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Zagreb’s attractions: art, coffee house culture & the charm of the old town

Zagreb is often overshadowed by coastal gems such as Split or Dubrovnik – and quite unfairly so. The Croatian capital combines Habsburg architecture, a laid-back coffee-house culture, fascinating museums and a surprisingly creative scene. Zagreb reveals a different side to itself in every season – from balmy summer evenings in street cafés to atmospheric strolls through the old town in winter. An ideal weekend city break – all year round.

Contents:

Photo: Evening atmosphere in Zagreb: the Art Pavilion is lit up, and the park is winding down.

Good to know: Practical tips for your city break in Zagreb

  • Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for sightseeing: pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and plenty of time for museums and café culture. It can get hot in summer, but life continues outdoors until late into the night.

  • Travelling from Switzerland: Depending on the season, Zagreb is easily accessible from Switzerland by direct flight or with a connecting flight. Alternatively, you can travel by train via Austria and Slovenia or by car via Austria and Slovenia (please note toll charges). Swiss citizens generally only need a valid passport or ID card to enter the country.

  • Getting around the city: The old town is compact and ideal for exploring on foot. For longer journeys, use the tram and bus network. Tickets are inexpensive and available from kiosks, ticket machines or from the driver.

  • Currency, money & payments The currency in Croatia is the euro. Card payments are common in hotels, restaurants and many shops, though it’s sometimes easier to pay smaller amounts in cash at markets or in cafés. Tip: With the Swiss Bankers Travel Card, you can pay conveniently and securely worldwide and, if needed, withdraw cash from ATMs. It’s also worth ordering some euro cash from Swiss Bankers before your trip so you’re prepared for taxis, coffee or market stalls upon arrival.

  • Zagreb Card: For a classic city break, it’s worth looking into the Zagreb Card (24 or 72 hours): it covers use of public transport and offers free or discounted entry to selected museums and attractions – ideal if you want to explore a lot.

  • Language: The official language is Croatian, though English is generally spoken well in tourist areas. A “Dobar dan” (Good day) or “Hvala” (Thank you) is always well received and often opens the door to a friendly chat.

Photo: Arrival at Franjo Tuđman Airport: Welcome to Zagreb.

Gornji Grad: Zagreb’s historic Upper Town

Gornji Grad is the historic heart of Zagreb – a compact old town perched on a hill, characterised by cobbled streets, narrow alleys and low-rise houses. Up here, the city feels almost like a village: less traffic, but plenty of atmosphere, viewpoints and small squares where life seems to move at a slower pace. If you’re looking for Zagreb’s main attractions, this is the ideal place to start your tour.

The easiest way to reach the Upper Town is by the historic funicular: in just a few seconds, you’ll complete one of the shortest funicular journeys in the world and find yourself right in the midst of some of Zagreb’s most famous sights.

St Mark’s Church with its colourful roof, the Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) with its small Marian shrine, and the Lotrščak Tower, from which you can enjoy a sweeping view over the city’s rooftops. Stroll along the Strossmayer Promenade, walking alongside the old city walls with a view down into the Lower Town – particularly atmospheric at sunset. This way, you can experience some of Zagreb’s most beautiful sights at a leisurely pace on foot.

Photo: Street-side café atmosphere with a view of the iconic funicular railway.

Photo: St Mark’s Church in Zagreb – famous for its mosaic roof.

Photo: Zagreb’s Stone Gate – Kamenita Vrata, arguably the best-known gateway to the Upper Town.

Photo: Lotrščak Tower – a striking landmark of Zagreb offering views across the city.

Photo: The Strossmayer Promenade – one of the most beautiful vantage points overlooking Zagreb.

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Donji Grad: Boulevards, parks and coffee house culture

Donji Grad, the Lower Town, showcases Zagreb’s elegant, Habsburg-influenced side: wide boulevards, stately façades and a series of parks that form a green belt through the city centre. This so-called ‘Lenuci horseshoe’, featuring squares such as Zrinjevac and King Tomislav Square, is one of Zagreb’s must-see attractions that you shouldn’t miss on your first visit. At King Tomislav Square, the bright yellow Art Pavilion is a real eye-catcher – an architectural highlight and one of the most beautiful photo spots in Donji Grad. It’s a wonderful place to stroll, take a break on a park bench and watch city life go by.

Zagreb’s Botanical Garden is also part of the Lenuci Horseshoe – a peaceful, almost hidden oasis with ponds, greenhouses and rare plants right in the heart of the city. On warm days in particular, it’s the perfect place for a short break surrounded by greenery.

