Zagreb is Croatia’s capital, but often overlooked by travelers. They are more likely to visit Split or Dubrovnik. The city situated in the North of Croatia is known as little Vienna and actually the perfect city trip destination. It is hip & trendy, budget friendly and has a really relaxed vibe. I was really impressed by everything Zagreb has to offer. Even in just 36 hours you can already see and do a lot in this wonderful city.

Zagreb consists of two parts; the lower town (Donji Grad) and the upper town (Gornji Grad). In Donji Grad you can find mostly shops, cafes, parks and museums. Gornji Grad is the more historical part with its old structures, churches and monuments. My hotel was situated in the lower town so I started my walk through the city there.

What to see and do in Zagreb in 36 hours

Lower town / Donji Grad

The Green Horseshoe

This is a series of open green spaces shaped in the letter “U” containing important cultural institutions;

Central Station / King Tomislav Square

Opposite from the Central Station you can find a statue of King Tomislav, the first Croatian king.

Art Pavilion

This is a venue for special cultural events.

JJ Strossmayera Square / Nikola Subic Zrinski Square

Marshall Tito Square

Here you can find the Croatian National Theatre, another gorgeous yellow piece of architecture.

Ban Josip Jelacic Square

This is the heart of the city. Big events are organized here and there are a lot of stops to take the trams. Most of the buildings date from the 19th century.

Flower Square

This is another meeting point loved by artists and young people, as well as an older crowd. It is surrounded by shops and restaurants and bars.

Oktogon

This gallery links the Flower Square with the bustling shopping street Ilica. You can find more expensive shops here.

Upper town / Gornji Grad

Kaptol Square / Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with its twin towers is probably the best known symbol of Zagreb. You can see the towers in almost every part of town.

Dolac Market

This is the “Belly of Zagreb”. It’s the biggest food market where you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, meat and fish.

Tkalciceva

This is the most colorful street of Zagreb, where you can eat and drink in one of its many bars or restaurants and enjoy watching the people passing by.

Stone Gate / Kamenita Vrata

This is the only gate from the Middle Ages that remained intact. It was burned down in 1731. The only thing that miraculously survived the fire was an icon of the Virgin Mary. It still hangs on the same spot in the wall. People come here to pray every day.

Saint Mark’s Square

This is the heart of upper town characterized by its beautiful church of Saint Mark. The roof tiles form the coats of arms of the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slovenia and the city of Zagreb. The church is surrounded by government buildings. The Governor’s palace is the seat of the Croatian Government and the office of the Prime Minister. Josip Jelalic lived here (a governor and noted army general). On the opposite side you can find the parliament.

Kula Lotrscak

This is a tower you can climb dating from the Middle Ages. At noon you can hear the cannon blasting to remember King Béla IV who gave Gradec (now the upper town) a charter proclaiming it a free royal city.