Five Top Places To Go In Zagreb

If you’re wondering what to see in Zagreb, here are five places to go in Zagreb. There are numerous attractions in Zagreb Croatia and these are just a few.

Ban Jelacic Square is Zagreb’s main square, honouring Count Josip Jelacic. This high achieving army general abolished serfdom and conducted a number of successful military campaigns in the 1848 Revolutions. Although the square’s official title is the Trg Bana Jelacica, locals generally just refer to it as Jelacic Square. You will find it in Zagreb’s Upper Town, not far from Dolac market. A large number of streets, like Radiceva, Illica, Gajeva, Splavnica, Bakaceva, Harmica and Jurišiceva, all meet at this pedestrianised area where no cars can enter, so those on foot and bicycles have greater freedom to explore.
Naturally one of the top places to go in Zagreb.
Watch out for the trams, however!

Stone Gate (or Kamenita Vrata, as it is known in Croatian) originally was one of five gates in the fortified walls surrounding Gradec (today known as the Old Town of Zagreb), which guarded access to the district. The Stone Gate allowed access to the eastern side. These days, it is the only gate left standing, and is an excellent place from which to begin your explorations of the Old Town. It is said that this was the only structure left standing after the destruction of 1731, as it was decorated with a picture of Jesus and Mary. In order to preserve this picture which had brought about such a miracle, a church was built around it and it now can be viewed inside a case. Worshippers regularly visit to pray here.

Staro Selo Ethnological Museum is unique, in that it contains the perfectly preserved houses of the village of Kumrovec. For this reason it is by far the most significant museum of its kind in Zagreb, found to the north west of the city. The thatched buildings of the village date back to the 1800s, and include businesses such as blacksmiths and candle making workshops. Visitors can inspect real tools from this time which would have been used by the craftsmen. The most famous home in this village cum museum is that of Marshal Tito – on the anniversary of his death and his birthday, more people visit this part of the grounds than anywhere else.

The Atelier-Ivan Mestrovic Foundation is located in the former home and workshop of Atelier-Ivan Mestrovic, the famous Croatian sculptor, architect, designer and painter. The building itself dates from the 1600s and today displays his huge collections of various works. Through the displays and permanent exhibitions, one gets a true sense of his inspiration for his works and his daily life. In the on site shop, catalogues and books on the artist are available for purchase.

The Archaeological Museum in Zagreb is home to a number of the world’s most complete archaeological discoveries. Their amazing level of preservation means we can learn so much more about ancient civilizations. On the ground floor is a permanent display of relics such as ancient coins, paper money and medals. On the second floor are artefacts from ancient Greece and Rome, as well as from the Middle Ages. On the third floor are artefacts from prehistory and ancient Egypt.

Bonus Places to Go in Zagreb

There are so many places to go in Zagreb that we have added some more which are worth exploring.

• Dolac Market: Known as the “belly of Zagreb,” this open-air farmers’ market beneath red canopies overflows with fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and local delicacies.
• Zagreb Cathedral: Croatia’s largest church, the neo-Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is instantly recognizable by its twin spires towering over the city.
• St. Mark’s Church: This 13th-century church in the Upper Town is famed for its vividly tiled roof bearing the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia and Zagreb.
• Museum of Broken Relationships: A unique, emotionally charged museum where personal artifacts from relationships past are exhibited alongside anonymous backstories.
• Lotrščak Tower: Built in the mid-13th century to guard the southern gate, this tower still fires its noon cannon daily and offers 360° panoramic views of Zagreb.
• Zagreb Funicular: One of the world’s shortest public funiculars, this 64-second ride links the Lower and Upper Towns, ascending just 66 metres of track.
• Mirogoj Cemetery: Often called one of Europe’s most beautiful cemeteries, it features ivy-clad arcades, ornate tombstones and is the final resting place of many eminent Croatians.
• Grič Tunnel: Originally built as a WWII air-raid shelter, this 350-metre passage now hosts art installations, events and offers a cool retreat from the summer heat.