Before you arrive in Zagreb, you will probably already have a short mental checklist. Every city has a few famous experiences that visitors expect to have, whether it is seeing a landmark, tasting a local specialty, or walking through a well-known square.
Zagreb is no different. While the city has plenty of smaller attractions that you may only learn about after arriving, these are the four experiences that most first-time visitors already have in mind. Once you have seen them, you can always look through more Zagreb attractions or browse additional things to do in Zagreb to fill the rest of your stay.
1. Walk through Ban Jelačić Square
If there is one place that represents Zagreb, it is Ban Jelačić Square. Almost every visitor passes through it, often several times a day. It is the city’s main meeting point, surrounded by shops, cafés, bakeries, and tram stops.
The square is completely pedestrian-friendly, but it stays busy throughout the day. Trams cross the square from several directions, so pay attention when walking. If you are using public transport, this is one of the easiest places to change tram lines.
You do not need much time here. Around 20 to 30 minutes is enough to look around, take photos of the Ban Jelačić statue, and get your bearings before continuing into the nearby streets.
2. Visit the Upper Town and see St. Mark’s Church
Many people arrive in Zagreb already knowing the colourful tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church. It is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and appears in countless photos.
The church stands in the Upper Town, which is reached by walking uphill from the main square. The climb is not long, but it can feel steep on hot summer days. Comfortable shoes are a good idea because many streets are paved with old stone that can become slippery after rain.
The church is usually admired from outside, as interior access is limited. The surrounding streets are quiet compared with the city centre below, making this a pleasant area to walk for an hour or two.
3. Ride the Zagreb Funicular
The Zagreb Funicular is one of the city’s best-known attractions. Even though the ride is very short, many visitors want to try it simply because it has become part of the classic Zagreb experience.
The journey only lasts around one minute and connects the Lower Town with the Upper Town. If there is a queue, you may spend longer waiting than riding, especially during weekends or the busiest summer months.
If the funicular is temporarily closed for maintenance or there is a long line, you can simply use the nearby stairs instead. The walk is short, although it requires a bit more effort.
4. Try štrukli
Just as many visitors to Lisbon want to taste a Pastel de nata, or travellers to Budapest often make a point of eating traditional Hungarian goulash soup, many people come to Zagreb planning to try štrukli.
Štrukli is a traditional pastry filled with fresh cheese. It can be baked or boiled, and both versions are commonly served in Zagreb. Some restaurants offer it as a main meal, while others serve smaller portions as a starter or dessert.
It is rich and filling, so do not expect a light snack. Prices depend on the restaurant, but it is generally affordable compared with many Western European capitals. If you visit a well-known restaurant around lunchtime or on weekends, you may need to wait for a table.
What comes after the famous sights?
These four experiences are what many visitors think about before arriving in Zagreb. They are popular for good reason, but they are only part of what the city offers.
If you have extra time, consider joining a guided tour. Local guides often introduce places, stories, and neighbourhoods that are easy to miss if you only follow the standard sightseeing route. They can help you understand the city beyond its best-known landmarks and make the rest of your visit easier to plan.
