Is Zagreb Worth Visiting? Honest Guide + Things to Do in Croatia’s Capital
Is Zagreb worth visiting? It’s a question many travellers ask when planning a trip to Croatia, especially when places like Dubrovnik and Split tend to steal the spotlight.
Short answer: yes, Zagreb is absolutely worth visiting! But it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you love culture, great food, fewer crowds, and a more authentic European city experience, Zagreb might just surprise you. However, if you’re chasing beaches and postcard coastal views, you may prefer Croatia’s southern cities.
In this guide, we’ll share our honest experience, the best things to do, travel tips, and exactly why visit Zagreb (or why you might skip it), so you can decide if it deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
Our Experience Visiting Zagreb Croatia
We genuinely loved our time in Zagreb!
What stood out most to us was how local everything felt. Unlike other cities we visited across Europe, Zagreb didn’t feel overly touristy. Instead, it felt like a real, lived-in city where people were just going about their daily lives, and we got to be part of it.
We spent a lot of our time enjoying the food and drink scene, hopping between bars and restaurants, and soaking up the atmosphere. It felt relaxed, authentic, and honestly… a bit underrated.
One of our favourite moments was heading up to the viewpoint near Art Park, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and St Mark’s Church. We could’ve stayed there for hours, especially at sunset, when the city takes on a completely different feel.
We also visited over a weekend, which we’d highly recommend. Despite temperatures being below 10°C, there was live music, people gathering outside, and a real buzz in the air.
If you want a more detailed breakdown of our time there, you can read our full travel diary for Zagreb.
What is Zagreb Like?
Zagreb is Croatia’s capital city, located inland in the north of the country. It’s very different from coastal destinations like Dubrovnik.
Instead of beaches, you’ll find:
- Historic streets and Austro-Hungarian architecture
- A strong café and food culture
- Unique museums and cultural spots
- A relaxed, local atmosphere
It’s a city that grows on you the longer you stay.
10 Reasons Zagreb is Worth Visiting!
1. Zagreb’s Location Makes It Perfect for a European Trip
Zagreb is incredibly well-connected, making it an ideal stop on a wider Europe itinerary.
It’s close to Slovenia, Italy (especially Venice) and Hungary (Budapest), these were some of our favourite spots during our two months backpacking around Europe!
2. There Are Plenty of Things to Do in Zagreb
We were genuinely surprised by how many things there were to do in Zagreb.
We only had a few days, but honestly, we could’ve stayed longer.
Here are some highlights:
Art Park (Park Ribnjak)
A creative, laid-back park filled with quirky installations and greenery. We grabbed a coffee and spent hours just wandering and people-watching.
Cathedral of Zagreb
One of the most iconic landmarks in Croatia!
There was a lot of scaffolding up during our visit but you’re still able to visit inside so we’d recommend this great tour of Zagreb. As you can tell, it’s an incredibly beautiful piece of architecture and an absolute must-do for any visit to Zagreb!
The Museum of Broken Relationships
Without a doubt, one of the most unique museums we’ve visited.
Each item tells a story of a failed relationship – some emotional, some funny, some just bizarre. We’re not huge museum people, but we could’ve spent an entire day here.
St Marks Church
Famous for its colourful tiled roof, this is one of the most recognisable sights in Zagreb. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth visiting for photos alone.
Dolac Market
A must-visit for food lovers. From fresh fruit to local cheeses and meats, it’s a great place to experience Croatian food culture.
If food is what you’re after, why not check out this amazing Zagreb Food Walking Tour which allows you to learn the history and essentials of Croatian cuisine?
Gric Tunnel
A hidden piece of history beneath the city. Originally built as a WWII shelter, it’s now a cool passageway and a unique stop on any Zagreb trip.
3. Easy Day Trips (Including Plitvice Lakes National Park)
One of the best things about visiting Zagreb is how many incredible day trip options there are.
The standout has to be Plitvice Lakes National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places in Croatia.
With waterfalls, lakes, and scenic walking trails, it’s easily one of the highlights of any trip to the country.
Other options include:
4. Zagreb is More Affordable Than You Might Expect
After visiting cities in Spain, Italy, and Austria, Zagreb felt refreshingly affordable.
Food, accommodation, and transport were all reasonably priced, especially compared to more tourist-heavy destinations.
5. The City is Incredibly Clean
Zagreb is one of the cleanest cities we visited in Europe, by far!
The streets are well-maintained, and you’ll rarely see litter. They’re even cleaned overnight, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re exploring during the day.
