska cesta 18, 10000, Zagreb.

4- Indulge In Croatian Delicacies

Be ready to fall in love with Croatian delicacies. The nation’s meals varies relying on the area.

The northern half includes extra meat merchandise, whereas Dalmatia focuses fish and seafood.

Some well-known seafood dishes are black risotto, brodetto and buzara. Strukli (savoury pastry stuffed with cheese), fuži and pljukanci are the varieties of pasta attribute of Istria.

You’ll style prosciutto, cheese, olive oil and native wine.

You’ll find many good eating places on Tkalčićeva road for those who go by your self, or be a part of this tour to study extra about every dish. 

5- Discover On A Strolling Tour And Take A Funicular Trip

If you’re brief on time and wish to hear a quick historical past from the locals in regards to the central factors of Zagreb, this strolling tour with a funicular trip is an ideal choice for you.

On this 2.5 hours of guided stroll, you’ll move from the principle Ban Jelačić sq., the Cathedral and Tkalčićeva road to Higher city.

You’ll hear the historical past of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, move by means of the bar road, generally known as Tkalčićeva road, the place all of the generations meet for brunches, dinner, and informal drinks.

From Tkalčićeva road, you’ll move the oldest pharmacy in Zagreb, then Stone Gate, all the way in which to the Higher city.

There you will notice Lotrščk tower, St. Mark’s Church and Gradec.

This tour gives you an ideal alternative to take an previous funicular trip again to the assembly level.

6- Uncover Croatia’s Warfare Historical past

Going again 31 years in the past, Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia. Earlier than that, Croatia, together with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia and Macedonia, have been a part of Yugoslavia.

That 12 months, on the identical day, each Croatia and Slovenia declared independence, and whereas Slovenia left the nation in peace, that was not the case for Croatia.

The ethnic Serbian minority in Croatia rejected that call, demanding an unbiased Serbian state that lined a 3rd of Croatia’s geographical territory.

This struggle lasted for 5 years, till the autumn of 1995.

Take a tour with an area historian to study insights into the devastating occasions that occurred throughout these years and uncover underground tunnels that have been used as shelters. Discover out extra right here.

7- Discover Plitvice Lakes And Rastoke

Plitvice Lakes is certainly one of Croatia’s largest and oldest nationwide parks, identified for its beautiful panorama and biodiversity, protected by UNESCO World Heritage since 1979.

On the way in which, it’s good to cease at Rastoke, generally known as Little Plitvice, which is 30 km from the nationwide park.

What’s fascinating to see are the mills that have been powered by water to supply the flour for the bread.

This tour gives you an ideal alternative to expertise stunning nature and historic insights of Plitvice Lakes.

8- Say A Prayer At Zagreb Cathedral

The neo-Gothic constructing in Kaptol Sq. holds the title of the tallest constructing in Croatia.

Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary dates again to the eleventh century and was as soon as generally known as St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

It consists of Archbishop’s Palace, with twin excessive spires as much as 108 m (354ft), tombs of Croatian heroes and martyrs, a treasury and organs.

The Cathedral is definitely accessible by foot from Ban Jelačić sq., round 5 minutes, and the doorway is free.

9- Pay attention To The Cannons Of Lotrščak Tower

Lotščak Tower dates again to the thirteenth century when it was constructed to protect the southern a part of Gradec, generally known as Higher City.

It had a key position in defending a former small gate Dverce, which was demolished in 1812, however later reconstructed and is at this time generally known as Strossmayer Promenade.

By the tip of the sixteenth century, the tower misplaced its protecting function after the Ottoman assaults.

There are two choices to succeed in it, climb many stairs or take a trip with the small funicular to the highest, which has breathtaking views of the city.

The highest attraction is a Grič cannon which, as much as one 12 months in the past, fired precisely at midday day by day, nevertheless it was stopped after an earthquake.

The doorway ticket to the tower is round three euros.

Lotrščak Tower is at Strossmayerovo šetalište 9, 10000, Zagreb.

10- Admire The Coat Of Arms On St. Mark’s Church

Well-known for its vibrant tiled roof, this sacral, gothic constructing from the thirteenth century is a must-see attraction in Zagreb.

It was created in 1880 by Friedrich Schmidt and Herman Bolle.

The colorful design represents the medieval coat of arms of three areas, with Slavonia, Croatia and Dalmatia on the left and the symbol of Zagreb on the correct.

In response to legend, the symbol marks the doorway to the interweaving corridors beneath the Higher City.

In addition to the roof, the southern portal can also be an fascinating element with 15 sculptures, together with Christ, St. Mark, Virgin Mary with the kid and different apostles.

St. Mark’s Church is open solely throughout mass and is in St. Mark’s sq., reachable by foot from Ban Jelačić sq..

St. Mark’s Church is at Trg Sv. Marka 5, 10000, Zagreb.

11- Take A Stroll By way of The Grič Tunnel

In response to the legend of the underground corridors of St. Mark’s Church, the trail leads you to the Grič tunnel.

This tunnel was inbuilt 1943 to guard civilians from frequent bombings and throughout the Croatian Independence Warfare within the nineties.

After all of the wars ended, the tunnel grew to become an ideal occasion place for raves.

At Christmas time, the tunnel transforms right into a fairytale spot, with lighting and installations that adjust relying on the season.

Usually there are different short-term exhibitions and occasions. It’s a pedestrian tunnel, good for escaping from the summer season warmth.

12- Store At Dolac Market

Dolac Market is Zagreb’s main open-air farmer’s market.

The indoor market sells freshly baked bread, scrumptious selfmade pastries, selfmade pasta, recent meat and fish.

