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Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a vibrant city that blends its Austro-Hungarian charm with a trendy buzz.
It feels much more Central European and naturally has a different vibe than Split or Dubrovnik. This blog will help you plan your 2 days in Zagreb.
Known for its historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad), lively cafĆ© culture, and open spaces like Maksimir Park, Zagreb is also a great base to visit the famous Plitvice Lake National Park, one of Europe’s most beautiful National Parks.
For those who love city hopping in Europe, a day trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, is also an option.
Zagreb is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible from within Europe or further afield.
By Plane
Zagrebās Franjo TuÄman Airport (ZAG) is the main gateway to the city, located about 17 km from the city centre. Numerous airlines offer direct flights to Zagreb from major cities across Europe and beyond.
Major Airlines Flying to Zagreb:
From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, book a private transfer or ride-sharing service (Uber/Bolt) to the city centre.
By Train
Zagreb is a key rail hub in the region, with regular train services connecting it to nearby cities. The Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (main railway station) is centrally located and within walking distance of many attractions.
I recommend Trainline to book the cheapest train tickets in Europe.
Popular Train Routes:
By Bus
For travellers on a budget, buses are often the most economical option. Zagrebās Autobusni Kolodvor (main bus station) has frequent services to domestic and international destinations.
Companies like FlixBus, Arriva, and Croatia Bus provide modern and comfortable coaches.
Nearby Cities with Direct Bus Connections:
By Car
Driving to Zagreb is a great option if you want the flexibility to explore Croatia and neighbouring countries in the Balkan region. I recommend Discover Cars for great deals on rental vehicles.
Parking in the city centre can be challenging, but many hotels and public garages offer spaces for visitors.
The city is small enough so you really only need 2 days in Zagreb to see the main highlights and get a feel for the city.
For those who like to fit in many activities and see a lot, I recommend you take a day trip on the second day.
Start your day at Ban JelaÄiÄ Square, the lively heart of Zagreb.
The square is named after Ban Josip JelaÄiÄ, a national hero who abolished serfdom* in 1848 and worked to unify Croatian lands while protecting the countryās interests during a challenging time in history.
*Serfdom is a condition in medieval Europe in which a tenant farmer was bound to a hereditary plot of land and to the will of his landlord.
An equestrian statue dedicated to him can be found at the heart of the square.
Unless your hotel offers breakfast, I suggest you grab a pastry in one of the bakeries downtown. Pekara Dubravica is my pick, but Pan Pek has a nice selection.
Admire the equestrian statue of Ban JelaÄiÄ and the bustling atmosphere. You might also grab your morning coffee at one of the nearby cafes to ease into the day and before you start exploring the upper town.
From the square, hop on Zagrebās historic funicular just around the corner. It is one of the shortest in the world and is a fun way to reach Gornji Grad (Upper Town). It only takes about 30 seconds and costs 66 cents.
There are few highlights in the Upper Town, and you can really get lost here.
You will see the tower as soon as you exit the funicular.
This 13th-century tower once formed part of the cityās defensive walls and now offers one of the best panoramic views of Zagreb. It’s a great places to take some photos.
Climbing to the top is a rewarding experience, especially on a clear day when you can see across the city and into the surrounding countryside.
Donāt miss the daily firing of the GriÄ Cannon at noon, a tradition dating back to the 19th century that marks the time for locals and visitors alike.
On the way to Mark’s Church, you’ll pass the very quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, which features personal objects and stories of love and heartbreak.
I highly recommend visiting here but if not, please do pop in and at least have a look at the souvenir shop with different merchandise and story of how the museum was founded.
This iconic church is one of Zagrebās most photographed landmarks, thanks to its vividly tiled roof. The colourful tiles display two coats of arms: one for Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, and the other for the city of Zagreb.
The church itself dates back to the 13th century, with its Romanesque elements still visible in the southern portal.
While the interior is usually closed to visitors, the exterior alone is worth the visit for its unique design and historical significance.
The square will also most likely have a security fence due to the government building located here. Continue down towards the Stone Gate.
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A sacred pilgrimage site and one of the last surviving medieval gates of Zagreb.
Hidden within this passageway is a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, featuring a painting of the Virgin that miraculously survived a fire in 1731.
Locals often stop here to light candles and offer prayers, adding a deeply spiritual ambience to the site. Pass through the gate and follow the street down towards the city centre.
Stroll down to Dolac Market, Zagrebās main farmers’ market.
This is where locals still come to purchase fresh produce and naturally, it’s busier in the early morning so things might be a little quieter around lunchtime.
Enjoy traditional Croatian snacks like burek (savoury pastry) for quick lunch or a plate of Äevapi (grilled minced meat) at one of the nearby eateries.
Read more: 20 Most Popular Foods from Croatia
A short walk from the market, TkalÄiÄeva Street is a lively area perfect for taking a break.
Once a creek dividing two medieval towns, today itās a pedestrian street lined with colourful facades, cosy cafes, boutique shops, and street performers.
Itās an ideal spot to sit down with a coffee, do some shopping and soak in the vibrant atmosphere after exploring the Upper Town.
Donāt miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES
See the Zagreb Cathedral, an iconic Gothic structure with twin spires that was damaged during the earthquake and should now re-open for visitors.
Dine at a restaurant like Vinodol for traditional Croatian dishes with a modern twist. Afterwards, enjoy drinks at a cosy bar on TkalÄiÄeva Street or venture to Dežman Passage, known for its chic spots.
You can spend your second day in Zagreb by visiting some parks and artsy places.
Alternatively, use this day to visit the beautiful Plitvice National Park or take a day trip to Ljubljana and the stunning Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Here are my recommended day trips below. These work well with the timings, and once you return to Zagreb you can still enjoy the city in the evening.
If you choose to stay in Zagreb, here are my suggestions.
Head to the Lower Town (Donji Grad) and have lunch at Bistro Pod Zidom, known for its creative dishes and relaxed atmosphere.
Croatian National Theatre: Marvel at this grand building with its yellow facade and Baroque Revival architecture. The theatre was built by a Viennese architect in the 19th century, and it’s a perfect example of the Austria-Hungarian influence that you see in the city overall.
You can’t visit inside unless you are part of a group or buy a ticket for the performance. But the building is beautiful to see from the outside.
Art Pavilion and Strossmayer Gallery: Another beautiful building in Zagreb at the top of King Tomislavās Square. Walk behind it through Zrinjevac Park, one of Zagrebās prettiest green spaces.
Croatian Museum of NaĆÆve Art: Nestled in the Upper Town, this museum offers a delightful glimpse into the world of naĆÆve artāa distinctive genre created by self-taught artists.
The collection features vivid, colourful paintings and sculptures, often depicting rural life and imaginative scenes with incredible detail.
Itās a small museum, but it celebrates the unique creativity and raw talent of Croatiaās naĆÆve art movement.
For something unique in Zagreb:
I hope you enjoy your two days in Zagreb.
This charming city has a way of leaving a lasting impression; it feels small and authentic compared to the big cities of Central Europe, such as Budapest, Vienna or Prague.
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