One day in Zagreb itinerary – What to do in Zagreb in 24h

If you only have one day in Zagreb, don’t worry! You can easily check off its highlights and fall in love with Croatia’s quirky capital city. 

Zagreb is the largest city in Croatia, known for its coffee culture, eccentric museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships, the historic upper town, and the daily cannon shot from Lotrščak Tower. 

It feels like a completely different world from Croatia’s other popular destinations, straying from Mediterranean summer vibes to more Central European city life.

If you’re wondering what to do in Zagreb in one day, this itinerary will help you pack in as much as humanly possible. 

One day in Zagreb Itinerary

Morning – 

9:00 AM – Coffee with a View at Strossmayer Promenade

The coffee culture in Zagreb is huge! There’s even a joke that Croatians don’t drink coffee, they experience it. With that being the case, there are an endless number of vibey cafes to enjoy in Zagreb.

Grab a coffee to go and wander the Strossmayer Promenade. It is a shady, tree-lined walkway with views over Zagreb’s lower town. It was one of my favorite places in Zagreb to sit, people watch, and immerse myself in local life. Sip your coffee and soak in your initial impression of the city. 

9:30 AM – Ban Jelačić Square & Dolac Market

After enjoying the promenade, head to the heart of Zagreb’s old town, Ban Jelačić Square. The square gets its name from a 19th-century political and historical hero. It has a large statue of him on his horse in its center. 

Ban Jelačić Square is a central plaza with cafes, pop-up markets, walking tours, and locals crossing paths. Many of the trams connect here as well. 

Climb the few steps from the square to Dolac Market, a colourful open-air market that has been operating since the 1930s. It is filled with booths of fresh produce, cured meats, homemade cheeses, and locals doing their shopping. 

Grab a snack from one of the vendors – I recommend a warm burek, which is a flaky pastry filled with cheeses and/or meats.

10:30 AM – Upper Town Walking Tour (Gornji Grad)

This walking tour is a must with only a day in Zagreb and it will take you through all of Gornji Grad stopping at lesser-known courtyards, St. Mark’s Church (with its LEGO-looking tiled roof), the Stone Gate, the Lotrscak Tower to hear the daily cannon shooting at noon, and more.

The tour meets in Zrinjevac Park and explores Zagreb’s top sights in the upper town for 2.5 hours. You’ll stop at the Zagreb Cathedral, the WWII Gric Tunnel, ride the shortest funicular in the world, and more. 

Gornji Grad is the oldest part of Zagreb and gets its name from its location on a hill above the rest of the city. It has winding cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings reflecting medieval and baroque architecture, and red-roofed buildings.

Book your Zagreb Walking Tour

Afternoon – 

1:00 PM – Lunch at a Traditional Croatian Restaurant

You’re going to be hungry after walking around the city so much already. Make your way to La Štruk, one of Zagreb’s best restaurants. They have a small, cozy atmosphere with a nice outdoor patio in summer.

Their food is delicious and was recommended by a local (so you know it’s good). They specialize in štrukli – a baked or boiled pastry dish with fresh cheese.

2:00 PM – The Museum of Broken Relationships

This small museum is a Zagreb must see and captures the quirkiness of the city, just make sure to book your skip-the-line tickets in advance so you’re not wasting time on this packed day in Zagreb.

It has a collection of personal objects and breakup stories from around the world. Some are funny and others make you sad, but it’s one of the most unique museums you’ll ever visit. Spend about an hour exploring the different displays and reading through the stories.

Book your Museum of Broken Relationships skip-the-line tickets

3:00 See What’s Happening in Art Park 

Zagreb’s Art Park was once a sketchy abandoned park. It was transformed into a unique space where local artists of all varieties host demonstrations and workshops all summer.

It’s a mix of movie screenings, painting classes, art galleries, and more. There is a children’s playground built in the park now, and places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

4:00 PM – Wander through Zrinjevac Park & the Green Horseshoe

One of the best things to do in Zagreb is visit a park. Even though you met your tour guide in Zrinjevac earlier in the day, I highly recommend returning to explore it on its own. Zrinjevac Park is considered one of the best in Zagreb’s “Green Horseshoe,” a series of beautiful parks laid out in a U-shape through the city center. 

It has fountains, music pavilions, and old buildings. Spend some time resting under the trees and maybe even grab a gelato from a nearby vendor. Take this time to relax and enjoy the feeling of being immersed in Zagreb’s daily life.

