I was lucky to visit Zagreb for couple of nights in drizzly November. The weather was not great but I fell in love with the city. I stayed at Hotel Dubrovnik and I will write in more detail about that. They were actually filming the movie Canary Black right next to the hotel. We witnessed action and heard gunshots during our stay and the square was closed during the film shoot. During my stay I went to the opera one night. I also joined a Witch Tour in the evening.
We experienced the long tunnel that connects to the older part of town. It was a very exciting experience together with the witch stories. Listed below, have a look at my recommendations of the city in our Zagreb’s top 5 list of attractions.
1. Upper Town (Gornji Grad) & St. Mark’s Church
To start with our top 5 attractions, unearth Zagreb’s medieval heart in Upper Town. It is accessed via the charming funicular.
Here, winding cobblestone streets lead you to St. Mark’s Church, famous for its vividly tiled roof displaying the Croatian coat of arms.
This Gothic-Romanesque treasure dates back to the 13th century and features ornate interior sculptures by Ivan Meštrović. Wander through the square, bordered by historic government buildings, ideal for capturing Croatia’s cultural essence. Nearby, climb Lotrščak Tower for panoramic city views and experience its daily noon cannon blast—an unforgettable Zagreb tradition.
2. Museum of Broken Relationships
Nestled in Upper Town’s Baroque Kulmer Palace, the Museum of Broken Relationships beautifully merges art and emotion. Founded in 2006, it displays personal mementos. Items like a lovingly preserved pregnancy test are shown. These mementos are accompanied by heartfelt stories. The stories explore the universal experience of love and loss. Somebody had actually stolen a toaster from his/her ex. “How are you going to toast now?”
I thought this was hilarious but of course felt bad at the same time. This is an intimate, award-winning museum. It received the Kenneth Hudson Award in 2011. The museum offers a unique cultural perspective. Admission is priced around €5–7. There are also discounted rates for students.
3. Dolac Market – Local Flavors & Authentic Vibes
Experience Zagreb’s culinary soul at Dolac Market, located between Upper and Lower Towns. Under vibrant red umbrellas, vendors sell seasonal produce, artisanal cheese, cured meats, and handmade goods. Do not miss tasting štrukli (cheese pastry) or sampling local honey liqueurs. I visited a small vendor selling a Burek cheese pastry dish. It was served with a natural yogurt drink and I absolutely loved it. Apparently it is actually a Turkish dish and not Croatian but nevertheless very tasty. Bistro Amfora, leaning against the fish stalls, is a time-honored eatery serving fresh seafood amid buzzing market chatter. Beyond shopping, Dolac offers an authentic cultural snapshot, woven through daily routines and neighborly interactions.
4. Mirogoj Cemetery – Architecture and Reflection
Mirogoj Cemetery was designed by Hermann Bollé in the late 19th century. It is a magnificent open-air gallery and features Neo-Renaissance arcades, domes, sculptures, and meticulously landscaped pathways. It is the final resting place of renowned figures—from poets and presidents to athlete Dražen Petrović. The visit offers calm reflection and artistic admiration. Visitors can enjoy seasonal bursts of color. There are also memorial events like All Saints’ Day candle-lit vigils.
5. Lower Town (Donji Grad) – Cafés, Culture & City Life
The last of our Zagreb top 5 attractions is the Lower Town or Donji Grad. It radiates 19th-century elegance through boulevards, parks, theaters, and Viennese-styled architecture. The vibrant hub is Ban Jelačić Square, named after Croatia’s beloved viceroy. It is surrounded by tram lines, street performers, and bustling shops. Nearby attractions include:
- Zrinjevac Park (King Tomislav Square) with its leafy oasis, fountains, and stroll-worthy cafés.
- Croatian National Theater, a beautiful venue for opera, ballet, and performance arts. This is where I saw the opera Madame Butterfly during my stay. It was wonderful and the orchestra was playing perfectly.
- Museum trio: Archaeological Museum, Art Pavilion, and Croatian Museum of Naïve Art—all within walking distance.
- Oktogon Passage: A glass-domed shopping arcade with cafés and florists—an architectural gem and ideal photo spot.
Accommodation
I stayed at the four-star Hotel Dubrovnik on Ban Jelačić Square and I very much enjoyed it.
You can book it here on Hotels.com. For top-notch lodging in central Zagreb, Hotel Dubrovnik offers excellent location, history, and modern amenities.
If you are looking for a seasonal getaway, Hotels.com is offering excellent hotel prices so take a look! Just change the language on the site to your liking and you are all set to browse different hotels. Also if you want to book a cheaper holiday deal you can check out this Traveup link. With Travelup you can save up to 40% + £60 extra with code TU60. This means bookings over £1299. These are affiliate links. I may earn a commission from any qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost to you, so thank you for your support!
Highlights & Amenities:
- Situated directly on Ban Jelačić Square, steps from Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, and major attractions.
- Combines historic charm (est. 1929) with a modern wing (1982), featuring 222 rooms, including renovated suites with minibar, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
- On-site American Steak House restaurant, lobby bar, summer terrace overlooking the square – ideal for breakfast and after-hours socializing.
- Fitness center, business center with 10 meeting rooms, and on-site parking
Why it is ideal? You can stay immersed in Zagreb’s pulse. Just step outside your door to explore trams, cafes, and cultural landmarks. After a day of sightseeing, sink into comfort before heading out for dinner or evening entertainment. The breakfast was ample as well with a traditional twist.
To sum up
Zagreb resonates with layered history—from medieval Upper Town to refined Lower Town boulevards. Its cultural narrative unfolds in each of the top five attractions: spiritual architecture, interesting museums, vibrant markets, and contemplative grounds. Anchor your journey at Hotel Dubrovnik. This places you at the epicenter of this tapestry. You will be within walking distance of the city’s charm and rhythm. Crafted for both sentimental souls and curious travelers. Your adventure awaits so start planning!