One day Zagreb - a modern and dynamic city with centuries-old rich history

If you are wondering if the Croatian capital is a good destination for a weekend getaway or even for just one day - the answer is YES! Whether you go there alone or, like us, you visit it almost in transit, you will still be able to immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. We enjoyed the capital of Croatia on our way back from Italy, during a spring road trip. We had organized a trip to Venice, Verona, Maranello and we decided to spend the last night, out of a total of 5, in Zagreb and see what we could in a day.

What can be seen in one day in Zagreb?

The Croatian capital immediately captivated us with its charisma. And although the Croatian coast is more attractive to travelers, Zagreb is over 900 years old and definitely worth paying attention to. It is the largest city in the country, but its most famous attractions are concentrated in the central part within walking distance.

The apartment we had booked was about a 20-minute walk from the center. Since our time was limited, we walked there and took a tram back, which dropped us off very close. We arrived in Zagreb in the afternoon and had about 4 hours to walk around until the end of the day and another 4 hours the next day before we left for Sofia. Here's what we managed to see in that time.

Ban Josip Jelasic Square - the modern city center

Even if it’s your first time in Zagreb, finding the heart of the city is surprisingly easy. The twin bell towers of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary dominate the skyline and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Standing at 108 metres tall, it is the tallest building in Croatia. Following this iconic landmark, we soon arrived at Ban Jelačić Square – the vibrant centre of modern Zagreb, where history and contemporary life blend seamlessly. Historic buildings stand alongside modern architectural landmarks, including Zagreb’s famous skyscraper, creating an interesting contrast between old and new. The oldest building on the square dates back to 1827. On the eastern side of the square, you'll find the Manduševac Fountain, which commemorates an ancient well that once stood here. According to local legend, Zagreb itself was named after this very well. Today, the fountain is a popular attraction for visitors and one of the city's favourite meeting spots for locals.

Night views of the Cathedral

Just to the right of Ban Jelačić Square, we followed a narrow cobblestone street uphill towards one of Zagreb’s most iconic landmarks – Zagreb Cathedral. With its striking twin spires rising above the city skyline, the cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece and one of the top attractions in Zagreb. More than just a beautiful building, it stands as a symbol of the city's rich heritage and centuries-long history. As the tallest building in Croatia, Zagreb Cathedral has watched over the capital for generations, surviving earthquakes, wars, and countless historical events that have shaped both the city and the country.

Admission to Zagreb Cathedral is free, allowing visitors to step inside and admire its impressive interior. From the intricate details of its architecture to the peaceful atmosphere within, the cathedral offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Croatia's capital.

Our evening walk through Zagreb's city centre was a welcome change of pace after the busy and exciting days we had spent exploring Venice and Verona. The cooler temperatures and relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the city, and recharge for the adventures ahead.

As dinnertime approached, we followed a recommendation from friends and tried one of Croatia's most popular local dishes – ćevapi. These small grilled minced-meat sausages are a staple of Balkan cuisine and are typically served in warm flatbread with onions and traditional side dishes. Simple but delicious, they quickly became one of our favourite food experiences in Zagreb. After dinner, we took another stroll around Ban Jelačić Square before heading back to our apartment to rest. The next day promised a full itinerary, and we wanted to start early.

Kral Tomislav square

The following morning, after breakfast, we made our way back towards Zagreb Cathedral. Arriving early is one of the best ways to avoid crowds and enjoy one of the city's most famous landmarks at a more relaxed pace. Our walk led us through King Tomislav Square, one of the most beautiful green spaces in central Zagreb. The square is named after King Tomislav, Croatia's first king, whose impressive equestrian statue stands proudly at its centre. Behind the monument, visitors will find landscaped gardens, colourful flower beds, fountains, and plenty of benches, making it a lovely spot to take a break while exploring the city. At the southern end of the square stands the Art Pavilion, one of Zagreb's most important cultural landmarks and a popular venue for art exhibitions throughout the year. From here, you can also enjoy beautiful views towards Zagreb Cathedral, whose iconic twin spires rise above the city's skyline in the distance.

Zagreb's Cathedral

Zagreb's historic Upper Town is both peaceful and full of character. This charming part of the city is divided into two historic districts – Kaptol and Gradec – separated by the lively Tkalčićeva Street, one of the best places in Zagreb for restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. Perched above Ban Jelačić Square, Kaptol is home to one of the city's most famous landmarks – Zagreb Cathedral. A narrow cobblestone street leads visitors directly to this impressive Gothic masterpiece. Originally built in the 11th century, the cathedral has survived centuries of destruction and reconstruction. It was heavily damaged during the Mongol invasion in the 13th century and again by a devastating earthquake in the late 19th century. The restoration that followed gave the cathedral its distinctive Neo-Gothic appearance, which visitors admire today.