The market’s higher flooring is stuffed with vibrant domestically grown fruit and greens, native wine, olive oil, cheese and nuts.

Dolac can also be an amazing spot to go purchasing for handmade crafts, souvenirs, garments, footwear and different items.

The market is within the centre and a two-minute stroll from Ban Jelačić sq..

13- Mild A Candle At The Stone Gate

Strolling to the Higher City, you’ll encounter a spot of silence, prayer, and love generally known as the Stone Gate.

The gate was created within the thirteenth century and was broken 4 instances in fires, the place the final fireplace badly broken every thing apart from a portray of the Virgin Mary with child Jesus.

After the fireplace, the proprietor of the portray constructed a chapel contained in the Stone Gate, the place it exists till at this time.

The Stone Gate is at Kamenita ul., 10000, Zagreb.

14- Calm down In Zrinjevac Park

This inexperienced spot is an ideal escape from strolling across the metropolis.

Just a few minutes away from the principle Ban Jelačić sq., stuffed with flowerbeds and water fountains, Zrinjevac is an ideal place to relaxation and luxuriate in nature.

Think about having a espresso or takeaway lunch, sitting on a blanket, surrounded by timber and flowers, and listening to the songs of birds within the metropolis centre.

It’s much more magical at night time, with all of the lights and open-air live shows within the Music Pavilion within the centre of the park, making it an ideal place for a date night time.

In addition to nature, Zrinjevac has statues of well-known heroes alongside the pathways.

15- Go to The Zoo In Maksimir Park

Maksimir Park is one other inexperienced spot in Zagreb and a 15-minute tram trip from the principle sq..

It has timber, flowers, lakes and animals, making it an ideal spot for a household picnic, gathering or a romantic date.

The zoo is inside the park and has 370 animal species, similar to leopards, crimson pandas, wisent, chimpanzees and completely different snake species.

Tickets for adults value 4 euros, whereas for youngsters value lower than 2 euros.

The park has 5 stunning lakes and is house to squirrels, bats, foxes and martens.

It’s a preferred place for recreation, similar to yoga, working, using a motorbike, or meditation. There’s a restaurant within the park and entry is free.

Maksimir Park is at Maksimirski perivoj 1, 10000, Zagreb.

16- Take A Stroll Round Jarun Lake

Jarun Lake is a wonderful lake that’s standard for strolling, jogging and having picnics.

In summer season, it hosts a preferred music competition known as IN music and, throughout the remainder of the 12 months, is a favorite location for sporting occasions, wedding ceremony events and live shows.

The park is about half-hour from town centre and is named Zagreb’s sea.

17- Watch A Ballet At The Croatian Nationwide Theatre

This neo-baroque masterpiece is a shocking constructing and an amazing place to observe a ballet, drama or opera.

In addition to its beautiful exterior, this distinctive constructing will amaze you with its inner decor of gold partitions in distinction with crimson curtains and statues.

There are about 100 theatres in Croatia and that is certainly one of 5 that has the standing of a “nationwide theatre”.

This system is strong, with over 220 stage performances per season.

The theatre is a 10-minute stroll from the principle sq. and also you’ll usually discover younger folks hanging round in entrance of the theatre, chilling on the grass, enjoying music or practising a creative efficiency.

You would possibly even hear the artists rehearsing performs contained in the theatre.

Tickets for the performances differ from 8 to twenty euros and a constructing tour prices 4 euros.

18- Go to The Mirogoj Cemetery

The buildings will shock you with inexperienced oxidized copper domes, brick-coloured partitions and carved arcades.

With loads of greenery, you would possibly assume you’re strolling by means of the park and never a cemetery.

Graves of vital Croatian poets, sports activities gamers, presidents and different vital figures are discovered right here.

Search for the grave of Petar Preradović, one of many vital figures of Croatian Romantic poetry, a well-known Croatian basketball participant from the 90s, Dražen Petrović, the primary president of Impartial Croatia, Franjo Tuđman and Croatian sculptors Ivan Mestrović and Ivan Rendić.

2 November (All Souls’ Day) is the day when folks go together with their households to the cemetery to gentle the candles for his or her deceased.

The night time is magical, with 1000’s of flickering candles and a peaceable setting.

Mirogoj Cemetery is at Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27, 10000, Zagreb.

19- Hike Round Sljeme

Breathtaking sunsets, wonderful views of town, nature and good meals are the issues that describe Mount Medvednica.

You’ll be able to take many trails to reach on the peak of the mountain, Sljeme.

Some routes are tougher than others, so test earlier than you go.

Mountain climbing alongside the mountain is an on a regular basis weekend exercise for a lot of households with their kids, associates, aged folks {and professional} hikers.

On the highest of the mountain, there are eating places the place you’ll be able to relaxation and luxuriate in freshly ready native meals.

In winter, Sljeme turns into a spot for snowboarding because it’s 20 minutes from town centre to the foot of the mountain. Take tram 14 from the principle sq..

20- Take pleasure in The View From Medvedgrad Citadel

Probably the greatest views of Zagreb is from Medvednica Citadel, which was constructed for defensive functions on a hill known as Mali Plazur.

Its essential tower is seen from far-off, and contained in the fortress is the altar of the homeland devoted to Croatian troopers killed within the Croatian Warfare of Independence.

Tickets value round two euros, and the opening hours differ relying on the day and the season.

One of the simplest ways to get there may be by automobile, however you have got an choice to arrive by bus, plus strolling for round an hour.

September is the time to go to for medieval tradition, whereas in July you’ll be able to benefit from the music live shows. Discover out extra right here.