Zagreb
Izvor: ©SilvanBachmann from Getty Images via Canva.com
Welcome to Zagreb
We present to you the most detailed tourist guide through the capital of Croatia and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Our site has all the information you need when organizing your trip and creating the perfect vacation in Zagreb. You will see which are the best routes leading to the city, when is the best time to visit it, which are the best places to try specialties, and which are for unforgettable nights out. Our digital guide also contains tips for booking the best quality accommodation, service information such as parking prices, but also extremely interesting facts about the development, history and traditions of the capital of Croatia. The categories on the page guide you in detail through the most visited city attractions and accommodation units that will provide you with an unforgettable atmosphere. All you have to do is take the time to research the information, and then go on an active, personal exploration of the magical Zagreb! Enjoy an unforgettable travel experience.
Zagreb Attractions
Trg Bana Jelačića
Zagreb
Gornji Grad Zagreb
Zagreb
Muzej prekinutih veza
Zagreb
Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište
Zagreb
Medvednica
Zagreb
When to visit Zagreb?
Zagreb is one of the most important cities on the Balkan Peninsula, and you must not miss it during your trip.
- During summer - Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is located not far from the coastal cities on the very coast of the Adriatic Sea. During the summer, Zagreb often becomes a stopover for tourists who have gone to the sea from distant regions. However, we must emphasize that Zagreb goes beyond its temporary role and should be a place you visit and immerse yourself in local culture.
- During the winter - The capital of Croatia can boast a highly favorable and enviable geographical position that allows this city to be visited during any part of the year, whether in or out of season. As for the winter months, Zagreb is located very close to ski centers such as the slopes of Medvednica, Čelimbaša, Tršće. The city is setting up ice rinks for your youngest and cutest family members. Do not miss the many events Zagreb organizes during the winter months.
How to get to Zagreb?
Zagreb is the largest city in Croatia, located in the southwestern part of the Pannonian Plain, at the foot of the slopes of Medvednica. The city of Zagreb is located at the crossroads of many significant international routes. It is about 160 km away from the Adriatic Sea by land. The distance between Zagreb and the larger cities of Croatia is as follows: Karlovac 55 km, Varaždin 85 km, Rijeka 168 km, Slavonski Brod 190 km, Pula 270 km, Osijek 282 km, Zadar 288 km, Šibenik 343 km, Split 410 km. Here are a few ways to get to Zagreb:
- By car - Zagreb can be reached from Belgrade in approximately 4 hours, but the time can be significantly longer due to busy border crossings. It takes a little more than 8 hours from Podgorica and about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, to Zagreb. Many important land routes connect the capital city of Zagreb with the rest of Croatia and larger European capitals and cities. The most important highway is the European road called E70, which stretches from east to west and thus connects the coasts of the Atlantic and the Black Sea. This road connects Croatia and Zagreb with Serbia, Slovenia, Italy, and many other European countries. The main transit routes to other parts of Croatia are A1 (Zagreb-Split-Dubrovnik), A2 (Zagreb-Macelj), A3 (Bregana-Zagreb-Lipovac), A4 (Zagreb-Goričan), A6 (Zagreb-Rijeka), A11 (Zagreb - Sisak).
- By bus - The bus that runs between Zagreb and Belgrade takes about 6 hours on average, but the journey can be significantly longer because you cross international borders. One-way ticket prices for adults range from RSD 2,324 (EUR 19.81) to RSD 6,841 (EUR 58.33). If you are traveling to Zagreb from Split, you will need to set aside about 5 hours and 25 EUR for the trip. If you spend your days in Rijeka and want to visit the capital of Croatia, it is possible to get to Zagreb by bus, and it will take you about 2 hours on average, while the price of a one-way ticket is about 10 EUR. For more information, you can call the bus station in Zagreb (+385 1 6008 600).
- By plane - If you want a faster and easier arrival in Zagreb, we strongly recommend you use this mode of transportation. There is a direct line from Belgrade to Zagreb. The flight usually takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The price of the ticket is about 165 EUR. There are flights from other major cities in the surrounding countries, so if you fly from Podgorica, it takes you about an hour to get to Zagreb, while the price of a return ticket is 30 EUR
Activities for tourists in Zagreb
During your visit to this exciting city, you will notice that Zagreb offers a part of its soul to everyone who visits it. The capital of Croatia leaves no one indifferent, let alone disappointed. We have selected many different activities for you to enrich your free time.
