Is Zagreb a hidden gem in the Balkans? We think so. Many visitors to Croatia skip Zagreb for the likes of Split, Dubrovnik and other coastal cities and towns in Croatia. While we also love the incredible coastline of Croatia, Zagreb is not to be missed. This compact city delivers big historical attractions, impressive museums, wide-open parks and great food and shopping. All that, combined with convenient city centre transport, friendly locals and reasonable prices, makes Zagreb a winner for us. In an ideal world, Zagreb deserves at least a few days to explore, but if you’re short on time and only have one day then you can still cover most of the top attractions. Our one-day Zagreb itinerary covers how to get into the city, the best sightseeing in Zagreb, where to eat and where to stay.
How To Get To Zagreb City Centre
On arriving at Zagreb airport, take an Uber to get to the city centre. This is the quickest and most convenient option. An Uber from the airport to the city centre will cost around 80HRK ($13) and take 30 minutes. For all the options of getting to Zagreb city centre from the airport, read our Zagreb travel guide.
Morning – Things to do in Zagreb
Your first stop in the city should be Ban Josipa Jelačića Square. This is where the Upper Town and Lower Town of Zagreb meet. The square is lined by impressive, but subtle, buildings. Sitting centre stage in the square is a monument of Josipa Jelačića himself. Once you’ve snapped a few photos in the square and have had a good look around, make your way up the steps. These steps lead to Dolac Market, which is best viewed and explored in the morning when most of the stalls are open, and locals are busy getting daily essentials.
Dolac market consists of the large open-air area at the top of the steps, an indoor market and an indoor fish market. The outdoor section of the market is generally dedicated to fruit, veg, dried fruits and nuts, plants, flowers and some dairy. Inside the market, there are the same type of stalls as outside plus a larger diary and dried goods section and some meat and bakery stalls. Take a walk around, admire the range of local produce on offer, and try some local snacks.
Stop for a coffee. Lining the outer square of Dolac market are several cafes, which are all popular with locals and tourists alike. Broom 44, located on the Dolac market square, serves up fantastic coffee, as well as great breakfasts, and is perfect for a quick break. Similar to many European cities, Zagreb has a strong café culture. Many of the city’s coffee shops and cafes will be busy all day long and serve as a popular place to meet, catch up and watch the world go by. If you’re going to make the most of one day in Zagreb, then you’ll need that coffee to keep you going.
After walking the extent of Dolac market, and stopping for a coffee, weave through the side streets for less than a minute to arrive outside Zagreb Cathedral. Also known as the Cathedral of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this cathedral is the tallest building in Croatia and is iconic due to it’s twin towers, which can be seen across much of Zagreb. As admission inside is free, we recommend going inside the cathedral to see the interior as well.
Lunch Time In Zagreb
Yet another short walk away from the Cathedral is Ul. Ivana Tkalčića, one of the main streets in Upper town Zagreb. Full of great bars, restaurants and shops, this street is a great place to stop for lunch. For something casual, head to Otto & Frank, a small restaurant specialising in Croatian and European dishes with seasonal menus. If you want to taste the best of Croatian cuisine, go to Agave restaurant, located about halfway down Ul. Ivana Tkalčića. Agave has a selection of beautiful outdoor seating areas, as well as indoor seating, and an exquisite menu which includes traditional Croatian dishes alongside modern dishes and European favourites.
Afternoon – Zagreb Sightseeing
Refuelled from a hearty Croatian lunch, walk through the beautiful streets of the Upper Town, through the medieval stone gate, and into St Mark’s Square. Here, you will find St Mark’s Church, one of the most iconic Zagreb attractions. The roof of the church is spectacular and was tiled to represent the coat of arms of Zagreb and Truine Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia. Unfortunately, the only opportunity for visitors to go into the church is at mass times, so entering inside may not be possible.
From St Mark’s Square, it’s a short walk to Zagreb’s panoramic viewpoint. On your way, you will also walk past the Museum of Broken Relationships, which is well worth visiting if you have more time in the city. The panoramic view is situated on a high corner part of the Upper Town and offers views over the city, including over the Lower Town and Cathedral. This is one of the best views in Zagreb and a great opportunity to get a feel for the scale and beauty of this Croatian capital city.