If you’re not too tired, you can keep walking to King Tomislav Square and the Botanical Garden. These are two other stops in the Green Horseshoe. King Tomislav Square has a grand fountain out front. 

Evening – 

6:00 PM – Visit Zagreb’s Museum of Illusions

After relaxing in Zagreb’s scenic parks, head back to the centre of town for the evening. Before dinner, sneak in a visit to the Museum of Illusions. This strange museum is all about challenging your perception with over 70 exhibits. There are puzzles to solve and several illusions that challenge your eyes and your mind. You’ll leave with some crazy photos too! 

The museum is small so can easily be explored in a couple of hours, just make sure to grab your ticket in advance.

Book your Museum of Illusions ticket

8 PM –  Dinner in Tkalčićeva Street

Tkalčićeva Street (locals call it simply “Tkalča”) is Zagreb’s strip lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants. There are tons of food options, but here are three recommendations:

• Ožujsko pub Tkalča – If you want to sample local beer, this restaurant is owned by one of Croatia’s best breweries. They serve elevated pub food ranging from Zagreb Steak and calamari to burgers. 
• Mali Medo – Another brewery-owned restaurant with an amazing atmosphere. They have live music and a bustling patio in the summer. They have great pub food offerings and even some vegan options.
• Batak – If you want more of an upscale place, Batak serves Balkan style barbecue. They have stylish decorations, amazing service, and a lengthy wine list. 

Pro tip: If you get your heart set on a particular place, make a reservation in advance. These are popular spots in Zagreb. 

9:30 PM – Drinks at a Cozy Bar

If you’re not completely wiped out from a busy day in Zagreb, grab a drink at one of the city’s cozy cocktail bars.

You’ll find plenty of spots right along Tkalčićeva, but I also recommend Roots Bar for its top-notch cocktails. 

There are also some pretty great pub crawls in Zagreb if you want a deeper taste of the nightlife scene. If you’re after a fun night out, I recommend you join this Pub Crawl — it includes unlimited drinks and club entry!

Where to stay in Zagreb

With only one day in Zagreb, it’s best to be central. The best area is around Ban Jelačić Square or the lower town. You’ll be walking distance to all the major sights, great restaurants, and the lively evening scene, meaning you can squeeze every last moment out of your 24 hours.

How many days in Zagreb?

You can see most of the main highlights of Zagreb in one day. A second day would allow you to dive deeper into the museums and cafe culture, but a single day in Zagreb is enough to get a taste of what the capital city has to offer. 

Getting to Zagreb

Zagreb is super easy to reach, whether you’re flying in or arriving by land. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• By Plane: Zagreb’s Franjo Tuđman Airport is about 30 minutes from the city center. There are international flights in and out of Zagreb daily from all over the world. For example, my partner took a direct flight home to Canada from Zagreb. Many hotels offer airport shuttles and Uber is available in the city.
• By Train: The main railway station is just a 10-minute walk from the lower town. You can catch a train from other cities like Split, and international destinations like Vienna and Budapest. While travelling within Croatia, buses are often easier but trains are still worth checking. 
• By Bus: Zagreb’s main bus station is well-connected to the city center by tram. Buses from other Croatian destinations (and some international routes) arrive here daily. They are easy and comfortable to take. I booked my bus tickets through Flixbus. 
• By Car: If you’re road-tripping, Zagreb is easily accessible and the roads are simple to drive. Just remember: parking in the city center can be a nightmare, so check your accommodation’s parking options first.

Getting Around Zagreb

Croatia’s capital is a breeze to get around:

• On Foot: Zagreb’s historic center is super walkable. Most major sights are within 15-20 minutes walk of each other.
• Trams: If you want to skip some walking or get to places slightly further out from the city center, the trams are affordable and efficient. The blue trams are the easiest way to get between longer distances. You can buy tickets at kiosks or directly from the driver (cash only).
• Taxi/Uber: Uber is easy to use in Zagreb and cheaper than taxis.

Best Time to Visit Zagreb

The best time to visit Zagreb is in Summer when the city is alive with activity. 

Spring (April–June), and fall (September–October) are also good options if you want milder weather, cheaper prices, and smaller crowds. 

Winter is also a great time to visit if you’re interested in seeing Zagreb as a winter wonderland or visit any of its award-winning Christmas markets in December. 

Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Zagreb is packed with its own unique charm that differs from the rest of Croatia. If you are interested in exploring European cities with Austro-Hungarian architecture and random street art, Zagreb is right up your alley. It’s easy to navigate, has a great food scene, and lots of quirky landmarks. 

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming roman towns, beautiful nature and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).