Zagreb is a charming city known for its medieval heritage and modern flair. It has a laid-back atmosphere with a café culture, beautiful architecture, and lush green parks. Getting around is easy as the city centre is walkable. If you want more freedom or plan day trips beyond the city, you can rent a car in Zagreb. Having your own vehicle lets you explore the city and its surrounding regions, especially if you want to visit nearby sites or the Croatian countryside. In this guide, we’ll highlight what to do in Zagreb by covering its must-see attractions.
The top Zagreb attractions range from grand Austro-Hungarian-era squares to centuries-old churches and lush green spaces.
Ban Jelačić Square, also called "Trg bana Jelačića," serves as the city’s central square and main meeting point. In the middle of the square stands the large statue of Ban Josip Jelačić on horseback. He is a Croatian national hero and looks proudly over the plaza. Around you, elegant 19th-century buildings with Austro-Hungarian architecture line the square, now home to shops, cafes, and restaurants. Ban Jelačić Square is not only an iconic landmark but also a transport hub. Several tram lines intersect here. The square frequently hosts festivals, markets, and public events. Whether you visit by day or night, Ban Jelačić Square is the perfect starting point to explore Zagreb city and soak up its daily life.
The Zagreb Cathedral, with its twin Neo-Gothic spires towering over the city, is a sight you can’t miss. As the tallest church in Croatia, its spires reach about 108 meters high. The cathedral’s official name is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it dates back to the 13th century. It has undergone numerous rebuilds and expansions over the centuries. Today’s appearance is Gothic, mainly Revival, due to renovations in the late 1800s.
Inside, you’ll find a serene interior with high vaulted ceilings and ornate altars, which contrasts the square outside. The stained glass windows and carved details are stunning. Notably, the cathedral’s twin spires are visible from many points in the city, acting as a compass for lost travellers. Despite damages from historical earthquakes, the Zagreb Cathedral is well-preserved and an active place of worship. For visitors, standing in front of its majestic facade feels awe inspiring. Dress modestly when you enter, as it is a religious site. The plaza around the cathedral offers a great spot for photos, especially if you want to capture the full height of the spires against the sky.
St. Mark’s Church is one of Zagreb’s most photogenic landmarks, known for its colourful tiled roof. Located in the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) on tallest church in Croatia, this 13th-century church is tallest church in Croatia. What catches your eye first is the roof. Bright red, white, and blue tiles form two coats of arms. One represents the city of Zagreb. The other represents the historic Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia. This unique design makes the church easily recognisable and popular for photos.
The church shows a mix of Gothic and Romanesque stles. The south portal has detailed sculptures of saints. The building is in the government quarter, where the Croatian Parliament and other government offices are located. You may see official guards or a changing of the guard on some days. The interior is small and simple compared to the striking exterior, and it is not always open to tourists. It usually opens only for Mass or special events.
Even if you cannot enter, you can enjoy it from the outside. Take a moment to examine the bold roof patterns up close. The tiles show skilled 19th-century craftsmanship and great national pride. St. Mark’s Church reflects the historic heart of Zagreb. Standing in the quiet, cobbled square feels like stepping back into medieval Zagreb.
Maksimir Park is the oldest public park in the city, which opened in 1794. As one of the first large public parks in Europe, it covers hundreds of acres filled with green meadows, quiet woodland paths, and five peaceful lakes. You can walk, relax by the water, or rent a small boat in summer. The park follows the stle of an old English garden. People come here to jog, enjoy picnics, or rest under tall oak and hornbeam trees.
Some of these trees are several centuries old. Inside the park, you will also find Zagreb Zoo, which opened in 1925, and is home to over 350 animal species. It is home to around 8,000 animals from different parts of the world. You can see lions, red pandas, African elephants, snow leopards. The zoo is not huge, but it is well-kept and blends nicely with the park. You may spot peacocks walking freely. Both the park and the zoo stay open all year. Maksimir Park also features historic park buildings, including the Swiss House and the Echo Pavilion. You can spend half a day here to enjoy Zagreb’s green side.
