Although Zagreb may not be on everyone's radar when it comes to visiting Croatia as people often flock to other touristy places like Dubrovnik and Split instead, the capital city does have a unique vibe that really shows the true side of what life is really like living in Croatia outside of touristy towns.
If you are passing through Zagreb and are wondering what things you can do here, you are in the right place. Within this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Zagreb, from the best landmarks to check out to all the great unique museums you can visit as well as day trips you can make. Without further ado, here are the 14 best things to do in Zagreb for solo travelers:
- Zagreb Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Zagreb?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Zagreb
-
14 Best Things to Do in Zagreb
- Check Out St. Mark's Church
- Walk Through Stone Gate
- Witness the Cannon Firing Tradition at Lotrščak Tower
- Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
- Check out the View from Zagreb City Viewpoint
- Stroll Around Market Dolac
- Admire the Beauty of the Cathedral of Zagreb
- Check out the Street Art at Art Park Zagreb
- Hang Out Around Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
- Walk Through Oktogon
- Admire the Beauty of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
- Stroll Around King Tomislav Square
- Learn More About Nikola Tesla at Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
- Hike Around Plitvice Lakes National Park as a Day Trip
- More Zagreb Activities
- Further Reading for Croatia
Zagreb Itinerary Map
Quick Summary: Things to do in Zagreb
- Main Square Hostel (Budget)
- Rooms Zagreb 17 (Mid-Range)
- Hotel Le Premier (High-End)
- From Zagreb: Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Trip (10 hours)
- From Zagreb: Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Small-Group Day Trip (10 hours)
- Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket (1 day) 🏅 Top Pick
14 Best Things to Do in Zagreb
1. Check Out St. Mark's Church
Probably one of the most recognized landmarks in Zagreb, St. Mark's Church is a beautiful church located in the heart of Zagreb's old town and is known for its iconic multi-colored tiled roof that has become the symbol of the city.
This Roman Catholic church dates all the way back to the 13th century when it was first constructed in the beautiful Gothic architectural style. The exterior is painted white with the roof facing sideway, facing you the moment you enter the town square, showing its iconic tile design with 2 coats of arms representing Zagreb (white castle on a red background on the right) and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia (the one of the left).
It is one of the most important landmarks in the city, and it would be a shame if you visited Zagreb and did not make it to St. Mark's church. The church is free to the public, and you can enter any time during the day. Definitely one of the best things to do in Zagreb, so be sure to check it out.
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Where to Stay in Zagreb?
2. Walk Through Stone Gate
Another popular landmark to visit in Zagreb's Old Town is Stone Gate, an ancient city gate that dated all the way back to the 13th Century and it was once part of the city's fortification. It is one of the most well-preserved city gates in the city and a must-see if you are in Zagreb.
Nowadays, the Stone Gate houses a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and it is a place of pilgrimage for many locals, and it is believed that the painting of the Virgin Mary inside the chapel has miraculous healing powers. You will see plenty of locals praying inside the small chapel at the gate. They even have wooden seats tucked in the corner for pilgrims to see and pray.
As you explore the old town of Zagreb, you will eventually run into the Stone Gate. You can't miss it. You can spend some time here, walking and enjoying the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the chapel, and take in the historic architecture of the gate itself before we continue to explore Zagreb.
3. Witness the Cannon Firing Tradition at Lotrščak Tower
One of the coolest traditions of Zagreb is the cannon firing ceremony that is often held at noon every day at Lotrščak Tower, an ancient watchtower that played an important role in the city's defense and fortification.
At 12 PM every day, you can visit the tower and witness the cannon firing that has been a tradition since the 19th Century. You can also go inside and check out the museum as well as climb the stairs to the top to admire the view of Zagreb's Old Town from above.
If you happen to be around Zagreb Old Town at noon, be sure to check out Lotrščak Tower. The tower is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except on Mondays. The entrance fee is 3 EUR per person.
If you want to learn more about the history of Zagreb and learn the reason for the cannon firing tradition, I highly recommend you go on a walking tour which will allow you to dive deeper into the history of this city with a local guide.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Zagreb? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
One of the most unique and fascinating museums you have to visit in Zagreb is the Museum of Broken Relationships, a museum dedicated entirely to telling real heartbroken stories of people from all over the world.
