Zagreb is a unique city that brings Austro-Hungarian architecture, a lively cafe culture, and medieval streets together to create one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Many travellers choose to pass through Zagreb on their way to the coastline, but the Croatian capital is worth spending some time in, too. Zagreb has a history dating back to the medieval period, when two settlements developed on neighbouring hills, eventually merging to become the modern city. Today, the historic Upper Town is the most popular place in Zagreb to visit, as it’s where many of the key landmarks are found. The Lower Town is also worth visiting while spending 1 day in Zagreb, and it’s where you’ll find a very different side to the city.
If you can only spare 1 day in Zagreb, the good news is that it’s a very walkable city. Its compact centre makes it easy to visit on foot, and its good public transportation networks will allow you to reach other parts of the city with ease. From historic churches to beautiful viewpoints and quirky museums, there’s a lot to see in Zagreb in just a day. Spending two or three days here, however, will allow you to explore Zagreb at a leisurely pace and find lesser-known attractions. Whether you’re stopping in Zagreb overnight or just plan to spend a few hours here, Zagreb is well worth adding to your Croatia travel plans.
Things to do during 1 day in Zagreb
Explore Zagreb Upper Town
Short on time? Then you have to visit Zagreb Upper Town first. The city’s historic Old Town is the oldest part of the Croatian capital, perched above the Lower Town. It has a history dating back over 900 years, and some of its iconic 13th-century defensive walls are still standing. As you walk around the Old Town, you’ll find charming cobbled streets, colourful buildings, hidden courtyards, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy. It really does feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and it’s a beautiful area to explore throughout the year, too.
The great thing about prioritizing Zagreb Old Town is that many of the main attractions are located here. I’d recommend starting your morning in the Upper Town so you can see places like Strossmayer Promenade, Lotrščak Tower, the Cathedral of Zagreb, and St Mark’s Church early in the day. Even if you only have 1 day in Zagreb to spare, it should be more than enough time to enjoy everything the Old Town has to offer. You may even be able to join a guided tour of Zagreb Upper Town so you don’t miss any highlights.
Walk under the Old Town
One of the most unique things to do during 1 day in Zagreb is to walk directly under the Old Town. The Grič Tunnel was constructed during WWII as an air raid shelter, and it was also used during the Croatian War of Independence. Although the tunnel eventually fell into disrepair, it was later restored and opened to the public. It’s sometimes used as an exhibition space, but for the most part it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s history.
If you’re spending 1 day in Zagreb during the summertime, the tunnel provides a cool escape from the heat. It’s also a nice shortcut under the city and takes just 10 minutes to walk its entire length. We walked through the Grič Tunnel a few times while exploring Zagreb Old Town.
Ride one of the shortest funiculars in the world
The Zagreb Funicular covers a distance of just 66 metres, making it one of the shortest funiculars in the world. It connects Zagreb Lower Town with the Upper Town and has been operating since 1890. Although the journey’s short, it’s one of Zagreb’s most popular landmarks, and it cuts out the uphill climb to get to the Old Town. It also offers a nostalgic ride on one of the oldest forms of transportation in Europe.
A one-way ticket costs just €0.66, so you can afford to take it both up and downhill during your 1 day in Zagreb. I’d recommend taking it uphill and walking down one of the side streets to the Lower Town later so you can see more of the city. Even if you don’t plan on riding the Zagreb Funicular, it’s still an interesting landmark to photograph.
Visit some museums in Zagreb
Zagreb has quickly gained a reputation for having some of the quirkiest museums in Europe. Chances are, if you’re spending 1 day in Zagreb, you’ll only have time to visit a couple of them. In the Upper Town, the Museum of Broken Relationships is the most popular choice, telling the stories of love and heartbreak through personal objects. This award-winning museum is quite small, so it can get crowded during weekends and peak season.
If you’re spending some time in the Lower Town, I couldn’t recommend the Chocolate Museum Zagreb enough. It explores the history of chocolate through various exhibitions and chocolate tasting samples. Another unique option is the Museum of Hangovers, located near the Cathedral of Zagreb, where visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits that explore the potential consequences of a night of drinking. Even if you’re only spending 1 day in Zagreb, make sure you visit at least one of these unusual museums.