- Camping and hiking - The incredible beauty of Medvednica will truly leave every visitor breathless. Medvednica is perfect for those visitors who like relaxed and long nature walks, while it is just as perfect for those who want to feel the adrenaline in their veins.
- Tour of important cultural spots - Zagreb is a city full of different cultural and historical buildings of great importance and fascinating architecture. We strongly recommend that you take a walk along the main and one of the longest streets, Ilica, but also visit the Zagreb Cathedral or one of the Orthodox religious churches. You will not be disappointed with the Funicular, which will take you from the Lower Town in an old-fashioned way to the Upper Town in just a few minutes. Indeed, you will enjoy every corner of Zagreb. With guides, for only 25 EUR, visit some of the abandoned bunkers, walk through the Grich tunnel and peek into the secrets of the Second World War.
- Biking tour of the city - Zagreb has made it possible for its visitors and all interested citizens to tour the city by bike. Experience Zagreb differently and get to know the city from many angles. After driving along specific routes with a guide, there is a break at the famous bistro bar where the best coffee in town is served. The ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the price is 45 EUR.
Events and festivals in Zagreb
If you happen to be in Zagreb during one of the famous festivals, we recommend that you do not miss them.
- SKAZ - The Zagreb Theater Amateurs' Scene and the KNAP Center are the organizers of this once-a-year event under the name Meeting of Zagreb Theater Amateurs. The festival aims to bring Zagreb theater amateurs closer to the audience and select the best plays to be presented during the festival. The meeting has a long tradition and has been held since 1976.
- Zagreb Burger Festival - This festival has a decade-long tradition. Visitors can enjoy exciting gastronomic marvels. Over the years, the festival has moved from one part of the city to another, and now it is held in Dr. Franje Tuđman Square. Festival judges also award a prize for the best burger.
- Future Scope Zagreb - This festival is one of the most famous festivals held in Zagreb. It is dedicated to young people who listen to electronic, hip-hop, pop, and rock music, so if you are a fan, you must stop by. During the 20 years, Future Scope managed to organize more than 700 parties and concerts. Every year, the festival is held in Zagreb on the Jarun from May 13 to 15.
- WRC Croatia Rally - An event made for car lovers takes place every year through 5 Croatian counties from April 21st to April 24th. This race is the third race of the World Rally Championship. The ceremonial start is in Zagreb.
Activities for kids in Zagreb
If you decide to visit Zagreb with the kids, we assure you they won't be bored. Besides the usual sightseeing activities, they can enjoy:
- Indoor playgrounds - Many slides, climbing frames, ball pools, and labyrinths are what await in these types of playrooms. Some of the most famous playhouses are Papageno (Jaruščica 9b), Lollipop (Laška 12), Camelot (Cvijete Zuzorić 3), Sunce (Ribnička 25), Time2Play (Lanište 1e), Jungle play 1 (Vajdin vjevac 2).
- Public parks - Your little ones can enjoy the well-fenced areas, while you can watch them sitting on the big benches. Some famous parks are in the following streets: Vinec 1, Florijana Andrašeca 56, Vučetić prilaz 5. Be sure to visit one of the most beautiful parks as well, Maksimir Park.
What to see in Zagreb?
Zagreb offers many interesting attractions that you must visit. You will not regret visiting this important destination located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. Just some of them are:
- Funicular - The funicular began operating in the 19th century and has retained its original appearance to this day. This attraction is the shortest funicular in the world, with a line about 66 meters long. The funicular is important because it connects the Upper and Lower towns. If you are in the Upper Town, the entrance is at Radićeva 19, near the church of St. Catherine, and if you are in the Lower Town, the entrance is at Mesnička 12 and Tomićeva 5a.
- Green Horseshoe - Green Horseshoe or Lenuci's Horseshoe is the common name for 9 parks and squares in the Lower Town, which were built in the shape of a horseshoe. It was initially named after Milan Lenucci, also the creator of this project. The parks and squares that are included in this unusual group are: Zrinjevac, more specifically Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square, Štrosmajer Square or Josip Juraj Štrosmajer Square, King Tomislav Square, Ante Starčević Square, King Petar Svačić Park, Botanical Garden, Marulić Square, Mažuranić Square and Republic Square of Croatia.
- Ilica - Ilica is the main street of Zagreb and is one of the longest and oldest streets in this city. It is known for its many storefronts, business centers, and companies. The street starts at Ban Jelačić Square and ends at Aleje Grada Bolonje. Zagreb's most famous trams also adorn the capital of Croatia and thus give it a unique shine, creating a harmony between the past and the present. We recommend you take a walk along this street and get to know the real soul of Zagreb that way.
