22 Best Sights in Zagreb, Zagreb and Environs

The Naïve school of painting dates back to the 1930s, and the museum features more than 1,900 works of peasant artists who were largely self-taught. The Naïve movement in Croatia began in the village of Hlebine in Koprivnica-Križevci County, and canvases by one of its founders, the highly esteemed Ivan Generalić (1914–1992), dominate here, though there are also paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints by other noted members of the movement, plus a section devoted to foreigners working along similar lines. The museum is on the second floor of the Raffay Palace.

The building dates from 1895, when it was designed by the Viennese firm Hellmer and Fellner as part of preparations for a state visit by Emperor Franz Josef. In front of the theater, set deep in a round concrete basin, is Ivan Meštrović's eerily lifelike sculpture Zdenac Života (Fountain of Life) from 1912, which depicts four naked couples writhing uncomfortably in each other's arms around a small pool of water while one lone likewise naked gentleman stares meditatively into the pool. The only way to see the impressive stately interior of the theater is to attend a performance from its impressive show repertoire. Don your best clothes as the locals do and enjoy.

The first museum of its kind in the world displays objects connected to love stories that didn't work out. The entire exhibition is made up of personal belongings donated by people from around the world who endured a failed relationship, and each exhibit is accompanied by a brief text, explaining the connection between the object and the relationship. Subtly illustrating the tragicomedy that is love, it is now one of Zagreb's most visited museums, and the collection has toured numerous locations in Asia, Africa, the United States, and Europe. The museum's collection is ever-expanding, and exhibits change regularly (only 15% of the collection is displayed in a year), which keeps visitors coming back for new stories.

Nestled among the regal buildings of the Croatian parliament, the original church building was erected in the 13th century and was once the parish church of Gradec. The Baroque bell tower was added in the 17th century, and the steeply pitched roof—decorated in brilliant multicolor tiles arranged to depict the coats of arms of Zagreb on the right and the Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia on the left—was added during reconstruction in the 19th century. It underwent another reconstruction in the first half of the 20th century. At that time, renowned painter Jozo Kljaković painted its walls, while the altar was decorated with works of famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović.  At the time of this writing, the church's interior was closed for renovation, but the exterior is well worth a look. 

Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to the kings St. Stephen and St. Ladislaus, this cathedral was built on the site of a former 12th-century cathedral destroyed by the Tatars in 1242. The present structure was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. The striking neo-Gothic facade was added by architect Hermann Bollé following the earthquake of 1880, its twin steeples being the identifying feature of the city's skyline. Behind the impressive main altar are crypts of Zagreb's archbishops and Croatian national heroes. The interior is imposing and inspires silent reflection. Don't neglect the north wall, which bears an inscription of the Ten Commandments in 12th-century Glagolitic script. The cathedral's face is ever-changing, as its towers are being reconstructed again following the earthquake that hit Zagreb in 2020.  At the time of this writing, the interior is closed for renovations. 

Museum exhibits here range all the way from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Pride of place is given to the Vučedol Dove, a three-legged ceramic dove found near Vukovar in Slavonia dating back to the 4th millennium BC, and a piece of linen bearing the longest known text in ancient Etruscan writing. The courtyard features a collection of stone relics from Roman times. The museum also runs the Archaeological Park Andautonia, an ancient Roman town with well-preserved ruins located in the modern-day village of Šćitarjevo, a 20-minute drive from Zagreb center. At the time of this writing, the museum sometimes offers temporary exhibitions on its first floor. The permanent collection and the rest of the museum building are currently closed for renovations, with no reopening date announced.  Call ahead if you plan to visit to see what's happening.

Buildings lining the city's main square date from 1827 onward and include several fine examples of Secessionist architecture. The centerpiece is an equestrian statue of Ban Josip Jelačić, the first Croatian viceroy, erected in 1866. Originally facing north toward Hungary, against which Jelačić waged war as a commander in the Austrian Imperial Army, the statue was dismantled after World War II by the communist government, only to be reinstalled in 1990, this time facing south. The square also features the Manduševac fountain, located to the east.

Founded in 1889, Zagreb's Botanical Garden includes an arboretum with a regularly used exhibition space, a small artificial lake, and an ornamental bridge. Today, the garden has more than 5,000 species of plants and is run by the prestigious Faculty of Science of the University of Zagreb.  Bring cash, as credit cards aren't accepted.

Farmers from the countryside set up stalls here daily, though the market is busiest on Saturday and Sunday mornings. On the upper level, fresh fruit and vegetables, along with flowers, traditional souvenirs, and artisan goods from honey to fresh juices are displayed on an open-air piazza. Goods are sold under the protective shade of oversized umbrellas with a distinctive red color, known as Šestinski kišobrani (much smaller versions form part of the traditional garb of Zagreb's Šestine region). Dairy products and meats are sold in an indoor market below.  When you get tired of shopping, pop into one of the stylish eateries right by the market, such as Salo or Broom44, for delicious pastries, brunch, and some of the best coffee in town.

The original 13th-century city walls had four gates, of which only Kamenita vrata remains. Deep inside the dark passageway, locals stop to pray before a small shrine adorned with flickering candles. In 1731 a devastating fire consumed all the wooden elements of the gate. Legend says that only a painting of the Virgin and Child, which was found in the ashes, remained remarkably undamaged. The gate has since become a pilgrimage site, as can be seen from the numerous stone plaques reading Hvala Majko Božja (Thank you, Mother of God).

Located off St. Catherine's Square, Croatia's largest art museum opened in 1982. International, local, classical, and modern art shows are regularly held in its three-story exhibition space, and concerts often take place in the gallery's beautiful atrium.  Some of the city's best street art is hidden just behind the building as well.