Find the best view in Zagreb
For the best view in Zagreb, you have to climb to the top of Lotrščak Tower. This beautiful tower in the Upper Town was built in the 13th century as part of the defensive walls of the city, and it’s still one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks today. To climb to the top, you’ll need to pay €3.00, but the view is definitely worth it. We had it all to ourselves, but I think that’s because we visited at the hottest part of the day.
As well as being able to climb Lotrščak Tower, a famous tradition takes place here every day at noon. The custom of firing the Grič Cannon dates back to the 19th century, when it was first introduced for churches across the city to synchronise their clocks. It’s still performed today, so if you happen to be in the Old Town around noon, don’t be too startled!
Go shopping along Ilica Street
Ilica is the longest and most famous shopping street in Zagreb. It starts near Ban Jelačić Square and stretches for more than 5 km, heading west through the city. If you’re only spending 1 day in Zagreb, this is a good area to find some souvenirs or shop at local boutiques, bakeries, and bookstores. You’ll also find a good number of international high street brands along Ilica Street. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, many of the buildings along this street date back to the Austro-Hungarian era, so there’s some beautiful architecture to admire.
Hop on a bus tour
To get the most out of your 1 day in Zagreb, you might want to consider a sightseeing tour bus. There are a few companies around Zagreb to choose from, and they offer a convenient way to see Zagreb’s main attractions in a short amount of time. Most hop-on-hop-off tour routes include key landmarks such as the Cathedral of Zagreb, the Upper Town, the Croatian National Theatre, and Maksimir Park. The onboard commentary will provide you with an insight into the history of Zagreb and its culture, too.
These bus tours aren’t for everyone, but if you’re travelling with family or during the hot summer months, it can be a good way to see as much as possible with minimal effort. Even if you don’t get off at every stop, the tours are a great way to introduce yourself to the city.
Find some unique street art
Zagreb may be known for its museums and historic architecture, but that doesn’t mean there’s no modern contrast to be had. The street art scene in Zagreb is very underrated, and you can find traces of it throughout Zagreb Old Town and the Lower Town. As you walk through the city, you’ll come across colourful murals, painted pedestrian streets, and creative installations tucked away in hidden corners. A lot of this artwork celebrates Zagreb’s culture, while others focus more on social issues or simply brighten up an area. Some of my favourite murals are located in the Upper Town, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled.
Marvel at St Mark’s Church
Finally, you can’t leave Zagreb without laying eyes on St Mark’s Church. This is the most iconic thing to see in Zagreb, and it’s one of the most photographed buildings in Croatia, too. It’s located in St Mark’s Square in the very heart of the Upper Town, making it a great starting point during your 1 day in Zagreb. The church’s original foundations date back to the 13th century, though most of what we see today is from major restoration works that took place in the 19th century.
St Mark’s Church is instantly recognizable thanks to its incredible tiled roof that displays medieval coats of arms alongside the coat of arms of the City of Zagreb. As of June 2026, St Mark’s Church is still closed to the public, as is the square. However, you can still get some nice photos of the church from the nearby streets and learn more about it during a guided walking tour of Zagreb Old Town.
Where to eat in Zagreb
Fidel Gastro
One of my favourite places to eat in Zagreb is Fidel Gastro, located on the edge of Zagreb Lower Town. It takes around 10 minutes to get to by tram, or a 25-minute walk from Ban Jelačić Square. Fidel Gastro is housed inside an old industrial building with an elegant interior, making it a unique place to come for lunch or dinner. The restaurant focuses on modern European and fusion cuisine, so there’s always something new and exciting on the menu, which changes seasonally.
We had a fantastic dinner here that included burrata salad, ceviche, octopus, veal with vegetables, and two beautifully presented desserts. The waiter was very helpful while we were making our choices and was able to tell us which wines paired best with each course. Fidel Gastro often hosts jazz and blues performances, too, so you may be lucky enough to book a table when there’s a performance taking place. This is easily one of the top places to eat in Zagreb, and the short trip outside of the centre is definitely worth it.
