If you’ve been searching for what to do in Zagreb, prepare for a slow-burn revelation. Croatia’s capital is the dark horse of the central European city break scene – not as famous as Vienna or Prague, yet richer than most imagine. It’s where Central European symmetry meets Balkan spontaneity, with a captivating layer of modernistic architecture. And all is framed by abundant greenery.
Here are five ways to discover Zagreb and its surroundings beyond the obvious, whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay.
1. The World’s Shortest Funicular and Balkan Harrods
Start at the Jelačić Plac, the main Zagreb square. Locals usually meet “under the clock” (“Ispod vure”) or “under the tail” (“Pod repom”), meaning the rear side of the Jelačić’s horse statue (luckily, nothing drops from there).
There are several routes from Lower to Upper Town. One of them takes you through Ilica Street, by the Nama – the oldest department store in the Balkans. After some 200 m, turn right into Tomićeva Street, where you take the funicular. Covering only 66 m, it is the shortest one in the world! After a minute-long ride you’ll find yourself at one of the Zagreb’s top landmarks – view point by the Lotrščak Tower.
2. Secrets (and Construction Sites) of Upper Town
Currently undergoing partial reconstruction, Upper Town offers combination of famous sights such as St. Mark’s Church, and hidden medieval allies and courtyards. Don’t forget to visit “Pod starim krovovima” (“Beneath the Old Roofs”), the iconic tavern of old Zagreb.
Continuing your what to do in Zagreb exploration, the walk from “Pod starim krovovima” takes you by the Zagreb Museum, to a square called Ilirski trg. That is the northernmost point of the medieval inner Zagreb. Here turn right and descend back via Radićeva Street. It’s filled with small coffee, souvenir, and street food shops. Along the way take a look at the Kamenita vrata (Stone Gate).
If there’s still some room in your what to do in Zagreb centre bucket list, also take a look at the Dolac Market, city’s buzzing open-air pantry, and the Zagreb Cathedral (both within 5 min walk).
3. Wander the Lower Town
Mostly built during the 19th century, the Lower Town is a place where elegant promenades and boulevards meet urban parks. Your what to do in Zagreb route might be along Gajeva and Bogovićeva Street to Cvjetni trg (Flower Square). From there, stroll towards the Masarykova Street and the HNK – Croatian National Theatre.
Besides being worthy of a selfie, it is a landmark en route towards Pithos, a cosy little bistro offering true local cuisine at a budget-friendly price.
Since Zagreb thrives on the unexpected, Lower Town will surprise you with its quirky cultural oddities. Some of them are Museum of Forgotten Tales (Muzej zaboravljenih priča), Museum of Hangovers (Muzej mamurluka), and the Chocolate Museum (Muzej čokolade). Memorable and out-of-the-box stories can also be heard on Secret Zagreb Walks by Iva Silla.
4. Look Beyond the City Centre
Not many know that the most valuable urban and architectural heritage of Zagreb aren’t old buildings in the historical centre, but the modern architecture in the newer parts of the city.
Cross the Sava River into Novi Zagreb, where mid-20th-century planning unfolds in bold concrete geometry and vast public squares. Once purely functional, these neighborhoods now mix retro details with everyday life: laundry strung between balconies, bakeries selling “burek”, kids kicking footballs in courtyards, and a renowned – Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej suvremene umjetnosti).
For the ultimate snapshot of Zagreb’s contrasts, our From Concrete to Clouds tour might come handy. We blend the history of the old town with the Socialist districts’ raw charm, then leave the city behind for the forested slopes of Medvednica Mountain. And a whole day of what to do in Zagreb is booked!
5. Take a Green Escape to the Countryside
Another thing visitors are often surprised to discover is that Zagreb isn’t a sprawling metropolis, but a capital surrounded by charming, scenic countryside.
In under an hour, city streets give way to rolling hills and quiet hamlets. Our Green Scene Investigation day trip is another what to do in Zagreb (or close by) full-day activity. We lead you through a small Croatian village, a no-dig garden, and seasonal farm work, finishing with an open-fire meal and sweeping views – a true immersive rural Croatia experience.
The Slow-Burn Magic of Zagreb
So, what to do in Zagreb? Go beyond the monuments. Let the city’s contrasts – old and new, orderly and chaotic, urban and wild – guide you. This isn’t a place for rushed itineraries. It’s a place for noticing. And once you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner.
