8 Delightful Attractions in Zagreb that You Need To Explore

Zagreb, Croatia’s laid-back capital, exudes a charm that’s neither glitzy like Paris nor cutting-edge like Berlin, but gentle: with cobbled alleys, sun-dappled parks and quirky museums that provoke laughter and contemplation alike. It’s a city best savoured slowly, with coffee in hand and curiosity in tow. Whether you’re into architecture, history or cultural discovery, you’re in for a treat with Zagreb’s unique blend of old-world allure and offbeat modernity.

Here are our top picks for what to see in the Croatian capital.

Standing guard over Zagreb since the 13th century, whitewashed Lotrščak Tower was built to guard the southern gate of the city walls. Today, it remains the city’s most beloved timekeeper. Every day at noon, the Grič Cannon fires from its heights, a tradition that began in 1877 to help the city folk synchronise their church bells and watches. Local legend has it, though, that the cannon helped repel Ottoman forces at the end of the 16th century, scaring away the enemy commander when a cannonball landed on his silver lunch platter. This may just be a fun tale, but what’s definitely true is that this attraction in Zagreb is boomingly loud, so brace yourself as noon approaches. A climb up the narrow spiral staircase brings you to panoramic views that stretch to the distant Sava River and beyond.

• Strossmayerovo šetalište 9, 10000, Zagreb
• Open Tue-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat & Sun 11am-8pm
• Tickets €3 (adults), €2 (children 7-18)
• A 7-minute uphill walk from Ban Josip Jelačić Square

The twin spires of Zagreb Cathedral (officially the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) rise above the rooftops, a symbol of the city’s spiritual and historical journey. Standing at over 100 metres, these towers have guided travellers home since 1880, though the cathedral’s story stretches back to medieval times. The original Romanesque structure, built in the 11th century, survived Mongol invasions and Ottoman sieges. But in 1880, an earthquake levelled much of Zagreb, including the cathedral. The current neo-Gothic masterpiece is the work of architect Hermann Bollé, who was also responsible for many of the city’s other landmarks, including Mirogoj Cemetery, his own final resting place. The cathedral is currently closed for restoration works, but it’s still worth coming by early in the morning or in the evening for a peaceful, almost meditative experience in its square.

• Kaptol 31, 10000, Zagreb
• A 4-minute walk from Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Easily one of Zagreb’s most unusual attractions, the Museum of Broken Relationships is a fascinating journey of human emotion. It all started when the two founders, both artists, broke up and joked about who would get what. Instead of dividing up their stuff, they created a space for everyone’s heartbreak in an eye-catching Baroque palace. Among the thousands of items donated by lovelorn souls worldwide, you’ll find everything from a never-worn wedding dress to a single flip-flop left behind by a departing lover, each accompanied by its own unique story. Heart-wrenching, funny and deeply human, this museum is a place where you’ll probably linger longer than expected, and leave feeling lighter, with the understanding that heartbreak is a shared human experience.

• Ćirilometodska ul. 2, 10000, Zagreb
• Open daily 9am-10pm (summer), 9am-9pm (winter)
• Tickets €7 (adults), €5.50 (concession)
• An 8-minute walk from Ban Josip Jelačić Square

With its glowing yellow façade, grand Corinthian columns and sculpted domes, the Croatian National Theatre is both a stunning landmark and a cultural cornerstone amid Zagreb’s attractions. Opened in 1895 with a flourish by Emperor Franz Joseph I himself, the theatre has staged everything from opera and ballet to avant-garde drama. Inside, you’re greeted by a masterpiece of neo-Baroque elegance, with gilded balconies, a massive chandelier and ceiling frescoes painted by Viennese artist Alexander Goltz. Wondering which performance to attend? If you’re an opera lover, the acoustics are said to be among the finest in Europe.

