The Perfect One Day in Zagreb Itinerary

Commit to spending one day in Zagreb, Croatia’s lovable capital city, and you just might find yourself enchanted with the many delightful things to do in Zagreb.

While Zagreb is home to one of Croatia’s busiest airports and many travelers pass through it, only a fraction of visitors stop to appreciate this beautiful city, instead of making a beeline for the country’s famous coast or national parks.

And while we deeply understand the temptation to hurry on to other beautiful places in Croatia–it took us 4 visits to the country before we properly appreciated Zagreb–it really is worth slowing down your busy trip to Croatia enough to enjoy a day in Zagreb.

Colorful churches, gorgeous architecture, interesting history, tasty food–Zagreb has a little bit of everything, and it’s worth recognizing as a destination in its own right.

Here’s how to make the most of this colorful, vibrant city when seeking out the best things to do in Zagreb in one day!

Planning your trip to Zagreb at the last minute?

If you’re just about to arrive in Zagreb–or are already there–you can skip all the planning and see the bulk of the stops on this one day Zagreb itinerary by signing up for this popular walking tour.

The tour is short enough that you’ll still have time for independent sightseeing afterward, but if you prefer to have the context of a live guide, it’s an excellent way to get your bearings and enjoy an introduction to some of the top places to visit in Zagreb.

Alternatively, history buffs might enjoy the also-popular Communism and Croatian Homeland War Tour, which is more of a dive 20th-century history as opposed to a general sightseeing tour.

• Zagreb Walking Tour of Upper and Lower Towns (great overall introduction!)
• Communism and Croatian Homeland War Tour (tunnels + 20th century history)

Wondering where to stay? We’ll cover these spots in more detail below, but here are some of our top picks:

• Apartman Kaptol (gorgeous apartment with cathedral views)
• Hotel Dubrovnik (modern convenience right off of Ban Jelačić)
• Hotel Capital (beautiful interiors, on-site restaurant, excellent location)

The Perfect One Day in Zagreb Itinerary

Start your one day in Zagreb at Ban Jelačić (Zagreb’s main square).

Where better to kick off your one day in Zagreb itinerary than with a visit to the main square?

Lined with colorful buildings on one side and an endless parade of bright blue trams passing by on the other, Ban Jelačić is both beautiful and busy.

The square is also conveniently located in the midst of many of the best things to do in Zagreb, making it a great jumping-off point for your day in Croatia’s capital city.

Stroll through the Dolac Market.

As you head closer to the Zagreb Cathedral, pass through Dolac Market to enjoy the sights, smells, and possibly tastes of this marketplace!

The red umbrellas shading the market are well known and incredibly photogenic.

Selling fruits, veggies, flowers, meats, and more, the Dolac Market is a must-see during one day in Zagreb.

While you’re there, consider picking up a snack to enjoy later!

Step inside the Zagreb Cathedral.

This Gothic-style church is beautiful inside and out, and it also happens to be the tallest building in Croatia.

(This is probably not surprising to hear once you see how much the cathedral towers over everything around it!)

Though a church has been present in this location since the 12th century, this building dates to the 13th.

The current Zagreb Cathedral has been modified many times as it sustained damage over the centuries, most notably in the 1880 Zagreb earthquake.

It also sustained significant damage in the March 22, 2020 earthquake, though as of early 2026 it is once again open to visitors.

Check out the Grič Tunnel.

Also known as the Zagreb Underground, the Grič Tunnel is one of a series of tunnels underneath the city–but it’s the only one open to tourists!

Originally built in 1943 to shelter residents during WWII, it was later called into service again during the Croatian War of Independence.

Today, the Grič Tunnel is primarily a tourist attraction, though it also hosts various exhibitions and events!

There are 5 entrances, but the Mesnička Entrance is the recommended starting point. For the purposes of this one day Zagreb itinerary, exiting at Tomićeva will make your route simple.

The tunnel is free to visit and only takes a few minutes to walk.

Prefer to learn more about the history of the Grič Tunnel as you explore? The Communism and Croatian Homeland War Tour gets excellent reviews and will introduce you to a different side of the underground!

Book the Communism and Croatian Homeland War Tour today!

Check out Lotrščak Tower.

This 13th-century tower once acted as a guard tower protecting what is now the Upper Town of Zagreb.

And, as all guard towers should, Lotrščak Tower has a great view of the surrounding area!

In the past, I noted that it probably wasn’t necessary to climb to the top of Lotrščak Tower, as this itinerary featured the Zagreb 360 observation deck.

However, as I update this blog post in 2026, Zagreb 360 has now been “temporarily” closed for years and seems unlikely to reopen, so I highly recommend climbing Lotrščak Tower instead!

While the views aren’t quite as dramatic as those from Zagreb 360, they’re beautiful, and the tower is located right along your Zagreb travel route.

Pay a visit to the Strossmayer Promenade.

Strossmayer Promenade may not be perched as high above the city as LotrščakTower, but it is a beautiful, peaceful place that–once again–boasts gorgeous views of the city.

Stop by and rest your feet for a moment during your one day in Zagreb, Croatia. You won’t regret it!

Peruse the Museum of Broken Relationships.

The Museum of Broken Relationships was on our list for years before visiting, and after making it there, we absolutely believe that it lives up to the hype and can heartily recommend making room for it in your itinerary when seeing Zagreb in a day.