Formerly the entrance to the fortified medieval town of Gradec, Kula Lotrščak now houses a multilevel gallery with occasional exhibits of contemporary art. Each day at noon, a small cannon is fired from the top of the tower in memory of the times when it was used to warn of the possibility of an Ottoman attack. You can climb the tower partway via a spiral wooden staircase for a look into the gallery rooms (which occupy several floors), or you can ascend all the way to the observation deck for splendid views of Zagreb and its environs. You can also take the 216-foot Zagreb Funicular (the world's shortest) straight to the tower.

For a peaceful stroll in Zagreb's biggest (and southeastern Europe's oldest) public park, hop on a tram and head to Maksimir. A short ride east of the center of Zagreb (10 minutes on Tram 11 or 12 from Trg Bana Jelačića or 15 minutes on Tram 4 or 7 from the train station), this 44½-acre expanse of vine-covered forests and artificial lakes was a groundbreaker when it opened back in 1794. After getting off the tram, you walk forward a bit and enter on the left, through a gate opposite the city's main soccer stadium, aptly named Stadion Maksimir. A long wide promenade flanked by benches leads to Bellevue Pavilion (1843), perched atop a small hill and featuring a café. Do check out the Echo Pavilion (Paviljon jeka), built in the late 19th century in honor of the Greek nymph Echo. Stand in the middle and you can hear the whispers of anyone standing within the pavilion, as if they were right next to you. To your right along the way are some small lakes and, beyond, the city's modest zoo, Zoološki vrt Grada Zagreb, where admission is €4. To your left is a playground. One restaurant is located in the zoo, and two others are in the park outside it.

In a huge gray building, this vast private collection, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and rugs, was donated by Ante Topić Mimara (1898–1987), a Croatian who spent many years abroad where he made his fortune, supposedly as a merchant. On display are canvases attributed to such old masters as Raphael, Rembrandt, and Rubens, as well as more modern works by the likes of Manet, Degas, and Renoir and ancient artifacts including Egyptian glassware and Chinese porcelain.  At the time of this writing, the museum was closed but hopes to reopen by early 2025 after renovations. Check before you go.

Designed by architect Hermann Bollé and opened in 1872, Zagreb's most celebrated cemetery is set on a hillside north of downtown and features an imposing entrance: a long massive brick wall topped by a row of green cupolas. This parklike cemetery, marked by paths lined with horse chestnut trees and black marble graves, is the final resting place for those of many creeds, from Roman Catholic and Serbian Orthodox to Jewish and Muslim. This satisfying, if somber, outing can be had by catching Bus 106 or 226 on Kaptol, in front of the Zagreb Cathedral, and riding it about 10 minutes to the fifth stop, Arkade. On November 1, the cemetery is lit up by thousands of red candles for All Saints' Day, when people honor their relatives, as well as famous figures buried there such as Herman Bollé himself, renowned author August Šenoa (1838–1881), and basketball great Dražen Petrović (1964–1993).

Displaying works created since 1950 by Croatian and foreign artists, this museum is well worth a visit for anyone interested in modern art—the vast collection includes paintings, sculptures, graphic design, films, and videos. It lies outside the city center, south of the Sava River in Novi Zagreb. To get here, take Tram 6 (toward Sopot) or Tram 14 (toward Zapruđe) from the main square; journey time is approximately 30 minutes.

Zagreb is home to several unique first-in-the-world museums, including this exhibition featuring more than 50 real-life stories related to drunkenness, submitted by people from all over the world, along with associated objects. Each visitor has the chance to win a free ticket by hitting a bull's-eye dartboard while wearing beer goggles. Most exhibits are comical, but some are educational and others are cautionary tales. Beer or wine can be purchased at the entrance to enjoy as you stroll through.

In 2015, Roko Živković and Tomislav Pamuković founded this innovative museum of perception in Zagreb, and thanks to popular demand it has expanded to more than 40 locations in 25 countries across 4 continents. Including an antigravity room, mirror room, and many silly optical illusion exhibits, this museum will leave you laughing, curious about how visual perception works—and maybe even a bit dizzy. This is a fun visit for families as well.

Well worth a visit for anyone interested in urban design, this museum traces the city's most important historical, economic, political, social, and cultural events from medieval times to the present day. Exhibits include detailed scale models of how the city has evolved, as well as sections devoted to the old trade guilds, domestic life, and sacred art. The museum also hosts a range of cool temporary exhibits year-round.

Zagreb's oldest pharmacy, K Crnom Orlu (meaning "to the black eagle") sits between the Stone Gate and St. Mark's Square. It dates back to 1355 and operates to this day, continuing to specialize in house-made tinctures. Local rumors say that pharmacist Nicolo Alighieri, great-grandson of Dante Alighieri, worked here while he lived in Zagreb.

Situated within an industrial building, this museum is guaranteed to appeal to both children and adults interested in science. Try to visit in the afternoon on a weekday or in the late morning on the weekend, when a series of guided visits are offered. The highlight here is the demonstration of some of Nikola Tesla's inventions, scheduled weekdays at 3:30 pm and weekends at 11:30 am, but there's also the tour of a lifelike reconstruction of a coal mine at 3 pm on weekdays and 11 am on weekends. That's not to mention all the vehicles on display, as well as a fascinating historical exhibit of firefighting equipment with trucks, ladders, and hoses aplenty. The museum is in the Trešnjevka neighborhood.

This street was once a stream until it was built over, but few people know that the water still flows beneath it. Today Tkalčićeva is a charming well-maintained pedestrian zone lined with 19th-century town houses. Many of these have been converted into popular cafés, bars, and restaurants at street level, attracting a huge cross section of locals and tourists from morning until late at night.