Zagreb: Top 12 Attractions

Zagreb is a city that combines a rich past with a dynamic present. You will find many tourist attractions here that are a must-see when visiting Zagreb. However, the capital of Croatia has much more to offer. Zagreb is a city in central Croatia and the capital of Croatia.

It’s worth knowing

The city of Zagreb is mainly divided into two parts Gornji grad (Upper Town) and Donji grad (Lower Town). These are the cultural, religious and commercial centers of Zagreb. This is where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist attractions are located.

The Upper Town, which is the medieval center of the city, developed as two separate (and often warring with each other) towns – Kaptol, the seat of the bishop (where the impressive cathedral now stands), and Gradec, a free city where merchants and craftsmen lived (proclaimed by the king Hungarian Bela in the 12th century) united in the 1770s to form the northern part of historic Zagreb. The city then expanded south from today’s Trg Bana Josip Jelačić (Jelačić Square) to the railway station and the Sava River.

Church of St. Mark

Saint Mark’s Church is Zagreb’s iconic building due to its signature colourful tiled roof. It is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb dating from the 13th century. You will notice the Southern portal. It is equally important as it is the richest looking gothic portal in Croatia. The portal consists of 15 sculptures (11 stone gothic sculptures and 4 wooden baroque sculptures) in 11 niches. Sculptures present Virgin Mary with the Child, Christ, St. Mark and the apostles.

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A Wonderful view opens in front of you just as you walk down Bakačeva street. The towers of the Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary rise high above the roofs of Kaptol and the Upper and Lower town.Although its final Neo-gothic appearance dates from the 19th century, the origins of the Cathedral go back to the end of the 11th century.

Stone Gate

The Stone Gates are one of the major Zagreb sights situated in Upper Town,part of the old city walls that once stood around the old town Gradec and the ideal place to start a sightseeingof the old Zagreb. It is assumed to have been built in 13th century.

Monument to Ban Josip Jelacic

The Ban Josip Jelačić Statue is a prominent landmark located in the heart of Zagreb, Croatia, symbolizing the spirit of the city and its rich history. Erected in the 19th century, this bronze statue honors Ban Josip Jelačić, a national hero known for his role in the fight for Croatian independence. The statue stands atop a tall pedestal, showcasing a striking depiction of the Ban on horseback, exuding strength and leadership.

Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships is Conceived by Croatian artists Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić in 2006 after their breakup, the Museum of Broken Relationships collects and exhibits the objects and stories that remain when relationships end. Navigate grief, humor, sarcasm, and sympathy through an exhibit that blends local stories with those from other countries.

Mimara Museum

The Mimara Museum is located on Roosevelt Square and houses the collection of Wiltrud and Ante Topić Mimara. Here you will find diverse art collections covering works of the ancient world and European art from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Jarun Lake

This lake is a large recreation area with numerous multi-use paths, facilities for water sports in summer, skating in winter, and more. Other recreational options include biking, rollerblading and kids’ parks. On arrival, head left to Malo Jezero for swimming and canoe or pedal-boat rental.

Botanical garden

The Zagreb Botanical Garden (Croatian: Botanički vrt u Zagrebu) is a botanical garden located in downtown Zagreb, Croatia. Founded in 1889 by Antun Heinz, Professor of the University of Zagreb, and opened to public in 1891, it is part of the Faculty of Science. It is home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world, including 1,800 exotic ones. It has large ponds for aquatic plants. Some of Slava Raškaj’s most notable works were painted by the garden ponds.

Mirogoj Cemetery

This peaceful place is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. You will discover the graves of writers, poets and composers who have succeeded in imposing the Croatian language during the Austro-Hungarian empire. A cemetery where trendy places are so expensive that compromises are sometimes possible, as you will discover a grave hosting Catholic, Muslim and Jewish people.

Maksimir Park with a zoo

ZOO Zagreb is located within Maksimir Park. This zoo is home to 370 animal species and 8.800 animals. The most interesting animals living in the zoo are the snow leopard, okapi, red panda, common chimpanzee, wisent, Bactrian camel, scimitar oryx, Diana monkey, pygmy hippopotamus, and a variety of snake species.

Cable car in Zagreb

There is a funicular – cable car, on Tomićeva Street (with numerous shops). It is the shortest cable car in the world. The train journey takes 64 seconds. This is a quick way to get to the historic district of Gradec. Specifically, to the foot of the Lotrščak tower, which is an excellent viewing point.

Lotrščak Tower

Lotrščak Tower – a city tower located in the oldest district of Zagreb, Gradec. It is one of the symbols of the city. Lotrščak is a five-story structure with an additional metal dome, around which there is now a small observation deck. The tower is located on the edge of a escarpment and there is a short, 66-meter cable car leading to Tomićeva Street below.

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Monica
Monica is a passionate travel article writer with a deep love for exploring new destinations and immersing herself in different cultures. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings her readers along on captivating journeys through her vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.

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