Inside, you will find a collection of personal items and mementos featuring a range of items from love letters and photographs to more unconventional items like a prosthetic leg and an axe.
These personal items were donated by people from all over the world, from Japan to the US, each with a story of a past relationship that has ended sometimes hilariously but also heart-wrenching stories that you wouldn't wish even on your worst enemies.
The items are displayed individually across several rooms, and all of them are accompanied by a personal story that provides insight into the complexities of human relationships and the emotions involved when they end.
The museum, despite its morbid name, is surprisingly thought-provoking and provides you with an emotional experience that is both engaging and relatable. Out of all the museums I have visited in Croatia, this one is the most fascinating one to see.
If you are in Zagreb, be sure to make it to the Museum of Broken Relationships. The museum is open from 10 AM to 9 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 7 EUR. You can buy the ticket online here. Definitely one of the best things to do in Zagreb, so be sure to check it out.
5. Check out the View from Zagreb City Viewpoint
If you are looking for a nice viewpoint in Zagreb, be sure to drop by Zagreb City Viewpoint, a small square located on top of the upper town of Zagreb'a Old Town with an incredible view of the town square below.
From this viewpoint, you will be able to see the stunning Cathedral of Zagreb as well as all the beautiful red roofs of houses in the lower part of Zagreb's Old Town. The square is also connected to the lower town via a staircase, so you won't miss it if you decide to climb up from that way.
Around the square, you will also find some really cool murals and street art that you can check out, as well as park benches and cafes you can indulge yourself in as you enjoy the city's view. If you are looking for a great viewpoint for photos, this is it.
6. Stroll Around Market Dolac
If you are looking for a more authentic and local experience in Zagreb, I highly recommend you check out Market Dolac, one of the most vibrant and lively spots in the city where you will find an array of stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to local cheeses and meats.
The market is also known for its iconic red umbrellas set against the tower of the Cathedral of Zagreb and all the beautiful structures in the old town, making it a great place for photography and people-watching, especially in the summer when the market is lined with colorful flowers from all the flower shops in the market.
The market is open every day throughout the week from 6:30 AM to 2 PM, with the liveliest days being Saturday and Sunday, so be sure to drop by here if you happen to be in Zagreb on the weekends.
7. Admire the Beauty of the Cathedral of Zagreb
Now that we have explored the upper town of Zagreb, it is time to see what the lower town has to offer, starting with the most prominent structures in the old town, the Cathedral of Zagreb.
The Cathedral of Zagreb is a stunning Gothic cathedral and is considered to be one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. You can see the towering twin clock towers and their incredible facade from across the city. The towers were so big you could even see them all the way from the Zagreb City Viewpoint I recommended earlier.
Unfortunately, the cathedral was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 2020, and the entire area is closed off for renovation at the moment of writing but you will get to stroll around the square in front of it and admire the stunning facade of the Cathedral from the Monument of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary located nearby. When you are in the city, don't forget to visit the Cathedral of Zagreb.
8. Check out the Street Art at Art Park Zagreb
If you are looking for a nice quiet place to stroll around in and escape the busy old town, you should drop by Art Park Zagreb, a vibrant and dynamic cultural park dedicated to fostering the creativity of the residents here, featuring a range of exhibitions, performances, and installations throughout the year.
In the park, you will find winding walking paths, park benches, and plenty of awesome street art and murals, as well as sculptures and cool art installations you can enjoy. No place imbues the creativity of the youth of Zagreb more than this park.
In the summer, there are several cool activities that often take place here, including art exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and film screenings. The park also hosts workshops and classes for people of all ages to attend, so be sure to check the park out while you are here.
9. Hang Out Around Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
Now, if you are looking for a nice area to hang out in cafes, have some lunch, or simply relax while being surrounded by beautiful European buildings, you can't go wrong with the central square around Ban Josip Jelačić Statue.
This is the true city center of Zagreb, where most of the tram lines pass through, making it a great meeting point for locals and one of the liveliest places in the city. Surrounding the statue, you will find a vast empty square that often holds events and concerts, especially in the summer when tourists and locals can attend for free.