Dolac market

Just a short walk from the cathedral is Dolac Market, Zagreb's famous open-air farmers' market. Held daily, it is one of the best places to experience local life in the Croatian capital. Farmers and artisans sell fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade products, flowers, and traditional souvenirs. Browsing the colourful stalls is a favourite morning ritual for locals and one of the most authentic things to do in Zagreb. Besides picking up some fresh fruit for the day, I couldn't resist buying a few geranium plants, which still brighten our balcony at home.

The stone gate

After exploring the market, we continued along a network of charming winding streets leading uphill towards Gradec, the western part of Zagreb's Upper Town. Before long, we reached one of the city's most fascinating landmarks – the Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata). The Stone Gate is the only surviving entrance from Zagreb's medieval fortifications and serves as both a historical monument and an active place of worship. Today, it functions as a small shrine where visitors and locals pause to pray, light candles, and reflect. According to local legend, a fire destroyed the original wooden gate in 1731, but the painting of the Virgin Mary and Child miraculously survived untouched. The image remains enshrined within the gate to this day.

St Mark Church 

Passing through the Stone Gate, we arrived at St. Mark's Square, home to one of the most recognizable landmarks in Zagreb – St. Mark's Church. Dating back to the 13th century, the church is famous for its distinctive multicoloured tiled roof and is considered one of the symbols of the Croatian capital. Despite centuries of wars, fires, earthquakes, and political upheavals, the church's core structure has survived remarkably well. Its iconic roof, added in the late 19th century, features two coats of arms: one representing the historic Kingdoms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, and the other depicting the coat of arms of Zagreb. St. Mark's Square is also the political heart of Croatia. Alongside the church stand two of the country's most important institutions: the Croatian Parliament (Sabor) on the eastern side of the square and Banski Dvori, the seat of the Croatian Government, on the western side.

Lotrshak Tower

Just a short walk away, we found ourselves standing in front of yet another fascinating Zagreb landmark – Lotrščak Tower. Built in the 13th century as part of the city's defensive walls, the tower once guarded the southern gate of medieval Gradec and remains one of the oldest preserved structures in Zagreb. Today, it houses an art gallery, while a spiral staircase leads visitors to a panoramic viewing platform at the top. Perched on the edge of the Upper Town, the tower offers some of the best views over Zagreb's rooftops and historic centre. It is also the upper station of Zagreb's famous funicular, which connects the Lower Town with the Upper Town and is known as one of the shortest public transport funiculars in the world.

One of the city's most unique traditions takes place here every day at exactly noon. Since 1877, a cannon has been fired from Lotrščak Tower to mark midday tradition that continues uninterrupted to this day and has become one of Zagreb's most recognizable customs.

Where To Eat?

The most popular street for dining and nightlife in the Upper Town is Tkalčićeva Street, often simply called Tkalča by locals. This lively pedestrian street is lined with restaurants, cafés, bars, craft beer pubs, souvenir shops, and traditional artisan stores. Whether you're looking for a morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or an evening drink, Tkalčićeva Street is one of the best places to experience Zagreb's local atmosphere. During the day, locals gather here to meet friends and enjoy the relaxed café culture. After sunset, the street transforms into one of the main hubs of Zagreb's nightlife, buzzing with energy and conversation.

Interestingly, Tkalčićeva Street wasn't always a street. Centuries ago, a stream flowing down from Mount Medvednica ran through this area and formed the boundary between Kaptol and Gradec, the two historic settlements that eventually became modern-day Zagreb. The stream was later redirected underground, making way for the vibrant street visitors enjoy today.

This marked the end of our one-day exploration of Zagreb. Although there is still plenty more to discover both in the city and its surroundings, we managed to experience many of its highlights and soak up its unique atmosphere on the way back from our cartrip to Venice, Veronaand Maranello. Read more for our while trip in these blog posts.

If you're looking to discover more of Croatia beyond Zagreb, I highly recommend heading towards the Dalmatian Coast. The atmosphere there is completely different – a blend of historic seaside towns, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Mediterranean cuisine, and a slower pace of life that makes the region one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. My friends from Family Travel Spirit have explored the area and shared plenty of useful tips and itineraries to Sibenik and Trogir.

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See you in my next trip to remember! :)