- Religious buildings - One of the most important buildings in Croatia is certainly the Zagreb Cathedral, which has become a symbol of this city. The cathedral was built at the beginning of the 13th century and experienced a turbulent past. It has been demolished and destroyed several times, but it has been rebuilt just as many times. The cathedral truly enchants visitors with its beauty. Inside it are eight bells, with the largest weighing an incredible 6.5 tons. The Zagreb Cathedral is also the largest religious building in the country and can hold around 5,000 people. In addition to this magnificent cathedral, be sure to visit the church of St. Catherine, which was built at the beginning of the 17th century on the site of the former Dominican church from the 14th century, as well as the church of St. Mark.
Accommodation in Zagreb
The capital of Croatia offers a variety of accommodations that can be divided into several categories:
- Hotels - There are several top-quality hotels in the city. Some of the best-rated hotels in Zagreb are Hotel International, DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb, Hotel Jadran, Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria, Hotel Central, The Westin Zagreb, and Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb. The price of an overnight stay with breakfast in a double room starts from EUR 85.27 and goes up.
- Hostels and private accommodation - Many apartments in the city offer different services for people who want another type of privacy. The price depends on accommodation, and some of the best-rated are: Casa V Luxury Apartments, Apartments Downtown, DOLAC 1 Main Square apartments, DreamHouse 7, Chez Ria.
Phone numbers of important services
Below we highlight the important services you may need during your stay in Zagreb:
- Emergency services 112
- Ambulance 194
- Police Department 192
- Fire department 193
- HAK 198
- Rescue at sea 195
- General Information Service 1898
Where to eat in Zagreb
Depending on what you like to eat and what kind of atmosphere you enjoy, you can visit some of the following establishments in Zagreb:
- Restaurants - In Zagreb, you will find restaurants of both national and international cuisine, which justifies the title of the largest city in the country. The best-rated restaurants in Zagreb are Le Bistro, Pri zvoncu, Gostionica restaurant Purger, Vodnjanka Zagreb, Restaurant Vinodol, Restaurant Agava. Zinfandels Restaurant, Osijek, Vagabund, Rustica.
- Pizzerias - If you find yourself craving pizza, pay a visit to these places: Pizzeria Zero Zero, Maslina, Pizzeria Stara Sava, Frankos Pizza & Bar, and Pizzeria 6.
- Fast food places and bakeries - Whether you're on the go or just feel like eating fast food check out Street Food The Passage, mekPers, Fast Food Big Martin, Good Food, Fast food Papica, Pekarna Dubravica, Korica, Pekarna Dafina, Pekarna Kuraž, Pekarne Dinara, Pekarna Stari Zagreb.
- Pastry shops - Shops where you can indulge in phenomenal sweets are Pastry Shop Prezent, Pastry Shop Slatka Priča, Pastry Shop Orient, Pastry Shop Zagreb.
Where to go out in Zagreb?
Zagreb offers a large selection of places to go out and relax. No matter your taste, Zagreb has something to offer. We have selected some of the most famous places to have fun in Zagreb.
- Cafes and pubs - Cafe bar Finjak, Potter, Botaničar, Kavanica, Cat Caffe Zagreb, In the yard, Hendricks garden, Raspjevane Kokoši , Elis cafe are just a couple of places to enjoy good music and even better booze.
- Clubs - You are guaranteed the best time if you visit any of these clubs in Zagreb: Opera Club, KLUB, Depo, H20, Ritz Club, Gallery Club, and Museum Katran.
Transportation and taxi in Zagreb
If you didn't come to Zagreb with your means of transport, don't worry, Zagreb is thinking of you. The capital of Croatia is connected by city and intercity transport, as well as by taxis.
- Public transport - The city has a highly developed network of city transportation. There are several carriers with an average daily ticket price of around 10 EUR.
- Taxi service - There are many reliable taxi carriers, and these are just some of them: Eko Taxi Zagreb, Radio Taxi Zagreb, Cammeo Taxi Zagreb.
Parking in Zagreb
Parking lot spaces in Zagreb are divided according to the following zones:
- I Zone - the cost of parking for one hour is 1.59 EUR.
- II Zone - the cost of parking for one hour is 0.66 EUR.
- III Zone - the cost of parking for one hour is 0.27 EUR.
- IV Zone - the cost of parking for one hour is 0.66 EUR.
