Few country capitals are brushed aside by tourists as much as Zagreb.
Because Croatia has so much pristine coastline and world-class beaches, seaside cities like Split and Dubrovnik dominate tourism. But in my eyes, you can’t get a complete Croatian experience without spending time in Zagreb, which is four times more populated than the country’s next-largest city (Zadar).
There is plenty to do, see, and experience in Zagreb. Given its medium size, it has just the right number of things to do for a weekend trip.
But with that said, is Zagreb a nice city? Is it actually worth visiting? Let’s answer these questions and talk more about this unique city. Though before we get to these questions, here’s some helpful background information on Croatia’s capital.
Where Is Zagreb?
Zagreb is located in the north of Croatia, not far from the Slovenian border and about two hours from the Adriatic coast.
What Cities Are Close to Zagreb?
Here’s how long it takes to get from Zagreb to other well-known cities nearby:
- Llubljana, Slovenia – 1.5 hours
- Trieste, Italy – 3 hours
- Budapest, Hungary – 3 hours
- Split – 4 hours
- Belgrade, Serbia – 4 hours
- Venice, Italy – 4 hours
- Vienna, Austria – 4.5 hours
- Dubrovnik – 6 hours
Zagreb is a conveniently easy to get to from Budapest, making for a good day trip if you’re on your way from Budapest to the Croatian coast.
A Brief Overview Zagreb’s History
Zagreb is a melting pot when it comes to cultural influence. It lies on the western edge of the Balkans and feels like the link between Central Europe and Southern Europe. For most of the 19th century, Zagreb was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
You can see the various influences by taking note of the architecture in different neighborhoods of Zagreb. The city’s famous Upper Town (Gornji Grad) has colorful, impressive displays of Austrian-Hungarian-influenced Gothic architecture. Newer Town (Novi Zagreb), meanwhile, offers a glimpse of brutalist architecture that came about in the socialist period in the mid-20th century. In between is Lower Town (Donji Grad), the liveliest part of Zagreb, where you can find a mix of the two along with plenty of more contemporary buildings.
Zagreb, as with all of Croatia, has a recent tumultuous history. The Croatian War from 1991-1995 finally led to the nation’s independence and Zagreb as the newly independent country’s capital. However, it came at a significant cost, as the city was set back by the constant threat of shelling and rocket attacks. It did, however, escape the more significant damage suffered in cities closer to the Bosnian and Serbian borders, such as Dubrovnik and Vukovar. But regardless, the economy and reputation of Zagreb and Croatia as a whole took a hit.
A Remarkable Transformation
Once the war ended, it unsurprisingly took a bit of time for Zagreb to get back on track and rebuild its reputation globally.
However, over the past two decades, the city and country have progressed incredibly well, building up their infrastructure and economies. By 2022, Zagreb County had a GDP per inhabitant of 44,700, 26% higher than the EU average. For comparison, just one of Italy’s 22 provinces eclipsed that figure.
Croatia joined the EU in 2013 and, in 2023, shifted its currency from the Kona to the Euro, though the latter decision was controversial in the eyes of many Croats.
Now, Croatia is one of the 25-most visited countries in the world with the tourism sector making up a staggering 20% of its GDP. From 1995-2020, tourism accounted for nearly 10% of its GDP, the 10th-highest figure in the world. Though admittedly, the stunning coastal landscapes are mainly responsible for this touristic uprising.
What Is Zagreb Known for Today?
Zagreb is more than just the economic center of Croatia. Many locals joke that it’s the only “real city” in the country, as no other city in the country has more than 200,000 residents. Therefore, it’s even more of a domestic hub than most countries’ largest cities.
Ilica Street, which runs off of Ban Jelačić Square (Zagreb’s main square), offers the most lavish and extensive shopping and dining options in all of Croatia. Nearby Tkalčićeva Street, along with a couple other notable side streets that extend into the Upper Town, is the hotspot for visitors, with a plethora of boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
The University of Zagreb is the second-largest university in all of Southeast Europe, which contributes to the hustle and bustle in Lower Town. Not every city in former Yugoslavia still has this vibe due to emigration—Croatia’s population as a whole is declining more rapidly than Zagreb—so it’s refreshing that the city still has that bustling atmosphere. The nightlife in Zagreb isn’t world-class, per se, but there’s more than enough for visitors who want to drink late and party.
If you’re wondering what Zagreb is known for from a tourism perspective, look no further than one of the quirky museums, such as the Hangover Museum or the Museum of Broken Relationships.
The museums in Zagreb are much quirkier and more one-of-a-kind than in other cities, which can be refreshing for travelers looking for something different.
