The capital of Croatia, Zagreb is a nice destination for a one-day trip to discover Austro-Hungarian architecture of the 18th – 19th centuries.
Following our one-day Zagreb itinerary, you will enjoy both the Upper and the Lower Town.
Gornji Grad (Upper Town) is the oldest part of the city, with narrow medieval alleys and beautiful walks set in the ancient walls. Donji Grad (Lower Town) is for more recent buildings and museums.
One-day Zagreb itinerary
Start your day with a good breakfast at Good Food. It is a chain shop (there are several throughout the city) to grab something healthy and delicious.
The tour starts from Trg Bana Jelačića: very crowded all day long, it is the main square in Zagreb. Right behind it, is the Dolac Market; with its red sun umbrellas and tons of fruits and vegetables is great for a healthy snack. We also happened to be in the middle of a parade, with men in typical uniforms.
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is magnificent from the outside, and the small square in front of it is the perfect frame for one of the most important buildings in Zagreb.
After a walk in the narrow alleys of the city center, stop at the Stone Gate, the old entrance to the medieval city, today a devotion site. A few more steps and we arrived in the heart of the Upper Town, where the St. Mark’s Church is located, in the same square next to the Sabor (the Croatian Parliament) and the Banski Dvori (the Presidential Palace).
Time for the craziest museum ever. The Museum of Broken Relationships is for a “unique emotional journey around the world through hundreds of break-ups“. The museum houses hundreds of objects left behind after the end of a relationship; while the gift shop sells cool souvenirs. Not unavoidable, but funny for sure!
The last stop in the Upper Town is the Lotrščak Tower for a 360° view of the city. At this point either you opt for the funicular to the Lower Town, or you choose for a walk in Strossmayer Promenade. This panoramic walk is super recommended in the summertime, for the dozens of street cafès and bars to relax.
Dinner in Zagreb
It’s time for some food and some rest in the Lower Town. Park Zrinjevac is the green lung of Zagreb, where tourists and locals enjoy the shade of the trees. In summertime, the park hosts concerts, food trucks, and gift stands. It is very nice also at sunset, right before heading to Vinodol for a delicious dinner in Zagreb style. Don’t miss the Zagorje štrukli, a “homemade dough filled with fresh cottage cheese, gratinated with cream or sautéed with buttered breadcrumbs“.
My opinion about Zagreb
Well, if you want my personal opinion, I didn’t truly enjoy Zagreb. I think the rest of the country has much more to offer. However, I think you should plan a visit to this city to have a better and complete view of Croatia.
Check the whole 2-week Croatia itinerary to discover other beautiful spots of this European gem.
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