What to do and see in Zagreb, Central Croatia: The Best Free Things to do

January 18, 2022 Darwin Bolte

Zagreb got its start as two medieval fortress towns atop hills overlooking the Sava River, and was reborn in the Baroque period as center of business, perfectly located on routes connecting Central Europe to the Adriatic Sea. These days, Zagreb is the heart of contemporary Croatia’s culture, art, sports, and academics, but its history is not forgotten. The unique blend of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, open-air markets, and ancient cathedrals, make Zagreb the perfect city to explore.
Restaurants in Zagreb

1. St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka)

Trg Sv. Marka 5, Zagreb 10000 Croatia 485 1611 http://www.zg-nadbiskupija.hr/nadbiskupija/zupe?zupeid=169
Excellent
49%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,579 reviews

St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka)

This 19-century church replaced an original one from the 13th century and includes many works of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia's most famous sculptor.

Reviewed By gazza110

Seen as a symbol of the city of Zagreb, St Mark's Church is situated in the upper part of the city. The colourful roof displays a couple of coats of arms.

2. Maksimir Park (Maksimirirski perivoj)

Bukovacka, Zagreb 10000 Croatia http://www.park-maksimir.hr
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 535 reviews

Maksimir Park (Maksimirirski perivoj)

This 18th-century, 18 hectare park also houses the city zoo.

Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States

What a lovely park. There's plenty of green space to have a picnic, play with your pup, do yoga, etc., and trails to stroll along or run on. Maksimir is an ideal place to get outdoors while staying in the city.

3. Mirogoj Cemetery

Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27, Zagreb 10000 Croatia +385 1 4696 700 https://www.visitzagreb.hr/zagreb/mirogoj-cemetery/
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,362 reviews

Mirogoj Cemetery

This cemetery contains world-class artwork and atmosphere.

Reviewed By Myfanwyfood - Perth, Australia

This is a most beautifully maintained large cemetery with many important political and influential Croatian leaders buried here as well as being a peaceful resting place available for local residents.

4. Cathedral of the Assumption

Kaptol 31, Zagreb 10000 Croatia +385 1 4814 727 http://www.glas-koncila.hr/katedrala.html
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,778 reviews

Cathedral of the Assumption

Reviewed By JulieM531 - Wellington, New Zealand

Magnificent set up on the hill above the city. Majestic, beautiful, even though one tower is shrouded with scaffolding. Walking inside we were overwhelmed by the peaceful serenity, beauty of the architecture, the many glorious stained glass windows, the statues and altar. We lit candles for recently departed dear friends and their grieving families and felt an extra special peace and comfort as we walked away. Truly a very special place to visit. So good for the soul to find such peace in today's world ...

5. King Tomislav Square

Trg Kralja Tomislava, Zagreb 10000 Croatia http://www.samobor.hr/en/visit/king-tomislav-square-p389
Excellent
39%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 403 reviews

King Tomislav Square

King Tomislav Square represents the very center of the town. Its vibrant atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists to enjoy sitting on the terraces with a coffee, cream cakes and open views. All the buildings on the square are listed as heritage buildings.

Reviewed By dalilazap - Acireale, Italy

Durante l’avvento di Zagabria, in questa grande piazza c’è una bellissima pista di pattinaggio. Ci siamo divertiti tantissimo, adatta anche a chi non sa pattinare bene. During Zagreb’s Advent, there is a wonderful ice-skating track on this square. We had a lot of fun, and it’s good also for those that can’t skate so well.

6. Zrinjevac

Zagreb Croatia
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 510 reviews

Zrinjevac

Reviewed By planetogra - Tewantin, Australia

Because of its extensive green park, flower beds, trees, fountains & proximity to Jelicic Square in the centre of Zagreb, many locals can be seen simply enjoying this space. The Meteorological Pole, The First Fountain & the wrought iron Bandstand are all features within its green borders. Zrinjevic is the northern square in Lenuci's Green Horseshoe, & is an ideal starting point for a walk to take in beautiful parks, grand buidings, statues & much more.

7. Jarun Lake

Zagreb Croatia http://www.jarun.hr
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 356 reviews

Jarun Lake

Reviewed By IsabellaSRome - Rome, Italy

Jarun Lake is perfect place in a large city to go running,cycling and as well stop to have a coffee.Around the lake there is an excellent road, the length is about 7 km.This is a nice place to relax with a few cocktails and some friends. Jarun is beautiful and clean. Amazing at night for couples.

8. Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Zagreb 10000 Croatia +385 95 654 6544 http://www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr/&lang=en
Excellent
57%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,204 reviews

Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Reviewed By O6990UKfrankd

The upper town is truly the center of Zagreb and provides a glimpse into the early days of this city. Take the funicular up from the new part of town and stroll past the houses of government, St Mark's church, and the last remaining city rampart. As you work your way down through the Bloody Bridge and the market, recall the historic origins of Zagreb!

9. Lower Town

Zagreb Croatia +385 95 654 6544 http://www.oldzagreb.com
Excellent
47%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 733 reviews

Lower Town

Reviewed By AustraliaDebra

Zagreb is a truly beautiful city and the Lower Town has an amazing church and loads of bars. Also for the girls, there are more shoe shops in this area than any other I have ever been to. Great market in the mornings, and the bars are good for people watching. Grab yourself a 1/2 litre of local beer for 16 - 18 kuna and sit back and enjoy.

10. Medvednica mountain (Sljeme)

Zagreb Croatia http://www.pp-medvednica.hr/Medvednica_en/Medvednica_en.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 232 reviews

Medvednica mountain (Sljeme)

Reviewed By chekid88 - Porec, Croatia

The place to relax, as well as some great hiking trips with friends or alone. You can approach it in many ways, via Lukšići, Šestine or Gračani. If you get to the top, be sure to visit some nice caffe bars near the tower. For religious people, there is a nice chapel near the tower. Overall, altough it is currently lacking some aditional activies, it is a perfect family trip or alone activity. Definitely recommended!

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