Zagreb

Understand

Zagreb is a vibrant city of around 770,000 people (2021, metropolitan area: 1,100,000). In 2017 it was visited by over a million tourists, mainly from Austria, Germany and Italy. Zagreb is also well known for its Advent festival, which occurs from December to early January, boasting vibrant nightlife and additional cultural and gastronomic activities.

Tourist information 1 Turistički informativni centar (Tourist Information Centre - Ban Jelačić Square), Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 11. M-F 09:00-20:00; Sa Su 10:00-18:00. (updated Jul 2023) Other information points are located at the airport, bus station, railway station and at the Lotrščak Tower.

Getting there

By plane 1 Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG IATA Zagreb International Airport) (in the locality of Pleso in 17 km south-east from the city centre). Airport facilities include restaurant, cafe, bars, post, bank, ATMs, numerous car renting outlets. It's open 24 hours with 6 cots on the upper level outside security if you need to sleep at the airport. It has limited free Wifi, or paid access to the Internet (via terminal) (updated Sep 2016) Getting there:

Buses leave from the airport at 07:00 and every 30 minutes between 08:00 and 20:00. Beyond these hours, there are buses leaving to the main bus station every time a Croatia Airlines plane lands. When traveling to the airport from the main Zagreb bus station, the buses are scheduled between 04:30 and 20:30. A journey takes about 30 min. The price of the single ticket is €8. Online timetable can be checked at the Pleso prijevoz website. Airport buses leave from the main bus station which is in the wider city center; they leave from its northeast wing (toward the city)—look for "Croatia Airlines" and "Eurolines" banners on the building. A cheaper local ZET bus 290 also goes to the city center (and back to the airport) from the main road outside the terminal. You can also order a taxi, Bolt or Uber. A ride from the airport to the city center can cost from €14-20.

By train

Five trains a day run from Ljubljana, taking 2 hr 30 min via Zidani Most and the border at Dobova. Two of these start from Villach (4-5 hr). Tickets cannot be purchased online; they can only be purchased at the station. Second-class tickets are for €9, but first-class is also available. From Zurich, Munich or Vienna change at Villach. From Budapest change at Graz and Zidani Most. Domestic trains are slow. Two per day are from Rijeka (one direct, one with a change), taking 5 hours via just about every intervening village with a j or v in its name. One train a day from Split takes 8 hours. Three per day run from Hrvatska Kostajnica, taking 1 hr 40 min. Local trains fan out to Harmica, Ivanić-Grad, Koprivnica, Novoselec, Ogulin, Savski Marof, Sisak Caprag, Vinkovci, Virovitica and Zabok. See Croatia Railways for timetables and tickets. Trains no longer cross the border to Sarajevo in Bosnia. The work-around rail route is to take the train from Zagreb main station at 09:00 to Hrvatska Kostajnica, arriving by 10:45. This is 3 km from the Bosnian border crossing, either take a taxi, or walk south into town then east and cross the river by the first bridge. Once you've entered Bosnia, find a taxi to Banja Luka, 100 km southeast and taking 90 min

Getting around

Zagreb has a well-developed and efficient public transport system that consists of trams, buses and trains. You can find routes and schedules from Easyway journey planner or Google maps, or you can download the official ZET app. The tram network operates 24 hours a day - from around 04:30 to just after 00:00 there are 15 "day-time lines" (tram lines 1–9, 11–15 and 17). From 00:00 to 04:00 there are 4 "night" lines (tram lines 31-34) which cover most of the day-time lines on a reduced (around 30-40 minute) frequency. Occasionally, buses replace trams on night lines. Tram lines 1, 3, and 8 do not operate Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. Tram 1 doesn't operate in summer. Maps of daytime lines are available under the link "Network of daytime tram lines". Both buses, trams and the funicular are operated by ZET.

By bus As for the buses, there are 138 day-time and 4 night lines. ZET buses cover the area outside the city center, and some neighboring towns in Zagreb county. The buses use the same ticketing system as the trams. There does not appear to be a map of bus routes. Google Maps is probably the easiest planner to use.

