Zagreb – detailed city guide with photos. Top attractions in Zagreb with descriptions, travel guides, and maps.
Zagreb (Croatian: Zagreb) is the capital of Croatia and its largest city. Located in the central part of the country on the Sava River (a tributary of the Danube) near the Medvednica mountain range, Zagreb is an ancient city founded around 900 years ago. It boasts a beautiful medieval historic center with stunning architecture and atmospheric cobblestone streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.
Zagreb is divided into three parts: the ancient Upper Town (Gornji Grad), where the main landmarks and museums are nestled among historic streets; the Lower Town (Donji Grad) with shops, restaurants, cafés, theaters, and parks; and the New Town—a modern district built after World War II. Zagreb is renowned for its numerous museums and excellent restaurants serving Croatian and European cuisine. Though slightly overshadowed by Adriatic resorts, the city still attracts over 700,000 tourists annually, mainly from Austria, Italy, and Germany.
Zagreb is situated in continental Croatia, at the southwestern edge of the Pannonian Plain, on both banks of the Sava River. The city lies at the foot of the southern slopes of Medvednica, at an elevation of 122 meters above sea level.
The climate is moderate continental. Summers are quite hot and dry, with an average temperature of around 20 °C (68 °F), while winters are cool, often dipping below freezing.
Late spring and early autumn. Peak season is summer.
Historically, Zagreb grew from two neighboring settlements—Gradec and Kaptol—which now form the core of its historic center. These two settlements existed independently until the 18th century, when they merged into a single city. The first mention of Zagreb dates back to 1094, when a bishopric was established on Kaptol Hill. In 1242, Gradec was destroyed by Batu Khan. Later, it gained the status of a free royal city.
In the 17th century, the University of Zagreb was founded, making it one of the oldest in Europe. In 1776, the Croatian government moved here from Varaždin, effectively making Zagreb the capital. Gradec and Kaptol were fully unified in 1851. During Habsburg rule, the city was known as Agram. Zagreb was declared the capital of independent Croatia in 1991.
Zagreb International Airport is located 17 km southeast of the historic center. The capital has regular flights from Amsterdam, Athens, Moscow, Munich, Prague, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Rome, London, Istanbul, Vienna, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, and other major European cities. Nearby airports include Ljubljana, Graz, Rijeka, and Maribor. The city center can be reached by bus (fare: 30 kuna as of 2018).
Zagreb’s main train station is one of the largest in Croatia, with direct connections to Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Zurich, Munich, Ljubljana, and Sarajevo.
Driving to Zagreb is also convenient, as most Croatian highways either start or pass near the capital. Note that highways are tolled—drivers must collect a ticket upon entry and pay upon exit based on distance traveled.
Zagreb has an extensive public transport system, including trams, buses, and suburban trains. A unified zonal fare system applies, with tickets available at newsstands, ticket offices, or from drivers. Trams operate 24/7.
Apartments dominate Zagreb’s lodging scene. A quick search on Booking.com yields numerous options across all districts, with prices ranging from €30 to €50 per apartment. Airbnb is also popular. Hostels are fewer but include some excellent choices. Prices spike during summer and the InMusic festival.
Croats are true fashionistas, and Zagreb reflects this. Each district has large shopping malls like Avenue Mall, City Centre One West, Arena Centre, Garden Mall, City Centre One East, and Point Shopping Centre.
Zagreb’s main flea market is Hrelic (Sajmišna cesta). Every Sunday, locals sell everything imaginable—from old socks and Chinese toothbrushes to antique lamps and local art. Fans of Yugoslav-era aesthetics will find plenty here.
Bon Ton (Dezmanov prolaz 5) offers the latest in Croatian fashion, books, and contemporary art. For avant-garde furniture and home decor by young Croatian designers, visit Croatian Design Superstore (Martićeva 4). Alternative souvenirs like the “Far from Russia, close to Italy” tote bag are also available.
Zagreb’s cuisine has unique traits, featuring street foods like šunka (ham), dry cheese, beef tongue, and čvarci (pork cracklings). Traditional dishes include fried turkey, mlinci (pasta with goose or duck sauce), buncek (smoked pork tail with sauerkraut), veal steak, češnjovke (garlic sausages), krvavice (blood sausages), goulash (Hungarian influence), and žganci (polenta with onion and bacon).
The city boasts countless cafés and restaurants serving traditional and European cuisine. Bars cluster around Cvjetni trg, the main square, and streets like Preradovićeva, Tkalčićeva, Radićeva, Bogovićeva, and Gajeva.
The crown jewel of Croatia’s capital is the medieval Upper Town, with its charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This area houses Zagreb’s most interesting landmarks, museums, and cultural sites.
Upper Town emerged from the merger of two rival settlements—Gradec (home to merchants) and Kaptol (the bishop’s domain). At the start of Radićeva Street stand the iconic Stone Gate, the eastern entrance to old Gradec, built in the 13th century. Inside is a revered painting of the Virgin Mary that survived a 1731 fire. Visitors are asked to pass quietly. Nearby is a statue of St. George slaying the dragon.
St. Mark’s Church, one of Zagreb’s top landmarks, dates back to 1334. The original 13th-century Romanesque church left only a southern window and bell tower foundation. Gothic arches were added in the late 14th century, including the exquisite southern portal—one of Croatia’s finest. The portal was crafted by the Parler workshop, a renowned medieval sculptors’ guild. The church’s most striking feature is its colorful tile roof, displaying the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Zagreb.
Kaptol Square, one of the Old Town’s central squares, features 17th-century buildings, a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, the cathedral, and a Marian column with four angels.
Zagreb Cathedral (Assumption of Mary) is the most monumental Gothic sacral building southeast of the Alps. Built on the site of a church destroyed by the Tatars, its twin spires are iconic. The current cathedral dates to the late 13th century but has undergone reconstructions, notably after an 1880 earthquake. Don’t miss the treasury, housing exquisite religious art, garments, and relics.
Lotrščak Tower, built in the 13th century to guard Gradec’s southern gate, is one of Zagreb’s most recognizable landmarks. Legend says a bell here once signaled gate closures, leaving tardy residents stranded outside. Visitors can climb the tower.
St. Catherine’s Church, built by Jesuits in the early 17th century, is considered one of Zagreb’s finest. Its Baroque interior features works by Italian artist Antonio Quadrio, with saint statues adorning the facade niches.
St. Francis Church, a monumental 13th-century Gothic church on Kaptol Square, ranks among Central Europe’s best Franciscan sacral buildings.
Maksimir Park, Zagreb’s largest, is designed in English style with walking paths, picnic spots, artificial lakes, and flower beds. It houses Dinamo Stadium, home to Croatia’s national football team.
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