You will also find plenty of restaurants and cafes around this area as well as clubs and wine bars, making it a great place to hang out in the evening and into the night. The square is also connected to the Old Town via a long cobblestone pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants on both sides, which adds even more opportunity for you to find restaurants you like. If you are not sure where to begin exploring, start from here.
10. Walk Through Oktogon
Oktogon is a beautiful shopping arcade in Zagreb that is reminiscent of those shopping arcades you can find in Western Europe like the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan but on a smaller scale.
The building was constructed in the 19th Century featuring eight sides and a beautiful cupola. Inside, you will find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants you can indulge yourself.
Or you can simply walk around the arcade and admire its yellow-painted interior, all the incredible decors, and the magnificent octagonal glass ceiling located at the center of the arcade. The building is located not too far from the main square in Zagreb, so be sure to drop by here as you make your way south and explore the other part of this awesome city.
11. Admire the Beauty of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
One of the most stunning pieces of architecture that symbolize the uniqueness of Croatia and the often-forgotten history of this part of Europe is the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, a beautiful neo-Baroque building dating to the 19th Century, hosting all kinds of shows from opera to ballet.
The entire building is painted in this vivid yellow color that is unique to Zagreb, and it is considered to be one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in the country.
If you are there during the night, the building will also light up in a beautiful pink hue of light, which makes for a nice photo. If you want to see the interior of the building, you should attend one of their ballet or opera shows and align your visit accordingly.
For the latest show schedule, you can check out the official website. The ticket price ranges from 9 to 16 EUR, depending on which seats you pick. If you have never seen an opera live before, here is your chance to do it!
12. Stroll Around King Tomislav Square
If you like this type of architecture, you should also check out King Tomislav Square, a beautiful and historic public park named after King Tomislav, the first Croatian king, and is home to beautiful yellow-colored buildings, similar to the National Theater, stunning fountains, and a garden that stretches from the train station all the way to Zagreb's Central Square.
You can check out the beautiful art pavilion located right at the center of the square while enjoying a nice little stroll around the garden full of lush trees and colorful flowers, especially during the summer.
The large fountain in the center also helps cool the area down, making it a great place to escape the hottest time of the day. At night, the whole garden is illuminated by beautiful artificial light making it great for photos. If you are looking for a landmark to take a photo with, this is the best place to be.
13. Learn More About Nikola Tesla at Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
Not many people know this but Nikola Tesla, a renowned inventor, engineer, and physicist who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of science and technology was, in fact, born in Croatia, in a town called Smiljan in the 19th Century, so don't be surprised to see that one of the most recommended things to do in Zagreb is to visit the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum.
Despite him being born in Croatia, it's worth noting that at the time of his birth, the area was part of the Austrian Empire. Tesla spent much of his childhood in Croatia before moving to the United States in the 1880s, where he made many of his most significant contributions to science and technology.
If you want to learn more about the details of his life or see some of the machines that resulted from his invention of alternating current (AC) electrical systems that revolutionize the way that electricity is generated and distributed, there is no better place to be than Nikola Tesla Technical Museum .
The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays except on Mondays, while on the weekends, it is open from 9 AM to 1 PM. The entrance fee is 4 EUR, and you can buy the ticket here.
14. Hike Around Plitvice Lakes National Park as a Day Trip
One of the best day trips you can make from Zagreb is to visit the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of my favorite national parks in the country and one that you should not miss while you are traveling in Croatia.
That national park is home to a series of 16 interconnected lakes, each of which has its own color, which ranges from azure to green, gray, or blue, depending on the mineral content and sunlight. The interconnected lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, creating more than 90 cascading waterfalls throughout the park.
With so many waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park offers us plenty of opportunities to hike around these stunning waterfalls, explore the untouched nature of Croatia, and experience the natural wonder up close and personal, which is definitely a much-welcomed change from all the artificial tourist attractions we see in Zagreb.
To get from Zagreb to Plitvice, you can either go on an organized tour that will take you from Zagreb to the national park and back in about 12 hours with around 4 - 5 hours of hiking time, which is more than enough to see all the highlights of the national park like Veliki Slap, Galovački buk, and Milanovac waterfall.