By funicular A historic funicular railway (uspinjača in Croatian), one of the steepest and shortest in the world, operates between the lower and upper towns with a travel time of just one minute. The funicular operates every 10 minutes, but for a fee of €3.32 (in addition to regular tickets for everyone on board), an immediate ride can be purchased. Funicular Fare

Ticketing system for buses & trams ZET operate city buses, trams, funicular & Sljeme cable car. Paper tickets & chip cards can be purchased at any news-stand/kiosk (Tisak), including at the airport. It is cheaper to buy a ticket here than from a driver. Many locals use Stored Value electronic chip cards to pay for the ride. These can be bought at ZET company offices for €1.33 and need to be charged with money in advance. They are also used for the multiple day tickets. The advantage is that they are easier to use than paper tickets, as buses and trams often have fewer machines that accept paper tickets (one by the first and one by the last tram doors, the latter only in low-floor trams). If you want a cheaper short-duration option, you need to select it on the display before waving the chip card, otherwise you'll buy a 1.5-hour ticket. Another easy option is to buy tickets by smartphone using the MOJ ZET app (iOS, Android) which can be topped up in euro increments using a credit card. You purchase tickets on the app and then activate them by reading the blue QR

See

Caution: Several of Zagreb's historical buildings sustained damage due to a moderate earthquake that struck the city in March 2020 and are temporarily closed until repairs are finished. The city of Zagreb is mainly divided into two parts Gornji grad (Upper Town) and Donji grad (Lower Town). They are the cultural, religious, and commercial hubs of Zagreb. These are where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located. The Upper Town, which is the medieval core of the city, developed as two separate (and often warring) towns - Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop (where the imposing Cathedral now stands), and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived (proclaimed by King Bela of Hungary in the 12th century) merged in the 1770s to form the northern section of historic Zagreb. Following this, the city expanded south of today's Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića (Jelačić Square) to the railway station and the Sava River. Apart from the two main parts, the City of Zagreb is extended both north-south and east-west. The northern part consists of the mountains and wilderness while the Southern part extends beyond the River Sava and consists of modern Zagreb and is known as Novi Zagreb. So Zagreb can be classified under five areas:

Upper Town (Gornji Grad) Lower Town (Donji Grad) Northern Zagreb Trnje New Zagreb (Novi Zagreb) 1 Museum of Hangovers (Muzej mamurluka), Vlaška 55 (about a 5–7 min walk east from Ban Jelačić Square), ☏ +385 98819747, [email protected]. Specialty museum about nightlife culture and hangovers; interactive exhibits and short visit (45–60 min). (updated Sep 2025)

Gornji Grad (Upper Town) Churches and religious structures:

2 Zagreb Cathedral (Kaptol). It is closed due to March 2020 earthquake damage. The Zagreb Cathedral with its twin spires is the most well known landmark of the city. The original cathedral dates back to 1217 but the present structure dates to 1906. The chief architect was Hermann Bollé. Free. (updated Aug 2021) 3 St. Mark's Square (Crkva sv. Marka) (St. Mark's Square). St. Mark's Church is known for its colourful roof tiles depicting the coat of arms of Croatia and Zagreb. St. Mark's Church was constructed in 1499. Free. (updated Jul 2015) 4 St. Catherine's Church (Crkva sv. Katarine), St. Catherine's Square (Upper Town). Baroque style church 5 Old Town Gate, at the top of Radićeva street (Upper Town). now a shrine to virgin Mary - the "Kamenita vrata" where you can light a candle and, as the locals believe, your wish will be granted. Please be silent, even if just passing through the Gate. The po