Things to Do in Zagreb
Truthfully, Zagreb isn’t “known for” one single thing when it comes to tourist attractions.
Some people might see this as a negative. However, it can be invigorating for travelers who want to experience a city that’s not necessarily tailored for tourists.
All this means is that when you go to Zagreb, you’ll likely be going to places and doing things that locals go to and do, too. This makes it an ideal city to break up an extended trip if you want a couple days to slow down and forget an agenda.
Still, there are plenty of things to do in Zagreb, including:
- Go to the Dolac Market, a Daily Open-Air Farmers’ Market, in Ban Jelacic Square
- Have Drinks on Tkalciceva Street
- Wander Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
- Wander Lower Town (Donji Grad)
- Hike Up Sljeme Peak and Take the Gondola Down
- Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Hangover Museum
- Use the Tram to Get Around
- Go to a Show at the Croatian National Theatre
- Ride the World’s Shortest Funicular, Connecting Donji Grad to Gornji Grad
Zagreb is nice because it’s just the right size for a weekend trip. All of these activities, with the exception of the hiking opportunities, are within walking distance of each other and can be checked off in 24 hours. The tram network, though only operating in the city center, is reliable, cheap ($1 per ride) and an easy way to get around and save some steps if it’s too hot or you’re just tired of walking.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
If headed to Zagreb, look to stay somewhere in Upper Town (Gornji Grad) or Lower Town (Donji Grad). Lower Town is home to the city center, while Upper Town is perched just above it and generally a touch pricier given it’s added charm and serenity (though still cheap in comparison with Western Europe).
I stayed in a 2-bed, 1-bath apartment on Ilica Street in Lower Town, just a 10-minute walk from Ban Jelacic Square, for $60/night. The apartment was spacious, air-conditioned, and very well-kept. You shouldn’t have an issue finding a nice apartment for a good price in Zagreb as it’s very common for locals to rent out their units in this area.
Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?
Zagreb might not be worth centering an entire trip around because it’s not a convenient homebase for seaside adventures, but you should definitely try adding it to your Croatia or Central Europe itinerary. Remember that even though the coast is more bustling with tourists, the vast majority of Croats live inland. In fact, one-third of the country’s population lives in the Zagreb metropolitan area.
The city center is modern, the old town has beautiful historical buildings, and the outskirts—depending on where you are—either offer a typical suburban feel or provide evidence of the socialist period through the brutalist style skyscrapers with neglected exteriors. You’re not going to see the extent of this diversity in places like Dubrovnik or the islands. So, for many, this authenticity can be a breath of fresh air.
| Pros of Visiting Zagreb | Cons of Visiting Zagreb |
| Offers a Much Different Vibe Than Coastal Croatia | Not Designed for Luxury Travelers |
| Generally Cheaper Than Tourist Hotspots Along Coast | Coast Is a 2-Hour Drive |
| Good Dining and Nightlife Scene | Lack of Typical “Touristy” Attractions |
| Extremely Safe | The Coast Is More Ideal for an Extended, One-Stop Trip |
Lack of Typical “Touristy” Attractions Can Be a Good Thing |
With all this said, Zagreb is worth visiting because it has such a different vibe than Istria and Dalmatia. Whereas further west and south feel more Mediterranean, Zagreb has a more typical Central European identity. Therefore, to experience Croatia is to experience Zagreb.
How Long Do You Need in Zagreb?
Two days is more than enough to see the highlights of Zagreb, but if you want to add a more adventurous activity to your itinerary, such as hiking up Medvenica Mountain, you might want to give yourself more time.
Overall, it really depends on your speed and efficiency when traveling. If you just want to capture the highlights of Zagreb, you can do so in 24 hours. But if you want to take things slow or want a more comprehensive visit, you won’t get bored over the course of two or even three days, especially if it’s over a weekend when the city is at its liveliest.
Is Zagreb Worth Visiting FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Zagreb?
The best areas to stay in Zagreb are generally considered anywhere in Upper Town (Gornji Grad) or Lower Town (Donji Grad). Specifically, anywhere along Ilica Street or within walking distance of Ban Jelacic Square are considered the best areas to stay in Zagreb due to their convenience to all of the best attractions, restaurants, and bars.
Is Zagreb safe for tourists?
Yes, Zagreb is an incredibly safe city for tourists. Crime rates are very low, and it is one of the safest cities to walk around by day and night. For comparison, London’s crime rate is more than four times higher than Zagreb.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Zagreb?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Zagreb. Croatia overall is a very clean and generally eco-friendly country, so you should have no worries about sanitary-related issues here.
