Zagreb is nothing like the medieval towns of Split and Dubrovnik, and yet, warrants a day or two. Here is a broad itinerary for what to do and see in Zagreb in a day. This was the start of our 2 week itinerary in Croatia.
There is interesting architecture, small museums, good restaurants and beautiful parks to be enjoyed in Zagreb. We explored the capital city of Croatia by walking around everywhere.
Croatia is part of the Balkan region which is fascinating due to its beauty and turbulent history. Many folks only stop in Zagreb long enough to transit in addition to other destinations in Croatia. But Zagreb has a lot to offer for visitors to the city. It is one of the ex-Yugoslavia places to visit in the Balkans.
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Zagreb in one day
Start with Ban Jelačić Square
This is the central square of the city of Zagreb, named after Ban Josip Jelačić. We were staying in the city centre, so we walked to this square, though it is well connected by the public transport to other city areas.
The Ban Jelacic Square is conveniently located in the midst of many of the best things to do in Zagreb. Close to the square is the Zagreb Cathedral, with lots of Gothic architectural elements. We did not step inside the cathedral, but you can do so. The current cathedral has been modified as it sustained damage over the years.
Then there is Zagreb 360° – an observation deck on the 16th floor at the very top of the Zagreb Skyscraper at Ilica. It offers a spectacular view of the main square, Manduševac fountain, Kaptol, Gradec, Upper and Lower town, and important cultural and historic structures in Zagreb. There is a rooftop terrace bar makes a great spot for coffee or cocktails.
We only had a few hours to kill in the city before driving down to Ljubljana. We decided to walk about the Square, taking in the sights, and watching the people thronging about. The summer buzz in the air was palpable during our visit in early June to Croatia. And then my husband and daughter went off to another lively square to enjoy street performances and ice-cream while I headed to Upper town.
Explore Upper town
Upper Town is the most charming part of Zagreb, in my opinion. It is definitely a must-do if you have just 1 day in Zagreb. It’s not overcrowded, traffic here is limited, and is full of interesting landmarks, museums and small cafes.
To reach this part, I had taken a right turn on Tomićeva Street and saw an adorable funicular. I discovered that this is the shortest cable car in the world. It has been transporting people between the Upper and Lower towns for about 120 years. Seemed like something that my daughter would have enjoyed! If you are visiting Zagreb with kids, they may enjoy a walking tour with a funicular ride.
The colorful, tiled rooftop of St. Mark’s Church is one of the the most recognizable attractions of the city.
Just before the St. Marks Church in the Upper Town, is the Museum of Broken Relationships. This is a quirky museum – all items here are relics of broken relationships. Each item is accompanied by a story: some funny, others sad.
The Museum of Broken Relationships grew from a travelling exhibition. It offers a chance to overcome an emotional collapse through creation: by contributing to the Museum’s collection. People embraced the idea of exhibiting their emotional legacy as a sort of ritual, a solemn ceremony.
Fun Facts
Total number of exhibits in the collection: Between 1619 to 1700
The country most represented in the collection: USA
Donors’ Male- Female ratio: 35: 65%
The only replica exhibited: A mould of an ecstasy pill donated in Amsterdam (the original couldn’t be exhibited due to strict Croatian laws)
Zagreb is full of small museums – some of the more popular ones being Museum of Illusions, Croatian Museum of Native Art, Technical Museum – we didn’t have time to explore any of these. Here is a walking city tour to see the best spots in Zagreb.
During summer time, Zagreb and many places in Croatia host music festivals. Check out the best music festivals in Croatia to add to your itinerary.
Zagreb walking tours
You could consider these small group tours to make the most of your one day in Zagreb.
Have a meal at Tkalčićeva Street
Another area to explore is the pedestrian-only Tkalčićeva Street, a beautiful street lined with restaurants, cafes and small boutiques. A river flowed here that separated the districts of Kaptol and Gradec. At the end of the 19th century, because of the pollution, the river was filled in and converted into streets.
Zagreb has some great restaurants including traditional taverns and upscale restaurants and everything in between. We had a delicious breakfast at Otto & Frank on Tkalčićeva Street. This sumptuous breakfast served us well before we got on driving to the Plitvice national park. Another restaurant elsewhere, worth mentioning for food is Mali Bar, it serves good fusion food.
Where to stay in Zagreb for one day
We had booked a room at Sheraton in Zagreb on points. But you can choose a hotel within walking distance of Ban Jelacic and/or St. Mark’s Church. Hotel Dubrovnik is right at the main Ban Jelacic square and is quite popular.
There are several neighbourhood options and hotels across all budgets in Zagreb. Zagreb is easy too walk within the city. Plus we found it quick and easy to hail a taxi or book an Uber for more distances.
We started our trip to Croatia in Zagreb. But if you are starting your trip on the Dalmatian coast and travelling back to Zagreb, it is well connected to other cities. Split to Zagreb train connection is a modern one and quite cheap.
Best time to visit Zagreb
The best months to visit Zagreb are in summer, from June to August, when it is the warmest. The shoulder month of September is also quite pleasant. Again, spring season is also shoulder season with lesser crowds (April, May) so you could consider that.
This city has been voted 3 times in a row (2016-2018) as the best Christmas market in Europe. Here you can visit the Christmas market between the end of November and the beginning of January. Zagreb can be considered as one of the best European cities for NYE.
Planning a trip to Croatia?
Start with this 2-week Croatia itinerary, suited for a family trip
Inclined towards city sightseeing? Read about the best things to do in Dubrovnik and Itinerary for Split Croatia. Do see the comparison between Split and Dubrovnik. Also a day trip to Ston and Mali Ston in Croatia
You must visit one of the national parks in Croatia: Plitvice and Krka being the famous ones. See this travel guide on Plitvice Lakes.
Croatia is famous for its islands. Check out these posts on best things to do in Hvar island and Vis island Travel Guide.
There are over 1000 islands across the Dalmatian coast, here is a guide on the best Croatian islands for families.
[This post was originally published in 2017, and last updated in Feb 2024.]
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You put the stopover to such good use!
Thanks Mridula. I felt a teeny weeny bad about abandoning the family, but loved this solo experience. Your comment made me relive the evening!