Do

Strossmayerovo šetalište (Strossmayer's walkway). In the summer, it is an outdoor scene for painters, musicians and other artists offering food, drinks, performances and concerts. Popular meeting place for all ages, with a great view of the Lower Town. Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall (Koncertna dvorana Vatroslava Lisinskog), Trg Stjepana Radića 4. (updated Sep 2023) Football: GNK Dinamo Zagreb play soccer in HNL, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Maksimir (capacity 28,000) 2 km east of city centre. NK Lokomotiva also play in HNL, at Stadion Kranjčevićeva (capacity 5000) 1 km southwest of city centre. NK Rudeš were promoted in 2026 so they too play in HNL. Their home ground is 3 km west of city centre but they sometimes use the Lokomotiva ground, Stadion Kranjčevićeva. Snow Queen Trophy. Ladies Night Slalom : Zagreb is the only capital in the world that hosts a Ski World Cup race. The slalom event - known as the "Snow Queen Trophy" (Snježna kraljica) - usually takes place in January. It is the most expensive race on the women's world cup tour and an exceptionally popular sporting event in Croatia that attracts a crowd of around 25 thousand people. Mount Sljeme. Part of the Medvednica mountains, this is the highest mountain (1,035 m) of Zagreb and quite popular with hiking, trail running. Take Tram 8 or 14 to the last stop (Mihaljevac) and then change to tram 15 to the Gračansko dolje terminus. From here you can either take the cable car (ZET card accepted) or start your hike. You can also go up by bus 140 (Mihaljevac-Sljeme) or car. Different trails exist with good views and restaurants on the top where you can enjoy some traditional Croatian hiking food.

Cinemas Foreign language movies are subtitled, not dubbed; only children's movies are dubbed. A regular ticket will cost you €6-7. About €4 is the combined price of a medium popcorn and cola. Main cinema chains are CineStar and Cineplexx:

CineStar Zagreb, Branimirova 29. (updated Sep 2023) CineStar Novi Zagreb, Avenija Dubrovnik 16. (updated Sep 2023) CineStar Arena IMAX, Ulica Vice Vukova 6. (updated Sep 2023) Kaptol Boutique Cinema, Nova Ves 17. (updated Sep 2023) CineStar Zagreb Zapad Z Centar, Ljubljanska avenija 2b. (updated Sep 2023) Cineplexx Centar Kaptol, Nova Ves 11, ☏ +385 1 56-33-888. A multiplex cinema (5 screens) within the Kaptol Shopping Centre north of the Cathedral. (updated Sep 2023) Cineplexx City Centre One East, Slavonska Avenija 11D, ☏ +385 1 563-2400. A multiplex cinema (7 screens) on the east side of Zagreb. (updated Sep 2023) Kino Europa, Varšavska 3.

Buy

There are many small grocery stores around Croatia such as Konzum and Diona. There you can buy most necessary foods, hygiene products and items like cigarettes and alcohol. If you have a more specific need (like appliances, cutlery) or wish to go bulk shopping then try one of the larger Konzums or Kaufland. Bread in Croatia is sold unsliced, and with no preservatives used is generally inedible after the second day, so if you don't eat bread much then ask for half a loaf ("pola"). Most international brands, like Nutella or M&Ms, can be found in the larger stores but are rather expensive. Trying a domestic alternatives is not a bad idea. Zagreb also has designated areas, the singular being a "platz", where you can buy and bargain for clothes and shoes as well as perfume, chocolate and souvenirs. Illegally imported cigarettes are also cheap (because of high importation taxes).

Souvenirs Turistički Informativni Centar, Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 11 (in the central squar). Sells everything ranging from postcards and books to pottery and crystal GEA Gallery, Radićeva Street 35. a wide range of souvenirs that are handmade in Croatia and are very reasonably priced. Very knowledgeable staff. Millennium, Radiceva 9 (off Jelacic square). Pottery, crystal, costume jewellery, and other gifts.

Foreign books Znanje Bookshop, Gajeva 1. Profil Megastore, Bogovićeva 7.

Eat

Tobacco smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and some bars and cafes. The smaller bars and cafes could opt (and some did) to allow smoking.

Budget There are many take out, pizza-cut, sandwich bars and fast foods around the city. Most are located in the city centre (main square - Ban Jelačić and surrounding blocks). There are also food chains such as the "McDonald's", "Mlinar", "Pan Pek", and the preferred "Dubravica". (updated May 2022). You can also find many kebabs and pancake-to-go places.

