Zagreb is a dynamic and fun capital city of Croatia. Even though it isn’t located along the scenic Croatian coastline, there’s plenty to see and do in the capital to make a visit worthwhile. Whether you are into trying local foods, checking out the many interesting museums, going to the opera or just hanging out in any of the outdoor cafes, then you will enjoy discovering the many facets and attractions of the Croatia’s capital city. Here are the 10 things worth doing in Zagreb, Croatia and hope you get to experience some of these attractions and cool places when you visit the capital.

 

What to do in Zagreb, Croatia

 

 

1. Antique market at British square

A very popular draw with locals and tourists alike, the antique market starts very early and runs most of the day. You will find some very unusual clothing and accessories, vintage collectibles, houseware and one of a kind pieces from the area. Try to find the cool cafe at the market these cool Vespa chairs ( a fun photo op to do while eating)

 

 

 

2.Visit the Mirogoj national cemetery

Just on the outskirts of the historic district of Zagreb, is the national cemetery which is very elaborate and filled with amazing art, sculpture and gorgeous mausoleums. Worth a visit to admire the many interesting churches and places of worship along with the beautiful graves. Even the flower stalls and vendors are very interesting to visit on the outside areas of the cemetary

 

 

 

 

3. Hanging out at Floral square & the coffee culture

Locals love to hang out and people watch in the many squares in the city. Floral square is one of the best with outdoor cafes all around the square and people watching is a very popular past time. Weekends are extremely busy in all the main squares and pedestrian zones around the capital

 

 

 

4.  A visit to the Cathedral of Zagreb 

The main cathedral called the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Kaptol is an iconic building and the tallest building in the historic district of Zagreb. The Roman Catholic church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and the Saints King Stephens and Saint Laudilaus. A large gothic style cathedral is a stunning structure, inside and out and worth a visit in the historic district and surrounding structures.

 

 

 

5. The Dolac farmers market in lower town

The main farmers market in Zagreb called Dolac market is lovely and in a square just off the main pedestrian promenades. It’s a sea of Red umbrellas with so many stands selling local fruits and vegetables, home made food items and crafts and a variety of eateries surrounding the market so you can sample all the tasty local dishes from the region. The I was there a local band and dance troop was performing for the audience in traditional costume and it was quite lively and added to the already colorful atmosphere. This is definitely the right place to be to sample or to take some wonderful photographs of the local market and people doing their daily shopping.

 

 

 

 

6.  Try a local dish in Zagreb 

There are so many delicious local dishes and regional cuisine that comes from the area. It’s fun to try something different that you have never tasted before. Some local dishes from Zagreb include regional specialties like pumpkin soups, black pudding, stuffed veal, krpice sa zeljem (square pasta with roasted cabbage), bratwurst sausages with potatoes and sauerkraut and a whole selection of many specialties from the area.

 

 

 

7. Watch an opera in the Croatian National Theater

The National Theater has an incredible calendar of performing arts, not just focused on opera but a variety of dance, ballet drama and music. Set in a very yellow neo-classical building, the theater opened in 1895 is well represented in the creative arts and has a full calendar of events to enjoy and also see the beautiful interiors of the building. For more information about performances, check out their website here for details and the current calendar.

 

 

 

8.  Check out any of the grand museums of Zagreb 

There are so many different museums to visit in the historic capital including the upper and lower sections of the central district. One of the most unusual is located in the old town and it is the one-of-a-kind museum of broken hearts. Inside you will find all sorts of personal artifacts donated to the museum from personal break ups and the stories that go along with them. Most come from all over the world and from all different age groups, talking about quirky, funny and young love and break ups to some more violent endings, its fascinating and very personal. For something out of the box, this definitely is a fun museum to visit in the upper town.

 

 

 

 

9. Go on an DIY architectural tour of Zagreb 

There are so many different architectural styles that identify the whole city with a variety of unique buildings that defies classification. A walking tour along the squares and streets in the central district will showcase all the main architectural styles from gothic, Art Nouveau to Art Deco – it’s quite an eclectic mixture and fun to see.

 

 

10. Explore the upper town of historic Zagreb

The upper town has a variety of historic and significant architectural buildings, churches and museums. The cultural and older district of the city, the upper town contains a variety of fascinating museums like the Croatian History Museum, Museum of broken relationships, Archeological Museum along with beautiful churches, converted historic inns and public monuments. The views from the overlook areas into the lower town and beyond are quite spectacular with views of the cathedral and main attractions around the city.

 

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Where to Stay in Zagreb

You can find a whole range of accommodations around Zagreb and very affordable to luxury style hotels. Here are some of the best rated places worth staying in the capital.

Hotel 9 – Beautiful design and contemporary style with spacious rooms, clean and comfortable and located close to the bus station.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – A classic hotel with history, close to many attractions, beautiful spacious rooms, excellent breakfast and friendly service.

Hotel Jagerhorn – located close to the main square and many attractions, this boutique hotel is charming, comfortable and stylish rooms, friendly staff and good service.

Check out these other highly review hotels here for updated prices and availability.

 

Check out these other posts of Zagreb

A visit to Mirogij Cemetery in Zagreb

A first impression of Zagreb, Croatia

The antique market in Zagreb

 

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