Along the Ilica shopping street, shops, boutiques and street cafés mingle – ideal for experiencing the city’s coffee house culture. Donji Grad is therefore the part of Zagreb where everyday life, architecture and urban life come together most vividly, and from where you can easily reach many other Zagreb attractions on foot or by tram.

Photo: The Lenuci Horseshoe – a green oasis in the historic centre of Zagreb, seen from a bird’s-eye view.

Museums in Zagreb: From the classical to the curious

Zagreb is a paradise for museum lovers, offering a mix of internationally renowned, unique institutions and those deeply rooted in Croatian culture. Among Zagreb’s attractions, the museums hold a special place – here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss:

  • Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza): This museum, the only one of its kind in the world, is situated in the Upper Town and houses a collection of objects and stories relating to failed romantic relationships from all over the world. Emotional, profound and often surprisingly humorous – a must-see for anyone who wants to experience Zagreb beyond the traditional museum format.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU / Muzej suvremene umjetnosti): Croatia’s largest and most modern art museum is situated in ‘New Zagreb’ (Novi Zagreb) and showcases an impressive collection of Croatian and international modern and contemporary art. A particular highlight is Carsten Höller’s walk-through slide, which serves as a spectacular route out into the open air.
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum (Tehnički muzej Nikola Tesla): A must-visit for technology and science enthusiasts: The museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous inventor Nikola Tesla and also sheds light on the history of industry, transport and mining in Croatia – with many vivid exhibits.
  • Zagreb City Museum (Muzej grada Zagreba): Ideal for learning about Zagreb’s eventful history from prehistory and early history right up to the present day. The museum is situated in the Upper Town and offers a concise, easy-to-understand overview – perfect as an introduction to the city.
  • The Museum of Lost Tales (Muzej zaboravljenih priča): A relatively new highlight amongst Zagreb’s museums: in this ‘House of Wonders from Croatian Folk Tales’, you’ll be immersed in a world of myths, legends and fairy-tale creatures. Across several themed rooms, Croatian folk tales are brought to life through installations, puppets, illustrations and sound, creating an immersive experience. Perfect for anyone who loves folklore, atmosphere and visual storytelling – and is looking for a museum experience that goes far beyond traditional display cases.
  • Museum of Hangovers (Muzej mamurluka): Arguably the city’s quirkiest museum: here, everything revolves around the funniest, most absurd and most embarrassing hangover stories from around the world. Exhibits, accompanying anecdotes and interactive stations such as ‘drunk driving’ and ‘drunk walking’ simulators provide plenty of laughs – and, incidentally, also offer a perspective on the topic of responsible alcohol consumption.

Video: Zagreb’s Museum of Broken Relationships – real-life love stories that tug at your heartstrings.

Other Zagreb attractions & special places

As well as the Old Town, Donji Grad and the museums, there are a number of other Zagreb attractions that will make your city break special – especially if you fancy venturing off the beaten track.

  • Grič Tunnel (Tunel Grič): Running beneath the Upper Town is the Grič Tunnel – a former air-raid shelter from the Second World War, now used as a pedestrian tunnel and an occasional venue for events. Stretching for around 350 metres, it connects several streets between the Upper and Lower Towns and offers a slightly different perspective on Zagreb: cool in summer, atmospheric when lit up, and an unusual highlight for anyone wishing to discover Zagreb’s sights beneath the surface.

  • Mirogoj Cemetery: Mirogoj is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe: long colonnades, domes, sculptures and plenty of greenery create an almost park-like atmosphere. It is situated just outside the city centre but is easily accessible by bus and showcases a peaceful, very impressive side of the city – an architectural hidden gem amongst Zagreb’s sights.

  • Lake Jarun: Lake Jarun, in the south-west of the city, is Zagreb’s leisure hub: joggers, walkers, rowers and stand-up paddlers all share the space here. In summer, bars and beachside cafés open, and in the evening the city is reflected in the water. Tip for music fans: the INmusic Festival takes place at Lake Jarun every early summer, featuring international bands and artists.

  • Maksimir Park: Zagreb’s oldest public park is a vast, green oasis in the east of the city. Winding paths, tree-lined avenues and several ponds make Maksimir Park ideal for a leisurely stroll, a jog or a brief escape from city life. The park is also home to Zagreb Zoo – a particularly worthwhile addition to a classic sightseeing trip, especially for families.

  • Hrelić Second-Hand Market (Hrelić Flea Market): If you want to experience Zagreb’s colourful, everyday side, visit the Hrelić Second-Hand Market in the south of the city. Across a vast site, traders sell everything from vintage records, old books and furniture to clothes, tools and car parts. The market is mainly held early in the morning (typically on Wednesdays and at weekends) and is considered one of the largest flea markets in Croatia.

Photo: Mirogoj Cemetery: ivy-covered walls, endless colonnades and an almost park-like atmosphere.