In the city centre 1 Nocturno, Skalinska 4 (on Kaptol, between Tkalčićeva street and Cathedral), ☏ +385 1 4813-394. Good place to try the local gastronomy. An excellent restaurant with a variety of offers and helpful staff and a pleasant atmosphere. (updated May 2022) 2 Sandwich Bar Pingvin, Nikole Tesle 10 (on one of the central streets, close to the Flower Square and Trg Ban Jelcica), ☏ +385 1 48 11 446. Classic sandwich bar with a wide menu and reasonably good mix of languages. One of the most popular dishes is the toplo/hladno (hot/cold), a grilled chicken and vegetables sandwich. (updated May 2022) 3 La Štruk, Skalinska ul. 5. One of Zagreb's oldest fast food spots. Highly recommended are the grilled cheese sandwich, the grilled stuffed lungic and the zagrebacki sandwich. (updated May 2022) 4 Taquitos Bandidos, Radićeva ul. 12. Exactly what street food should be. Simple, fast, tasty and well thought out creative dishes that surprise you and overdeliver. Try their amazing chipotle sauce! It's Mexican street food. (updated May 2022) 5 Plac Kitchen & Grill, Dolac 2. Tasty Cevapcici sausages, fast service and not expensive. Fantastic peppers, cevapi and great special burgers. The restaurant is a bit hidden. (updated May 2022) 6 Bistro Dolac, Dolac 1. Somewhat of a Zagreb institution. The decoration is very "old school" (high ceilings, pot plants, yellow walls, functional furniture). (updated May 2022) Amfora, Dolec 2. Seafood Restaurant (updated Sep 2023)

Around the central train station 7 MS Grill Restaurant, Draškovićeva ul. 57. It's a family owned local restaurant. The staff is very nice and welcoming (updated May 2022)

Mid-range 8 Restaurant Kvatric, Maksimirska 9, ☏ +385 1 2330 070. Croatian restaurant with very nice food for a reasonable price. Has a nice terrance in the back garden. Close to tramstop 'Kvaternikov Trg'. (updated Aug 2022) 9 Mali Medo, Tkalčićeva 36, ☏ +385 1 4929 613. Another traditional Croatian restaurant. Lively atmosphere, youthful clientele, and all very affordable. Excellent ćevapčići and g

Drink & nightlife

Bars and pubs Many bars are found around Flower square (Cvjetni trg aka Preradovićev trg), the main square (Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića), Preradovićeva, Tkalčićeva, Radićeva, Bogovićeva, and Gajeva streets.

Booksa, Martićeva 14d. A cafe, bookshop and library famous with local young intellectuals. Cica, Tkalčićeva. Bar mostly known for its great and varied choice of the local schnappses (rakija). Interesting always changing, gallery-like interior. The whole bar is small but offers outdoor seating. Very popular and crowded, brimming with young business and student clientele. Funk club, Tkalčićeva 52, ☏ +385 98 672 338. 11:00-02:00. Cafe and bar that offers various music night programmes in the basement (mostly alternative, DJs, world music) and spacial backpacker evenings. Very good atmosphere, lots of character, cheap and tasty Rakija shoots and excellent electronic music: funky, electro, jazz, d'n'b, house, dubstep. Golf, Preradovićeva. Until 02:00. Popular golf-themed cafe/bar. KIC, Preradovićeva. Offers free internet and cheap international call centre. Hosts a cinema with various alternative movies. Kino Grič, Jurišićeva. Old cinema. Hosts movies, festivals, music nights and Zagreb's hipster crowd. Krivi Put (Wrong Way), Savska 14. Mali Medo, Tkalčićeva. Offers a good choice of local beer and food. Indoors smoking prohibited. Has a terrace facing Tkalčićeva street. Melin, Tkalčićeva. A cheap bar brimming with young people and students. Offers indoors, a roofed terraced leveled seating and an open terrace facing Tkalčićeva street. Known for crowds of people often drinking even around the bar, in the park and playground in front of it. Oliver Twist, Tkalčićeva. A choice of good Irish beer with a great atmosphere. Big summer terrace in front. Cafe de Paris Pivnica Medvedgrad. Portal, Tkalčićeva. Next to Melin, offers same service, the Portal and Melin crowds often mix at the outdoors terraces. Purgeraj, Park Ribnjak. A bar/club in the Ribnjak park in the city centre. Offers mostly rock, blues and alternative music. Daily happy hour when you get two drinks for the price of one. Sometimes hosts concerts. Popular with student crowd esp on Thursdays when it hosts the popular "take me out" evening offering a mix of indie and alternative music. In the summer, outside Purgeraj, in the Ribnjak park there are live concerts and various workshops offering summer fun under the name 'Park In Zagreb'. Tolkien's House, Opatovina. A small fantasy cafe/bar for Tolkien lovers. Offers a variety of beers, cider and hot drinks. ŽeraBar, Malogor