Cynic
If you’re looking for a nice brunch spot while spending 1 day in Zagreb, Cynic is the place to go. It’s located in Zagreb Lower Town and is very popular among locals as well as visitors. Cynic is known for its unique interior and creative menu, featuring modern brunch favourites with interesting twists. You can expect to find everything from breakfast bowls to Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and Turkish Eggs on the menu, so there’s a good choice of sweet and savoury options.
Besides the food, Cynic offers some of the best specialty coffee in Zagreb. They source their beans from a local roastery, so the coffee is always fresh. You can also order other drinks such as matcha and fresh juices to pair with your meal. If you visit on the weekend, you can expect a live DJ to be performing throughout the day, which adds a nice touch to the dining experience.
Figa Garden by Henrik
Hidden away in a small courtyard in the Lower Town is Figa Garden by Henrik. As soon as you step away from the main street, you’ll instantly feel like you’re in a hidden oasis without all the traffic noise. During the warmer months, guests can sit outside and enjoy the quaint courtyard while eating breakfast or sipping on cocktails.
We visited Figa Garden by Henrik for breakfast. Although the food menu is small, there’s a very good selection of sweet and savoury dishes, all made daily with fresh ingredients. You can expect dishes such as quiche, salmon bagels, and delicious cakes available for breakfast. Don’t forget to get an iced matcha latte or a regular iced latte to go with everything – a nice way to cool off during the summer.
La Štruk
Just a few minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Church in the Upper Town is where you’ll find La Štruk. This restaurant focuses entirely on the traditional Croatian dish štrukli, one of the country’s top comfort foods. The pastry can either be boiled or baked, and is traditionally filled with cottage cheese. At La Štruk, though, you have plenty of options at your fingertips, including truffle, blueberry, and walnut. The mixture of sweet and savoury options makes it an ideal place to eat during 1 day in Zagreb if you want to have an authentic taste of the city.
The best day trip from Zagreb
If you’re spending more than 1 day in Zagreb or using the city as your base, the best day trip is Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s the oldest and most famous national park in Croatia, and it takes around 2 hours by car to drive to. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its beautiful network of terraced lakes and stunning waterfalls that are linked by wooden boardwalks so visitors can walk above the water.
If you do plan a trip here, I’d highly recommend arriving at its opening time so you can park in a good spot and be one of the first people through the gates. This is especially important in the summer if you want to avoid the midday heat.
Whether you’re interested in nature, hiking, history, or photography, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most unique natural wonders in Europe, so you shouldn’t miss the chance to come here. There are a few hiking routes to choose from of varying lengths and difficulties, or you can opt to take a guided tour instead.
Where to stay in Zagreb
For those of you looking to stay overnight in Zagreb, there are plenty of apartments and hotels available for all budgets. We stayed at Bumblebee Luxury Apartments for three nights and found the location perfect, since it’s right next to the Chocolate Museum Zagreb and within easy walking distance of Zagreb Old Town. Our apartment was spacious and modern, with a small kitchen and living area. It was more than enough for just a few days in the city, and the price was reasonable, considering its location and the time of the year we visited.
If you prefer a hotel, Zagreb has a lot of options that won’t eat into your budget. Hotel Academia is one of the most popular hotels in Zagreb, with spacious rooms and a great location just a few minutes from the Upper Town. Manda Heritage Hotel is another good choice if you’re looking for modern boutique hotels. Or, if your budget will allow, Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre is located close to the train station and within easy walking distance of the historic centre. All of these hotels provide a solid base for exploring the city while remaining affordable.
Is 1 day in Zagreb enough time?
Spending 1 day in Zagreb is enough time to experience the city’s highlights, including the medieval Upper Town, some quirky museums, and incredible viewpoints. You can even try some Croatian cuisine and dine at local restaurants and cafes along the way. The city centre is very compact, meaning it’s easy to get everywhere in a day without feeling rushed. However, I’d recommend spending at least two days in Zagreb so you can discover different neighbourhoods and even go on a day trip if you have time. Whether you’re visiting the Croatian capital as a stopover or a city break, Zagreb remains a very underrated destination in Europe, and it’s well worth adding to your travel plans.
If you have any questions about spending 1 day in Zagreb, things to do in Zagreb, or where to eat, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form. You can also follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok, where I’m always sharing my latest adventures and helpful travel tips.
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