Cuisine & Coffee House Culture in Zagreb

Zagreb is a city to be savoured – and you’ll realise this at the latest when the street cafés fill up and the aroma of coffee, fresh pastries and grilled dishes wafts through the alleyways. Zagreb’s culinary scene blends traditional Croatian cuisine with Italian influences and modern, creative urban cooking. The Dolac Market is the perfect place to start: beneath the red awnings, locals buy fruit, vegetables, cheese and charcuterie from the region. Dishes from northern Croatia are typical of Zagreb, such as štrukli (baked pastry rolls filled with cheese), along with meat dishes, stews and seasonal specialities.

The ‘Špica’ phenomenon: coffee house culture is part of everyday life in Zagreb: people meet up for an espresso, sit outside and watch the world go by. But the absolute highlight is the ‘Špica’ – the Saturday lunchtime ritual. Particularly on Cvjetni trg (Flower Square) and along Tkalčićeva Street, the people of Zagreb flock out in their finest outfits to relax over a coffee, meet friends and simply be seen.

If you fancy a good meal out in the evening, you’ll find a surprisingly exciting restaurant scene:

  • At Restaurant Carpaccio, you can enjoy high-quality Italian cuisine in an elegant setting – a classic in the city centre, renowned for its pasta, fish and, of course, carpaccio.

  • Bistro Beštija is tucked away in a courtyard not far from the city centre and offers modern, market-inspired cuisine with plenty of creativity – laid-back, urban and recommended several times in gourmet guides.

  • For breakfast and brunch, it’s well worth stopping off at Melt: here you’ll find bowls, pancakes, egg dishes and good coffee in a relaxed, modern setting.

  • A place with a special character is Booksa: a literary café with a living-room atmosphere, books, a cultural programme and good coffee – ideal for reading, working or simply taking a breather.

Where to stay in Zagreb: the best neighbourhoods

For a city break, it’s worth staying centrally in or around Donji Grad. From there, you can reach most of Zagreb’s attractions – Gornji Grad, Dolac Market, Tkalčićeva Street, museums and parks – easily on foot or with just a few stops on the tram. Tip: On our Travel Deals page, you’ll find great flight and hotel offers – ideal for perfectly combining a city break with a tight budget.

  • Donji Grad (Lower Town): Ideal for your first stay in Zagreb. Here you’re right in the thick of things, with easy access to the main squares, the railway station, the ‘Green Horseshoe’ and numerous restaurants. In Donji Grad, you’ll find plenty of large hotels as well as elegant boutique accommodation. Hotel recommendation: the elegant Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – a historic landmark of the city.

  • Gornji Grad (Upper Town): There are fewer accommodation options here, but what there is consists of charming, quieter flats and small guesthouses in historic buildings. Perfect for travellers seeking a special, historic atmosphere and wanting the Old Town right on their doorstep. Hotel recommendation: Hotel Jägerhorn – the city’s oldest hotel, idyllically situated in a passageway between the Upper and Lower Towns.

  • Around Tkalčićeva/Ribnjak: An excellent choice if you want to be in the heart of the nightlife in no time in the evenings, but prefer a central, well-connected location during the day. The area is lively, with plenty of bars and cafés, yet remains easily accessible and on a manageable scale. Hotel recommendation: Boutique Hotel HOH – a small, elegant boutique hotel just a few steps from Tkalčićeva Street and close to Ribnjak Park.

  • Novi Zagreb (New Zagreb): Situated on the other side of the Sava, you’ll find several large, modern hotels here, as well as the MSU (Museum of Contemporary Art). Transport links to the city centre are good, even though you’re not right in the heart of the tourist district. Prices here are often slightly cheaper than in the heart of the Old Town. Hotel recommendation: Hotel Magdalena – a modern, comfortable hotel in Novi Zagreb with good links to the city centre.

Photo: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Photo: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Photo: Hotel Jägerhorn 

Photo: Hotel Jägerhorn 

Photo: Boutique Hotel HOH

Photo: Boutique Hotel HOH 

Photo: Hotel Magdalena 

Photo: Hotel Magdalena 

Conclusion: Zagreb – More than just a stop-off

Zagreb is so much more than just the gateway to the Adriatic coast. The capital captivates visitors with its irresistible charm, perfectly blending history with modern life. From the historic Upper Town to the convivial ritual of the ‘Špica’ and the diverse museum scene – Zagreb offers a multifaceted city break that combines cultural depth with warm hospitality.

If you’re looking for a European destination that will pleasantly surprise you, Zagreb is an excellent choice. Plan your trip, discover this still somewhat hidden gem for yourself and let its special charm enchant you.

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