City of Zagreb itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — City of Zagreb
8 stops · ≈ 6 h 15 minIf you have heard of Zagreb and love the Christmas season, then you have most likely heard of the best European Christmas market, which takes place in the capital of Croatia. Named the best four years in a row, this market is a magnet for tourists from all over Europe. You will find small stalls with traditional Croatian food and drinks everywhere, so it can be an opportunity to try as many traditional dishes as possible and immerse yourself more deeply in the country's culture. Advent in Zagreb is a festive period that lasts from late November to early January. It is the time when Zagreb turns into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, decorations, music, and events. You can enjoy Christmas fairs, an ice skating rink, concerts, shows, as well as traditional food and drinks.
Zagreb's main market, steps from Ban Jelačić Square and running since 1926 — locals call it 'the belly of the city'. Farmers sell under the famous red parasols in the open-air rows, while the covered hall below is devoted to Adriatic fish. Look for škripavac cheese, homemade bread, honey and rakija; on weekends part of the market turns into an antiques flea market.
A small restaurant in central Zagreb devoted to a single dish: strukli, a baked roll of thin pastry filled with cottage cheese and cream. Dozens of versions appear on the menu, from black sesame and truffle to pumpkin and chocolate. The Dolac market and the Upper Town are steps away, so the stop fits neatly into a walking tour. Portions are generous — order one to share.
The only surviving gate of medieval Gradec, dating from the 13th century, and one of Zagreb's holiest places. After the fire of 1731 an old painting of the Virgin Mary survived inside, and a chapel was built around it: candles burn here and thank-you plaques line the walls. The archway carries a busy walking route from Radiceva Street up to the Upper Town and St Mark's Square. The passage is open around the clock — step in for a moment of quiet.
The beloved emblem of Zagreb's Upper Town, presiding over St. Mark's Square between the Croatian Parliament and Government offices. This thirteenth-century parish church is internationally famed for its vibrant glazed tiled roof laid in 1880, depicting the coats of arms of Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia. Its southern Gothic portal features fifteen statues carved by the medieval Parler workshop.
A 13th-century fortified tower at the western edge of the Upper Town. Every day at exactly noon the Grič cannon fires from its top — a tradition running since 1877, when the shot let Zagreb set its clocks. Narrow wooden stairs lead up to the deck, with views across the Lower Town to Ban Jelačić Square. It stands right by the upper station of the funicular, an easy stop on any old-town walk.
A long-established Croatian restaurant in central Zagreb, a few minutes from Ban Jelačić Square. The menu blends Dalmatian and continental classics: grilled fish, veal and lamb baked under a peka bell, cheese-filled štrukli, homemade desserts and an extensive list of local wines. The roomy halls with wooden beams fill up in the evenings and on weekends, so booking a table in advance is wise.
An elegant park in central Zagreb, part of the Lenuci Horseshoe — a chain of 19th-century green squares. Plane-tree avenues shade a music pavilion from 1891, fountains and a meteorological column that has been reporting the weather since 1884. In December the park turns into one of Europe's most atmospheric Christmas markets, softly lit after dark.
Reserve
4If you have time left — worth it too.
Offering a winter sports center, this 1,035m-high, forested mountain is also largely a nature park.
Croatia's award-winning craft brewery and vibrant taproom is located in an industrial quarter on Slavonska Avenue in Zagreb. Founded by the creators of the famous Garden Festival, the brewery produces experimental IPAs, fruit sours, stouts, and lagers. Visitors can enjoy fresh pints poured from dozens of taps right next to the brewing tanks, relax in a spacious leafy beer garden, savor gourmet burgers, and listen to regular live DJ sets.
The largest square, named after the first Croatian king, is sure to catch your attention. It is located opposite the Central Railway Station, so for those arriving in Zagreb by train, it is the first sight they will see. The magnificent statue of King Tomislav and the Art Pavilion are the square's most notable features. King Tomislav Square is dedicated to the memory of Tomislav, the first king of Croatia. This prominent square is situated next to the Art Pavilion and features an impressive statue of King Tomislav himself. The square is adorned with trees, flower beds, and benches, and is one of the best places in the city to sit and watch what is going on.
Lake Jarun in southwestern Zagreb is the city's favorite outdoor recreation and sports hub. Developed for the 1987 Universiade, the complex features a two-kilometre international rowing regatta course, pebble beaches, and cycling trails. Visitors come for swimming, kayaking, lakeside cafes, and the annual open-air INmusic Festival.
- Purchase a prepaid transport card for discounts on public transport.
- Keep some cash on hand as not all places accept credit cards.
- Learn a few basic Croatian phrases to enhance your experience.