Zagreb is the city where I (Igor) grew up until I was ten years old. Zagreb is the city that took me in after I fled during the Yugoslavian war and I spent part of my childhood there. Zagreb is the city where part of my family still lives today. Zagreb is the city that will have a very special place in my heart all my life.

But after moving to Switzerland, I didn’t have much idea how beautiful the city is. So it was perfect in the context of our trip across the Balkans to also take some time and really discover Zagreb. So we planned a tour across the capital of Croatia from early in the morning until late in the evening.

In order to see as much of Zagreb as possible in one day, there are different routes. Also, of course, it depends on what you personally are most interested in and what you really want to see. Since we liked our little discovery trip through Zagreb so much and we had the feeling to have seen a lot of beautiful places, we would like to share our route herewith.

#1 Central Station

The best way to start the day is to park your car at the main train station and explore Zagreb on foot for the rest of the day.

#2 Art pavilion

Quite nearby is the Art Pavilion with a beautiful view of the main building, across the garden in front. Dreamlike beautiful.

#3 Zrinjevac Park

On the way to the city center you will also pass the breathtaking Zrinjevac Park. A perfect place to get away from it all in the beautiful nature of the city center.

#4 Ban Jelačić Square

Further in the center is the famous Ban Jelačić Square, or as we call it in Croatian, Trg Bana Jelačića.

#5 Cathedral of Zagreb

Just next to it is the Cathedral of Zagreb. This beautiful building is known from many photos from the capital.

#6 Tkalčićeva street

Since such a day full of discoveries can be quite rigorous, we can only recommend in the Tkalčićeva street to give you a little time out. Here there is a huge offer of cozy cafes, bars and restaurants.

#7 Kamenita Vrata

On the way to other famous places in Zagreb you will also pass by the Stone Gate. Kamenita Vrata, as it is called in Croatian, is one of the oldest remaining reminders of old Zagreb.

#8 St. Marcus Church

Probably one of the most famous places in Zagreb is St. Marcus Church. The large coats of arms on the roof are a part of today’s Croatian coat of arms and make the sight of the church all the more beautiful.

#9 Lotrščak Tower

Still in the upper half of the city, be sure to arrive at the Lotrščak Tower before noon and wait here for 12:00 noon sharp. Every day, without exception, a cannon fires here to mark the noon hour. Do not be frightened! We warned you.

#10 Plato Gradec

Also still above, the entire Plato Gradec is worth it to take a short break and enjoy the modern facilities. We in any case had our fun.

#11 Donji Grad

If you want to go back to Donji Grad, the lower part of the city, you will come to the famous Uspinjača on the way. The cable car runs a few times an hour between Gornji Grad (upper part of the city) and Donji Grad (lower part of the city). The route is also very doable on foot.

#12 Ilica street

Arrived in the lower part of the city, a short walk in the Ilica Street can not be missed. This is one of the longest streets in the city and invites you to linger. Also, everyone can easily leave a lot of money in the numerous stores around.

#13 Croatian National Theater

During a perfect day in Zagreb, a short visit to the Croatian National Theater is a must. The beautiful building shines in the typical yellow, surrounded by numerous flowers around it. A perfect end to a more perfect day in Zagreb.

This city is so exciting, colorful and diverse at the same time. Even if it is not located by the sea like Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, or Pula, everyone should plan a small detour in the metropolis during a visit to Croatia. This city is something very special. Don’t miss out on all the exciting sights, just feel the charm of the city and enjoy the flair. If you let yourself, you will quickly discover how many ways you can fall in love with Zagreb.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $50 / night

Snack: $1 – $6 / meal

Pleasure: $4 / event

Activity: $8 / event