One day in Zagreb Croatia: the best things to do and see

How to spend one day in Zagreb and see the highlights of the Croatian capital, with tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat.

Croatia’s lovely capital Zagreb is an easy starting point for a trip to Croatia. With lots of international flights including budget airlines, it’s increasingly easy to get to and has plenty to do, but it’s also compact enough to enjoy as a very quick city trip. I spent one day in Zagreb on my way to the Plitvice Lakes National Park and loved my visit, so if Zagreb is on your list too, here’s how to spend 24 hours in the city.

About Zagreb

I visited all the EU capitals before Brexit, and surprise was a constant theme. Some of the cities I expected to love were a bit underwhelming (sorry, Dublin and Vienna), and others, where I was worried about how we’d fill our time, ended up being our favourites. Zagreb was definitely a wonderful surprise!

Zagreb sits on the southern slopes of Medvednica mountain along the Sava River, in the northern part of Croatia. Its history stretches back to the 11th century, when the medieval settlements of Gradec and Kaptol were established on neighbouring hills.

In the 18th and 19th century the city grew under Austro-Hungarian rule, leaving a legacy of baroque and neoclassical architecture alongside its cobbled streets and historic squares. If you visit Zagreb, you’ll find a compact city centre with historic character, plenty of attractions and a lively city atmosphere – the perfect recipe for a city break!

One day in Zagreb: things to do

Visit Ban Jelačić Square

Ban Jelačić Square is the central square in Zagreb and a great place to start your one day in Zagreb. Our hotel was just off the square and I’d definitely recommend this area if you’re staying overnight.

The name celebrates Josip Jelačić, a Croatian Count from the 19th century and national hero. It’s the main meeting point in Zagreb, a hub for trams (including to and from the train station and bus station) and a good place to start exploring the city as it’s close to all the best things to do.

Zagreb Cathedral and Holy Mary Monument

Zagreb’s Gothic Cathedral is the second tallest building in Croatia (the tallest is Split’s Dalmatia Tower) and one of the tallest churches in the world. Unfortunately, it suffered major damage in the 2020 earthquake, and it’ll be closed for restoration until around 2030.

Opposite the Cathedral’s grand front doors is a magnificent golden statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The whole statue seems to glow – an amazing sight.

Tkalčićeva Street

This quaint street feels like it belongs in a village rather than in a capital city. Low, pastel and honey-coloured buildings are either home to cute shops, inviting cafes and street art. It’s the perfect area to stop for a drink and people-watch, particularly in summer when everyone spills out onto the pavements.

Pass through the Stone Gate and pause at the shrine

Just up the hill from Tkalčićeva, the Stone Gate is the Eastern entrance to the Medieval upper town, Gradec. The gate replaced a wooden one on the same site – according to legend, a fire in 1731 completely destroyed the gate, apart from a painting of the Virgin and Child.

The gate was rebuilt in stone around the painting, now believed to have magical powers, and these days people come to pray and light candles at the shrine.

See St. Mark’s Church with its brightly-tiled roof

St Mark’s Church sits in the heart of Zagreb’s Upper Town and is easily recognisable for its colourful tiled roof. The church itself dates back to the 13th century, with Gothic and Baroque elements inside.

The roof, added in the late 19th century, features two coats of arms: one for the city of Zagreb, showing a white castle on red, and the other for the Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia, combining the historic symbols of each region. St. Mark’s Church is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city and a must-see when exploring the Upper Town in Zagreb.

Snack at Dolac Market

Dolac Market is Zagreb’s main open-air market, located just a short walk from Ban Jelačić Square. Known for its bright red canopies, it’s been running since 1930 and is still at the heart of daily life in the city, with farmers and traders bringing their produce from across Croatia. It’s one of the most luscious markets I’ve been to, with an outdoor area full of fruit and vegetable stalls – when we were there in mid-May many of them were laden with juicy-looking cherries.

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is a small but unique museum dedicated to personal stories of love and loss. Visitors can see objects donated by people from around the world, each accompanied by a short note explaining its story. The exhibits range from humorous to deeply moving, offering an unusual and very human perspective on relationships.

The museum is open every day apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter and All Saints’ Day. Entry costs 7 euro per person.

Relax in Zrinjevac Park

Zrinjevac Park is one of the most popular green spaces in central Zagreb, just a short walk from Ban Jelačić Square. Lined with plane trees and featuring fountains, flowerbeds and lawns, it’s a peaceful spot to take a break from sightseeing.

In summer, you might catch a concert or pop-up market, and at Christmas, the park becomes one of Zagreb’s famous Christmas Markets. There are also plenty of cafés nearby.

Climb Lotrščak Tower

Lotrščak Tower sits at the southern end of Zagreb’s Upper Town and is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in the 13th century as part of the city’s fortifications, it now houses a small museum and an observation deck with panoramic views over the Lower Town, the Sava River, and surrounding hills. Entry costs 3 euro and it’s closed on Mondays.

The tower is also famous for the Grič Cannon, which has been fired every day at noon for the last 100 years – try not to jump when it goes off!

Travel on the world’s shortest funicular railway

Zagreb’s funicular railway connects the Upper and Lower towns and is the shortest in the world at just 66 metres long. It’s a fun ride, but if it’s closed (there are renovations planned until early 2026) or the queue is just too long on your one-day trip to Zagreb, there are steps and wooded paths leading down the hill instead.

Where to stay for your one day trip to Zagreb

If you only have one day in Zagreb and you’re staying overnight, the best area to stay is close to Ban Jelačić Square. I booked the Hotel Dubrovnik for my 24 hour stay in Zagreb and it was absolutely perfect – just around the corner from Ban Jelačić Square and walking distance to all the attractions.

To get to Zagreb city centre from the airport by public transport, you’ll need to take a bus and then connect with one of Zagreb’s modern trams. The tram which connects with the airport bus stops at Ban Jelačić Square – another reason why this is a great area to stay for a one day trip.

Where to eat in Zagreb

Zagreb has a growing food scene with options for all tastes. We had a light dinner near our hotel on Tkalčićeva Street, but there’s lots of choice.

If you’re looking for traditional Croatian dishes, you can find them at Stari Fijaker near Ban Jelačić Square, while Didov San serves hearty local meals on a pretty side street in the Upper Town, close to St Mark’s Church.

For modern, creative small plates, Mali Bar is a popular choice. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy Zrno Bio Bistro or Vegehop, both offering fresh plant-based dishes, salads, and wholesome bowls. There are also plenty of cafés for coffee and pastries.

Would you spend one day in Zagreb?