• Trg Republike Hrvatske 15, 10000, Zagreb
• A 12-minute walk from Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Behind an elegant 19th-century façade, the Ethnographic Museum Zagreb is an underappreciated attraction that offers a deep dive into Croatia’s rich folk traditions. Here, you’ll find the country’s most comprehensive collection of traditional folk art, costumes and crafts, plus displays on rural life, religious customs and seasonal festivals. What makes this museum special are the stories that the tens of thousands of artefacts tell about Croatian communities, from Adriatic fishing villages to Pannonian plains. An absolute must-see? The museum’s textile collection, featuring intricate lacework from the island of Pag as well as embroidered costumes decorated with gold thread or adorned with coral jewellery. There are also temporary exhibitions, which often explore current social themes like colonial heritage and gender stereotypes.

• Trg Antuna, Ivana i Vladimira Mažuranića 14, 10000, Zagreb
• Open Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat & Sun 10am-1pm
• Tickets €4 (adults), €3 (concession), €7 (family)
• Just south of the Croatian National Theatre, and a 15-minute walk from Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Maksimir Park may be the city’s go-to green space, but there’s another lesser-known attraction in Zagreb worth checking out. Across the Sava River in Novi Zagreb lies Bundek Park, a revitalised urban oasis anchored by a tranquil lake and surrounded by lush meadows, modern walkways and tall poplars. Once a neglected marshland, the area was transformed in the early 2000s into a sprawling park perfect for everything from family outings to quiet solo strolls. In summer, it’s a hub of outdoor activity: joggers circle the lake, kids clamber over wooden playgrounds and couples laze under shade trees. The artificial beach even tempts brave swimmers. Come here for early-morning fishing, tai chi sessions or just to gaze at the swans. If you’re visiting in May, the FloraArt flower festival transforms the space with stunning garden installations, while in winter, the lake becomes an impromptu ice-skating rink when temperatures drop sufficiently.

• Ul. Damira Tomljanovića, 10000, Zagreb
• Open 24 hours
• Buses 219, 220 or 221 from the city centre

A striking contrast to Zagreb’s historic charm, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an architectural statement in glass and concrete that matches the innovation of the art it houses. Opened in 2009, it’s Croatia’s largest and most important contemporary art institution, showcasing everything from provocative installations to experimental film, conceptual art and interactive exhibits. Inside, you’ll find works by Croatian pioneers such as Ivan Kožarić, Sanja Iveković and Julije Knifer, as well as pieces by international artists like Carsten Höller, whose playful, twisting double slide from the top of the museum into the parking lot isn’t just for kids. Yes, you can ride it too. And yes, you absolutely should. In summer, the rooftop becomes a cultural stage, hosting outdoor concerts and movie screenings under the stars, and loved by locals for its atmosphere and sweeping skyline views.

• Avenija Dubrovnik 17, 10000, Zagreb
• Open Tue-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
• Tickets €11 (adults), €7 (concession)
• Trams 6 or 14 from the city centre

North of Zagreb, Medvedgrad is a well-preserved 13th-century fortress perched on the southern slopes of forested Medvednica Mountain. It was built after the Mongol invasions of 1242, and once protected the vulnerable citizens of Zagreb from further attacks. Today, its restored ramparts and towers offer not just history, but some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Zagreb and its attractions below.

Wander through its inner courtyard and climb the towers, from which, on clear days, you can see all the way to the Sava River. At the base of the south tower, pause for a moment at the Altar of the Homeland, a solemn monument dedicated to fallen soldiers. On the last weekend in September, a medieval-themed fair offers the chance to witness knights’ battles, taste medieval recipes and meet figures from local folklore, including witches. If hiking is more your thing, trails connect Medvedgrad to the charming village of Sljeme and other peaks in Medvednica Nature Park.

• Himper ul. 16, 10000, Zagreb
• Open Tue-Sun 9am-3pm
• Tickets for the visitor centre start at €8 (adults) and €5 (children)
• A 30-minute drive from city-centre Zagreb

Whether you come to the Croatian capital for its medieval towers or modern installations, romantic ruins or striking performance halls, you’ll find Zagreb’s attractions reward curiosity with authenticity. In this city of gentle contrasts – old and new, solemn and quirky – you may just find that the best discoveries are the ones you weren’t looking for.