Zagreb 360° Observation Deck is the best place to see the whole city from above. It is on the 16th floor of a tall building on Ban Jelačić Square. From here, you get clear views of Zagreb’s skyline in every direction. You can see the red roofs of the Upper Town, the green parks of the Lower Town, and the tall Cathedral spires. You can also spot St. Mark’s Church and Medvednica Mountain in the distance.
You will take an elevator to reach the top. There is a small café where you can sit and enjoy the view. You can also step out onto the open terrace to feel the fresh air while taking in the city view. The deck is open every day from morning until late in the evening. It's most visited at sunset as the sky turns orange and pink. The city lights look beautiful as they start to shine. The entry fee is not expensive. Many tickets allow you to return on the same day. Visit this spot to understand the layout of Zagreb. Do not forget your camera. The view from Zagreb 360° is one of the best in the city.
King Tomislav Square is a grand public square and park that welcomes you as you exit Zagreb’s train station. The large bronze statue of King Tomislav, the first king of Croatia, stands at the center of the square. The statue shows him on horseback. The square has a long green lawn, neat flowerbeds, and tree-lined paths. On the north side of the square, there’s the bright yellow Art Pavilion, an exhibition hall from 1898 with a lovely glass dome. On the south side is the grand front of Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor, the main train station built in 1892.
When you stand in the centre of the square and look north, you will see the statue of King Tomislav, the Art Pavilion behind it, and the twin spires of Zagreb Cathedral far in the distance. This scene looks wonderful on a clear day and makes a great photo.In winter, the square turns into a charming place with an open-air skating rink and Christmas stalls as part of Zagreb’s Advent season. King Tomislav Square is also part of the “Green Horseshoe,” a chain of parks and squares in the city centre. You can continue your walk toward the next park, such as Zrinjevac.
The Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata) is located in the old streets of the Upper Town. It is one of Zagreb’s most important sacred places and a key historical landmark. The Stone Gate is a medieval city gate and the only gate that survived from the 13th-century walls of Gradec. Under the arch of the gate, there's a small chapel. Legend says that a large fire in 1731 destroyed most of the gate. Only the painting of the Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus survived the flames. People saw this as a sign of protection and placed the painting inside a shrine within the Stone Gate. The icon is still there today. Many residents stop to light a candle or say a quiet prayer as they pass through.
The stone walls are dark from years of candle smoke. The chapel is filled with thank you plaques, also called votive tablets. They cover the walls with the word Hvala, which means “thank you” in Croatian. These plaques show the gratitude of people who believe their prayers were answered.Outside the gate, look for a small statue of Dora, a character from an old Croatian novel. Many visitors mistake her for a Mary statue. The Stone Gate stays open day and night. In the evening, the soft glow of candles and the smell of warm wax create a special mood.
Zrinjevac Park is a wonderful park in Zagreb’s Lower Town. Many people call it “Zrinjevac.” It is the first of eight connected parks known as the Green Horseshoe.The park has a wide, tree-lined path perfect for strolling. As you enter, you’ll see neat flowerbeds, old fountains, and a charming music pavilion in the centre. This pavilion, built in the 19th century, still hosts open-air concerts. In summer, classical music fills the park. As you walk farther, you will notice busts of famous Croatian figures and a historic weather column from 1884. The column shows temperature and air pressure and is one of the park’s quirky details.
What makes Zrinjevac Park special is its serene atmosphere amidst the bustling streets. Tall plane trees give shade on hot days. In autumn, their leaves turn golden and cover the paths. The park is centrally located and a short walk from Ban Jelačić Square. Important buildings, such as the Supreme Court and the Archaeological Museum, surround it.In December, Zrinjevac becomes a bright winter scene during Advent. Twinkling lights hang from the trees, and small stalls sell warm drinks and sweet snacks. It feels magical in the cold evening air.
These Zagreb tourist spots combine historic squares, charming old streets, and serene green spaces, which are easy to explore on your first visit. Each stop reveals medieval corners, expansive parks, and renowned landmarks. For easy travel, rent a car in Zagreb with Final Rentals. Choose Zagreb Airport as your pick-up location, select the vehicle that suits your plans, and receive instant confirmation. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