Sleep

Budget

Hostels 1 Whole Wide World Hostel, Kačićeva Ulica 3, 10000 Zagreb (Get off the tram at stop Britanski trg. Follow the tram until the street Ulica Andrije Kačića Miošića. Hostel is on the left), ☏ +385 01 4847516, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Lively backpacker hostel with a bar 28€. (updated May 2026) 2 Chillout Hostel Zagreb, Fra Andrije Kačića Miošića 3b, ☏ +385 14849605, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. A hostel in the city centre, free linen, free towels, free wifi, 24-hr bar and reception From €25. (updated Sep 2023) 3 Fulir Hostel Zagreb. 2 rooms, including a 12-bed dorm. Great place to meet people, but can be a wait to use the bathroom. (updated Sep 2023) Funk Lounge, Ivana Rendića 28b (from main train station: take a tram number 4 (direction Dubec), and get off on the 7th station (Masiceva); continue along Maksimirska street until you see 'Dublin Pub' across the street on your left side, cross the street and go behind 'Dublin' on the right side in 15-storey building; just by Mlinar bakery and hair stylist is the entrance), ☏ +385 1 555 2707, [email protected]. Check-in: from 13:00, check-out: until 11:00. dorm from: €13, private from: €20. 4 Hobo Bear Hostel, Meduliceva 4. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. A cozy hostel very near the town centre. There is a basement hang out lounge with a TV, including cable and many DVDs, as well as free (fast) internet and computers. The staff is amazingly helpful and speak perfect English, the beds are comfortable and come with free linens and blankets, and there is also a well stocked kitchen facility. Dorm bed: €14. (updated Sep 2023) Hostel Lika, Pašmanska 17. Small and cozy hostel a bit out of the city centre. Dorm bed: €13.5. (updated Sep 2023) Hostel Mali Mrak Zagreb, Dubicka 8. Dorm bed: €13.5. (updated Sep 2023) Nokturno Hostel, Skalinska 2a. Free internet access, free linens and towels. From €11. (updated Sep 2023) Logistics Youth Centre, Jakuševečka 87, ☏ +385 1 6626 035. Logistic youth centre, also works as a regional information centre. From the host, you can get complete information about everything that interests you. The space has 10 rooms, lobby with fireplace, dining room, kitchen and a cinema hall, where you can stream movies from your laptop. The most interesting part is the terrace with space for tents and 30 seats. Located further from downtown, but the centre has its own bus which runs as needed. Parking for approximately 30 vehicles. Old Town Zagreb Hostel, Dordiceva 24 (Ulica Ignjata Dordica). Dorm

Go next

Samobor - a picturesque medieval town with well preserved old lore and long tourist tradition. 25 km west of Zagreb, accessible by bus (~30 min distance from Zagreb, ticket price ~€3). Sisak - a beautiful town at the intersection of 3 rivers with long history. 50 km southeast of Zagreb, accessible by fast train (about 30 min), and bus. Vrbovec - a town for all who would like to see the typical way of Croatian life. 32 km northeast of Zagreb, accessible by bus. Karlovac - a stunning town at the intersection of 4 rivers. 45 km southwest of Zagreb, accessible by bus. Zapresic -Town next to Zagreb, place of life and death of one of the most prominent Croatian historical figure- ban (semi-ruler of Croatia) Josip Jelacic Ljubljana, Slovenia. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is easily reachable by a direct bus. It offers an interesting mix of cultures in a beautiful landscape.