This option is great for those who are looking for an easy way to get to the national park and back without having to worry about the logistics. The tour should cost around 100 EUR per person and you can reserve your spot here.
Now, if you want to do it independently, you are going to have to catch a bus operated by Flixbus from Zagreb Bus Station which leaves at around 6:45 AM every day and the bus will take you to Plitvička Jezera in about 2 hours arriving at 9 AM.
Be sure to get off at Entrance #1, as we will be entering from this entrance to start the hike. Also, make sure you buy the bus ticket in advance, especially if you are visiting the national park during the summer months.
From entrance #1, you can buy the ticket, which will include access to the park as well as a single boat ride and a bus ride which we will be relying on as we move around the park.
Once you enter the park, you will be met with an incredible view of Plitvice waterfalls from above. You can spend some time exploring the surrounding areas as well as get down to the lake and visit the famous Veliki Slap before making your way to the pier where we will be using our boat ride ticket to get to another part of the park.
Once you get off the boat, you will be at the other side of the park where you can continue and hike around to visit the lakes in the upper area of the park. The hiking path runs around each lake in a loop, and eventually, you will arrive at Bistro Labudovac, the resting stop on the upper part of Plitvice.
At this resting stop, there is a small bus stop where you can utilize the shuttle bus to take you to Entrance #2 where you can drop off and explore this part of the park (there's not much to see at Entrance #2 in my opinion) or you can continue sitting on the bus all the way back to Entrance #1 where you entered the park from. If you wish to be dropped off at Entrance #2, once you are done, you can catch the bus back to Zagreb directly from this bus stop in front of entrance #2. You do not have to go back to Entrance #1 as all buses from here will stop at both entrances.
I prefer the view at Entrance #1 more, so I decided to catch the park shuttle straight to Entrance #1 to take photos and relax at the resting area before catching the bus back to Zagreb from this bus stop under the bridge. There is a bus operated by Arriva at 2:45 PM for 14 EUR, which is the earliest bus you can get to go back to Zagreb. With this itinerary, you have around 5.5 hours at the park which is more than enough to see everything.
You can stay longer at the park if you wish, as the last bus to Zagreb is at around 5:15 PM, but from my experience, 5 hours of hiking is plenty of time, and I was ready to go back to Zagreb by around 2 PM. The whole trip should take about 10 hours, including time on the bus which makes for a great full-day trip to make from Zagreb. If you are looking to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, you can't go wrong with Plitvice Lakes National Park.
That is it for the 14 Awesome Things to Do in Zagreb for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Zagreb, Croatia! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Zagreb, Croatia independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Croatia
I hope you found this Croatia travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Croatia, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- Want to plan a trip to the Balkans, but not sure where to go? Here is the 31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Balkans.
- For a complete itinerary to the Balkans, check out: 2 Months Backpacking Balkans Itinerary.
- For a complete Croatia backpacking itinerary, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Croatia Itinerary.
- If you want to hike around Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the best national parks in Croatia, be sure to check out: A Complete Hiking Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- Pula is a charming city in the beautiful region of Istria, home to some of the most well-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. If you are planning to visit Pula, be sure to check out 10 Best Things to Do in Pula.
- One of the most charming coastal towns that doesn't get as many tourists as other places in Croatia, Rovinj is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. Here are the 10 best things to do in Rovinj.
- Zadar is a great place to start your journey along the popular Dalmatian coast. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Zadar.
- Krka National Park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Croatia. If you want to visit the park, be sure to check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Krka National Park.
- Home to the stunning Diocletian's Palace, Split is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. For those who are planning to visit the town, here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Split.
- From swimming in the crystal clear waters to walking around the quaint town, Hvar is a great island to visit to escape the typical touristy towns in Croatia. Wondering what you can do there? Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Hvar.
- You can't come to Croatia without visiting Dubrovnik, one of the most famous travel destinations in Europe, home to so many cool things to do and places to see. If you are planning to visit the town, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Croatia, visit the Croatia Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Balkans Travel Guide, Eastern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, Southern Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.