You are now perfectly situated for taking the Zagreb funicular down to the Lower Town. It’s a short ride, at only 66 metres, but it’s one of the more unique things to do in Zagreb. The funicular is one of the shortest public-transport funiculars in the world and costs only 4HRK ($0.70) per person to ride. Hop off the funicular and into the Lower Town. The Lower Town is more spread out than the Upper town part of the city and is home to many larger buildings, parks and museums, as well as being the shopping district. If you’re looking to buy a souvenir of your time in Zagreb, then this is where to find it.
Walk to Petra Preradovića Square, where the Zagreb Orthodox Cathedral, completed in 1866, is located. Cafes, restaurants and bars line this square alongside flower stalls. In the evening, the square is a vibrant centre for nights out in the city. From the square take a 10-minute walk to the Croatian National Theatre. Housed in a beautifully ornate building, the theatre is worth seeing for the architecture alone. Nearby to the theatre are some of the best museums in Zagreb, all centred around arts and crafts. The first is the Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb, the second is the Ethnographic museum and the third the Art Museum. Make sure you wander and explore this area a little, if not to visit a museum, just to appreciate the incredibly impressive buildings that house them.
Once you’ve admired the architecture of the art area, walk 15 minutes to the King Tomislav monument, located opposite the train station. From here you can wander into the 3 parks that include Park Zrinjevac, Zagreb Art Pavilion and various other monuments and buildings. Fountains, landscaped lawns and benches make this park the perfect place to relax and unwind, something that you will see many locals doing across the parks. For a beautifully prepared coffee around this area, go to Quahwa. To get back to your accommodation, either walk or take the tram, which is available from Glavni Kolodvor stop outside the train station or alongside the 3 parks.
Evening – Dinner In Zagreb
Start the evening with drinks at The Old Pharmacy, a proper Croatian pub that is intimate, cosy and the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink. From here it’s just a few minute’s walk to Ul. Nikole Tesle, where there are some of the best restaurants in Zagreb. Vinodol is a great restaurant, specialising in Croatian, Mediterranean and seasonal cuisine with a modern flare. A beautiful terrace offsets the white tablecloths, making it feel casual yet classy.
After dinner, head up to the Upper Town, where much of the nightlife is centred around the main street. There are countless bars to choose from here but Rakhia Bar is a good choice for a lively atmosphere, good service and a large selection of traditional Croatian Rakia’s to choose from. The Upper town is equally as pretty at night, with all the lights, as it is in the day, so it’s a must to see it in the evening.
If you’re in Zagreb for longer, check out our Zagreb 3-day itinerary or our things to do in Zagreb article. For general information on Zagreb, including how to get in, out and around the city, when to go, where to stay and what to eat, read our Zagreb travel guide.
Where To Stay In Zagreb
Budget/Hostel
Main Square Hostel is located, as one might expect, just off the main Ban Josipa Jelačića Square. This modern, well designed hostel offers both dormitory and private en-suite rooms, all with air-conditioning and a seating area. There is free Wi-Fi access throughout, a shared lounge and laundry facilities available. Towels are also provided free of charge and breakfast is included. Given it’s fantastic location, reasonable price and facilities offered, we think this is a great option for solo travellers or those on a tight budget.
Apartment
If you prefer to have your own space and want to experience what living in Zagreb is like, then we recommend staying at Studio Apartment Baltazaar. The apartment is located just a stones throw from Ban Josipa Jelačića Square, with plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes nearby. Having been finished in a modern style, the apartment has everything you need with a fully equipped kitchen, modern bathroom with shower, a living room with large tv and plenty of channels and a comfortable bed.
Mid Range Hotel
Hotel Dubrovnik is as long and well established Hotel situated in the heart of Zagreb city, just a minutes walk from the main square, Ban Josipa Jelačića Square. With a fantastic location and a buffet breakfast included, the hotel makes a great base for those looking for convenience and the amenities of a larger hotel. The rooms are comfortable and there are a range of room options available to suit travellers needs. We think this is the ideal place to stay for one day in Zagreb, Croatia, due to it’s convenient location and better amenities.
Luxury Hotel
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is the height of luxury accommodation in Zagreb. The hotel was originally built in 1925 as a glamourous stopover for journeys on the orient express, and the hotel retains that same level of opulence today. The rooms are spacious and well decorated with a modern touch, and the service is outstanding. Amenities include a fitness centre, sauna and a fine dining restaurant. If you’re looking to splash out then this is where to stay.
Let us know in the comments below if you have been to Zagreb, tried out our itinerary, or have any suggestions!
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I would love to visit Zagreb some time. That market looks amazing!