6. The Food Scene is Underrated
Zagreb gets a bit of a mixed reputation when it comes to food, but we honestly loved it.
From traditional Croatian dishes to modern cafés and restaurants, everything we tried was excellent.
Some favourites:
7. Great Accommodation Options
We were initially worried there wouldn’t be many budget options, but we were completely wrong.
There are plenty of hostels, hotels and apartments available.
We stayed at Timeout Heritage Hotel, which had a great location and a really fun atmosphere.
8. Better Nightlife Than Expected
We didn’t expect much from Zagreb’s nightlife, but it actually surprised us.
The street of Ul. Ivana Tkalčića was packed with bars and restaurants, even in colder weather. There was live music, great drink deals, and a lively atmosphere.
9. Less Touristy = More Authentic
This was one of our favourite things about Zagreb.
It didn’t feel overcrowded or overly commercialised. Instead, it felt like a genuine Croatian city where you could experience everyday life.
10. Beautiful Architecture Everywhere
Zagreb’s architecture is a mix of:
- Gothic
- Baroque
- Austro-Hungarian
- Modern
It’s a visually interesting city that feels very different from coastal Croatia.
If you’re exploring Europe’s architecture, check out some of our favourite landmarks in Europe!
Pros and Cons: Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?
Pros
- Affordable compared to other European cities
- Less crowded and more authentic
- Great food and café culture
- Unique museums and cultural spots
- Excellent base for day trips
Cons
- No beaches
- Fewer “iconic” landmarks than Dubrovnik
- Can feel quiet midweek or in winter
Zagreb vs Dubrovnik: Which is Better?
This is where a lot of people get stuck.
Choose Zagreb if you want:
- Culture and local experiences
- Lower prices
- Fewer tourists
Choose Dubrovnik if you want:
- Beaches and coastal views
- Iconic landmarks
- A more “classic” Croatia experience
Both are worth visiting, but they offer completely different experiences.
FAQs
Compared to other European capitals, Zagreb is relatively affordable.
You can easily enjoy meals, accommodation and public transport at reasonable prices.
Absolutely!
Visiting Zagreb in winter is worth it for its Christmas markets, festive atmosphere, and the opportunity to experience the city covered in snow. Enjoy ice skating, warm mulled wine, and cosy winter activities!
Yes, Zagreb is a very safe city!
We never felt uncomfortable during our visit. Like anywhere, just take normal precautions: Keep an eye on belongings and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.
We’d recommend spending 2–3 days in Zagreb.
This gives you enough time to explore the city centre, visit museums and potentially even take a day trip. If you’re short on time, you could even see the highlights in one day.
Travel Tips for Visiting Zagreb, Croatia
- Visit on a weekend for the best atmosphere
- Wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
- Bring layers if visiting in colder months
- Try local food, it’s worth it
- Don’t rush, Zagreb is best enjoyed slowly
Final Verdict: Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?
So, is Zagreb worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you value culture, food, and authenticity over beaches and big tourist attractions!
It might not have the instant wow-factor of Dubrovnik, but it offers something different, something more real.
For us, Zagreb was one of those places that quietly became a favourite. It wasn’t about ticking off landmarks; it was about how it felt to be there.
If that sounds like your kind of travel experience, then Zagreb is absolutely worth a visit.
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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
So I love visiting cathedrals and walking in parks..but a museum of broken relationships???!! never heard of such a thing! SO cool!
It was SO cool Jennifer. You absolutely must visit!
Normally, I am not a fan of museums either, but The Museum of Broken Relationships sounds so interesting! I haven’t heard a ton about Croatia and travel (maybe from you and one other, but now it is on my list! I have to see the Dolac Market with the Splavnica!
Yes it really was, definitely the highlight of our trip. It was thrilling, heartbreaking and sad all in on! You should definitely look into visiting, such a beautiful country!
Sounds like such a great city! And I love places that are a little less touristy
So do we Elyse! You’ll have a great time if you ever visit!
I had never heard of Zagreb until today ! Now its on my list!
Really?! So glad we’ve helped you see the light!
The food in Zagreb looks incredible! Thanks for sharing this guide.
Thanks so much Hannah. Totally agree the food was amazing!
I haven’t been to Croatia but hope to one day. I have some items to donate to the Museum of Broken Relationships!
Ahaha we look forward to reading them Sharyn! Great place to visit though, hilarious, heart-wrenching and sad all in one!