7 things to do in Zagreb
People do a lot of things to take care of boredom; play games, listen to music or watch a movie, read, etc. But sometimes you need something more, you feel this need to get up and explore some place new. Let’s say you’re going through that time right now and you can’t make up your mind where to go and why you should go. What if I told you I have the perfect place for you to visit, where you will have tonnes to do and beautiful scenery to enjoy. A place where you’re guaranteed to have loads of fun, where is this place you ask and what can you do there? Why, its Zagreb in Croatia. And here are the top 7 things to do in Zagreb (Croatia):
1. Walking Tour:
This is pretty much standard for any place you visit, the classic way to explore a city for free. Simply pick up a map of the city’s Old Town from the main Tourist Information Centre and make a round trip. You’ll have numerous options to explore; you can start from the Ban Jelačić Square and make your way throughout the city making your way through cobbled streets and narrow alleyways, going around the heart of the city. One of the most significant places to stop by is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is not only the tallest building in Croatia, it has frescoes dating back to the 13th century.
2. Climb a Mountain:
Located just a 30-minute ride outside of town, we have the Medvednica mountain which is the perfect country escape. On weekends, you’ll find a lot of locals over here and it’s not hard to see why; suitable for visitors in all weathers, the area has trails, forests and challenging hills to climb to satisfy your inner hiker, plus the spot offers a breathtaking view.
3. Street Art:
The Street Art Museum is a project aiming to raise awareness of Croatia’s local street art scene, in Zagreb you’ll find that the street art vibe is huge and there are numerous sights and murals that are a must see. Walking the length of the Branimirova Ulica, you’ll find that this area is the hub of street heart in the city. What’s the best thing about street art? It’s completely free to see and there are no working hours, so you can look at it whenever you want.
4. A Blast from the Past:
If you want something unique, quirky and often unusual transportation and exhibits then the Technical Museum is your place. Though rather boring sounding, it’s actually a great budget shop. Founded in 1954, the museum hosts a grand collection of scientific and technological displays. However, this option is not free, but on every Sunday the museum offers a free ride in a pre-war tram, the model is from 1924 and the trip starts at 9:30 am. The tour journeys to Maksimir Park, which is the city’s oldest public park, and back.
5. Appease your inner art lover:
Have a thing for modern art? Then you’re in luck because on the first Wednesday of every month, the city’s impressive Museum of Contemporary Art is free. The display is a range of Croation and international artists with works from the last half-century. You can watch a collection of films and videos on show from the 60s which showcase experimental techniques and styles, plus a show of photography from the 1950s, sculptures, The Tošo Dabac Archive (with over 2,000 negatives) and graphic art.
6. Dolac Market:
Visit one of the city’s oldest places, dating back to the 1930s the Dolac Market is one the city’s most colourful and interesting markets. In fact, in the 30s the city officials designated the area on the ‘border’ between the Old and New Towns a suitable market. Locals from the city and surrounding villages still flock here to buy and sell their wares. Fruits and vegetable stalls, fishmongers and butchers are the standard sights around the area among other things. In the northern end of the market, you’ll find lower stalls and locally produced honey and handmade ornaments.
7. Enjoy Park Life:
Want to enjoy some peace and quiet with Nature? The Zagreb Botanical Garden is the perfect place for that. Located at just a 10-minute walking distance from the main square, the 4.7 hectares are filled with an English-style arboretum, flower parterre, indigenous plant species and greenhouses which are home to tropical and subtropical plants. Along with a range of plants, you’ll find that the gardens are a home to a small collection of wild birds, tortoises, and frogs. But the only downside is that the gardens are closed from November 1st to April 1st each year for the winter.
Do you know any great things to do in Zagreb?
Let me know in the comments.
Hi Kevin! You forgot the Museum of Broken Relationships and trying traditional štrukli – I recommend the slightly hidden La Struk for lots of exciting flavours and some cool alcoholic shots! Also if you want the proper local experience, spend 3-4 hours enjoying the sun at one of the many coffee shops along near Ul. Ivana Tkalčića. There’s also a restaurant called Heritage that was recently opened up by a Masterchef Croatia winner that sells delicious traditional Croatian streetfood for affordable prices – local craft beers too!
Hi Sam, Oh yes how could I forget the Museum of Broken Relationships, I spent a couple few hours in there on a rainy day. I found it very interesting and was perfect for that rainy day, well any day it is worth a visit. Thank you for your other things to do, I kept the list quite short in hope that others like yourself could then add their favorites. Many thanks and have a great day.