Surroundings of Zagreb
Forests, mountain slopes, meadows, pastures, and fields are just some of the hidden pearls of one of the greatest treasures of this landscape. Organize a trip to these places:
- Samoborsko gorje - Samoborsko gorje is located in the west and it is a mountain range rich in meadows and forests. This attraction is the busiest stop on day trips. The highest point is located at a height of about 890 meters and is called Japetić.
- Medvednica Nature Park - Medvednica Nature Park is one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting Zagreb. This place is home to many plant and animal species, but also an area of cultural and geological landmarks such as Veternica. Veternica is a cave that stretches for about 10 square kilometers and is of karst origin. It consists of several rooms, but only about 380 meters is open to visitors. It is also possible to visit the silver mine that was active in the 16th century with the help of the Zrinski family.
- Varaždin - Varaždin is one of the most important Baroque cities that have been preserved in Europe. During the 18th century, for a short time, Varaždin was the capital of Croatia, which is why the remains of magnificent homes of Croatian nobles can still be found today. This city served as a fortress and a place of defense for the state and the people. Inside the city today are the collections of the City Museum, as well as the Entomological Museum.
History of Zagreb
- Name - The etymology of the noun Zagreb is not the clearest. The name of the city of Zagreb began to be mentioned in written documents quite late, only in the 18th century, but the term Zagreb Archdiocese appeared as early as the 12th century. The older form of the word was somewhat different from what we use today. The name can be derived from the Old Slavic word greb, which means an elevation or hill.
- Rulers of Zagreb - Settlements in the area of the city have existed since prehistoric times. In the Antiquity period, the site of the village of Šćitarjeva was home to the ancient Roman settlement of Andautonia and, before that, an Illyrian settlement in the same area. In the 11th century, King Ladislav I of Hungary founded the Zagreb Diocese. The Tatar invasion significantly disrupted the population living in today's Zagreb territory. Zagreb only became the capital of Croatia in the 16th century, after which it was burned to the ground several times.
Geography and climate of Zagreb
- Geography - The city of Zagreb is located about 122 meters above sea level, and the municipality itself covers approximately 642 square kilometers on the southwestern part of the Pannonian Plain, at the foot of Medvednica. The Sava River crosses Zagreb and divides it into left and right banks. In addition to the area of the city itself, 69 other settlements in the vicinity belong to Zagreb.
- Climate - The climate of Zagreb and its surroundings is moderately continental. This type of climate is characterized by hot and dry summers with an average temperature of around 20 degrees. Winters consist of cold months with average temperatures of about 1 degree C.
Demographics of Zagreb
- Population of Zagreb - According to the 2011 census, 790,017 inhabitants live in the territory of the city of Zagreb. The largest city districts are Trešnjevka with about 120,000 inhabitants, followed by Novi Zagreb and Dubrava. The average age of the inhabitants is about 39.7 years. The most significant national minorities are Serbs, Slovenes, Bosniaks, and Albanians.
- Religions in Zagreb - The Catholic faith dominates these regions, followed by other religions such as: Orthodoxy, Islam, Evangelicals, Calvinists.
Tradition and culture of Zagreb
- Tradition - The Catholic tradition is vital in these regions, so we must not fail to mention some of the most important religious buildings that have been the main stronghold of the preservation of tradition over the centuries, such as: Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, St. Catherine's Church.
- Culture - In addition to numerous events and festivals that have become almost a symbol of Zagreb, we must also mention the many cultural institutions you must visit when getting to know the city. Some important cultural institutions are the Zagreb City Museum, Museum of Illusions, Archaeological Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Hangover Museum, Chocolate Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Arts.
Frequently asked questions about Zagreb
Why visit Zagreb?
Besides being the capital and the largest city of Croatia, it is home to many unique museums, religious buildings, and is close to important natural beauties of Croatia.
When is the best time to visit Zagreb?
Zagreb is a great destination to visit all year round, as it offers activities and attractions that can be enjoyed despite the weather.
What are the most famous festivals and events in Zagreb?
Zagreb's most famous festivals and events are SKAZ, Future Scope, and WRC Croatia Rally.
How to find accommodation in Zagreb?
You can find the best and most affordable accommodation on the Zagreb Apartments page.
What is the average cost of accommodation in Zagreb?
The price will change depending on the type of object that suits your taste. Hotels are a more expensive option, so an overnight stay with breakfast will cost you at least EUR 85.
What is the most famous tourist attraction in Zagreb?
The most famous tourist attractions in Zagreb are Funicular, Horseshoe parks, Ilica, Samoborsko gorje, Medvednica, and Varaždin.
How long do tourists stay in Zagreb on average?
Tourists spend an average of 7 to 10 days visiting Zagreb.