Zagreb is a city in Central Croatia and the capital of Croatia. The city has a charming medieval 'old city' with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest, Prague and other Central European capitals.
Zagreb is a vibrant city of around 770,000 people (2021, metropolitan area: 1,100,000). In 2017 it was visited by over a million tourists, mainly from Austria, Germany and Italy. Zagreb is also well known for its Advent festival, which occurs from December to early January, boasting vibrant nightlife and additional cultural and gastronomic activities. 1 Turistički informativni centar (Tourist Information Centre - Ban Jelačić Square), Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 11. Mon-Fri 09:00-20:00; Sat Sun 10:00-18:00. (updated Jul 2023) Other information points are located at the airport, bus station, railway station and at the Lotrščak Tower.
Zagreb has a well-developed and efficient public transport system that consists of trams, buses and trains. You can find routes and schedules from Easyway journey planner or Google maps, or you can download the official ZET app. The tram network operates 24 hours a day - from around 04:30 to just after 00:00 there are 15 "day-time lines" (tram lines 1–9, 11–15 and 17). From 00:00 to 04:00 there are 4 "night" lines (tram lines 31-34) which cover most of the day-time lines on a reduced (around 30-40 minute) frequency. Occasionally, buses replace trams on night lines. Tram lines 1, 3, and 8 do not operate Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. Tram 1 doesn't operate in summer.
Caution: Several of Zagreb's historical buildings sustained damage due to a moderate earthquake that struck the city in March 2020 and are temporarily closed until repairs are finished. The city of Zagreb is mainly divided into two parts Gornji grad (Upper Town) and Donji grad (Lower Town). They are the cultural, religious, and commercial hubs of Zagreb. These are where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located.
Strossmayerovo šetalište (Strossmayer's walkway). In the summer, it is an outdoor scene for painters, musicians and other artists offering food, drinks, performances and concerts. Popular meeting place for all ages, with a great view of the Lower Town. Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall (Koncertna dvorana Vatroslava Lisinskog), Trg Stjepana Radića 4. (updated Sep 2023) Football: GNK Dinamo Zagreb play soccer in HNL, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Maksimir (capacity 28,000) 2 km east of city centre. NK Lokomotiva also play in HNL, at Stadion Kranjčevićeva (capacity 5000) 1 km southwest of city centre. NK Rudeš were promoted in 2026 so they too play in HNL.
Tobacco smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and some bars and cafes. The smaller bars and cafes could opt (and some did) to allow smoking. There are many take out, pizza-cut, sandwich bars and fast foods around the city. Most are located in the city centre (main square - Ban Jelačić and surrounding blocks). There are also food chains such as the "McDonald's", "Mlinar", "Pan Pek", and the preferred "Dubravica". (updated May 2022). You can also find many kebabs and pancake-to-go places. 1 Nocturno, Skalinska 4 (on Kaptol, between Tkalčićeva street and Cathedral), ☏ +385 1 4813-394. Good place to try the local gastronomy.
Many bars are found around Flower square (Cvjetni trg aka Preradovićev trg), the main square (Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića), Preradovićeva, Tkalčićeva, Radićeva, Bogovićeva, and Gajeva streets. Booksa, Martićeva 14d. A cafe, bookshop and library famous with local young intellectuals. Cica, Tkalčićeva. Bar mostly known for its great and varied choice of the local schnappses (rakija). Interesting always changing, gallery-like interior. The whole bar is small but offers outdoor seating. Very popular and crowded, brimming with young business and student clientele. Funk club, Tkalčićeva 52, ☏ +385 98 672 338. 11:00-02:00.
As with much of Croatia, Zagreb is very safe on the whole. But just as anywhere else in Europe, dark/poorly lit alleys, parks (during the night), and some poorer neighborhoods should be avoided, and common sense should be followed. The chance of getting in trouble in Zagreb is fairly low, especially in the centre where most of the hotels and restaurants are located, and for foreigners, who are in general respected and welcome.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Zagreb typically sees ~23°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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