Made up of donated items that represent lost relationships, each item is accompanied by a short story about the love story that it was part of.

The items vary dramatically, from clothing to jewelry to books to pizza boxes and beyond, and the stories just as much.

Some stories are touching, some are gut-wrenching, some are deeply uncomfortable.

Save plenty of time for this compelling museum–it’s easy to spend over an hour here.

Admire St. Mark’s Church.

Though the Zagreb Cathedral is certainly larger, the colorful, tiled rooftop of St. Mark’s Church, framed perfectly by the wide, nearly empty square in Upper Town that the church calls home, is among the most recognizable aspects of the city.

Once you lay eyes on its brilliant colors in person, it’s not hard to see why!

This is a quick stop, but definitely one worth prioritizing during your trip to Zagreb.

Make your way to the Stone Gate.

Built in the 13th century as one of four gates fortifying medieval Zagreb, Stone Gate is the only one of the four that is still standing today.

You can walk right through the gate when visiting Zagreb, and as you do, you’ll pass from the Lower Town to Upper Town.

You’ll also notice that the Stone Gate is not only a gate, but also a shrine.

In fact, it’s the largest and most important shrine in Zagreb, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Head down to Tkalčićeva Street.

At this point, you’ll likely be ready to wrap up your Zagreb sightseeing for the day, so it’s time to head to Tkalčićeva Street.

Filled to the brim with restaurants, cafes, and bars, Tkalčićeva Street is the perfect place to settle in for a laid-back Croatian dinner and reflect on the beauty of the city.

Find yourself arriving at Tkalčićeva Street early with some extra time and energy on your hands?

If you want to extend your itinerary, we’ll cover some more ideas for things to see in Zagreb below!

Other Fun Things to Do in Zagreb in One Day

Depending on how early of a start you get to your one day in Zagreb, how long you linger over cups of coffee in outdoor cafes in true Croatian style, and how much sightseeing you like to do in a day, the one day Zagreb itinerary outlined above very well might fill your day!

However, if you’re the type to want to pack your sightseeing days completely full, here are a few more fun things to do that you might have time for during your day visiting Zagreb, Croatia.

Ride the funicular to Upper Town.

Zagreb’s funicular is the shortest in the entire world, drawing opinions that suggest that in the 21st century, it’s more about fun than function.

At a mere 66 meters of track length, the Zagreb funicular is both short and steep, and a ride takes a mere 64 seconds.

It’s also a fun way to get to Upper Town if you’d rather avoid a (mild) climb!

Duck into the 80s Museum.

This interactive museum is dedicated entirely to 1980s Yugoslavia: the culture, the technology, the style.

Step inside to be immersed in the (fairly recent) past.

Stroll through Green Horseshoe Park.

Made up of 8 parks that curve through Zagreb in a vague horseshoe shape, this is a beautiful place to rest and relax in Zagreb.

The green, leafy parks are incredibly tranquil, and we found ourselves finding excuses to spend extra time in them!

Where to Stay When Visiting Zagreb

When deciding where to stay when spending one day in Zagreb, we recommend choosing a hotel within a comfortable walk of Ban Jelačić and/or St. Mark’s Church.

By doing so, you’ll ensure you’re in a good place to reach just about all the best things to do in Zagreb, Croatia on foot.

Here are a few popular, well-located properties to consider for your trip to Zagreb!

Budget

Apartman Kaptol — If you’re looking to visit Zagreb on a budget but avoid hostels, one of the many, many rental apartments available is likely going to be the right fit!

Beautiful and convenient, Apartman Kaptol is on the higher end of “budget”, as it is steps from the Zagreb Cathedral and doesn’t compromise on location, but if you’re willing to ride the tram into the center for sightseeing, you can find much bigger bargains!

Check rates & book your stay at Apartman Kaptol!

Mid-range

Hotel Dubrovnik — Set right on Ban Jelačić and boasting spacious rooms, great reviews, and a tasty included breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the popular Hotel Dubrovnik!

If you’re looking to make your trip to Zagreb as smooth and simple as possible, this is the hotel for you.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Dubrovnik!

Luxury

Hotel Capital — With beautiful interiors and a popular (though not always included) breakfast, Hotel Capital is a fantastic place to relax after a long day of sightseeing!

Set a short walk from Ban Jelačić, it’s easily among the most convenient and comfrotable properties in Zagreb–and the reviews reflect that!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Capital today!

Getting Around When Visiting Zagreb, Croatia

Getting around during your one day in Zagreb should be incredibly easy: you can walk just about everywhere!

Zagreb is not a large city, and if you choose a hotel or apartment within walking distance of the main square, it’s likely you won’t need any other forms of transportation during your time exploring Zagreb.

If you do need or want to use additional transportation, Zagreb’s extensive tram system is easy to use and a huge benefit.

Uber also operates in the city and connects to local taxis.

If you’d like to avoid climbing the hill to Upper Town (it’s really not bad at all, though!), or you’re just a fan of quirky transportation, you can also ride the funicular all 66 meters up.

Read More About Visiting Croatia + the Balkans

Excited to visit Croatia… and maybe a few other places in the Balkans?

We’d love to be part of it here on Our Escape Clause!

You can check out all of our Croatia blog posts here, or browse these guides:

• 33 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• The Perfect 2 Days in Athens Itinerary (First-Time Visitors’ Guide!)
• 15 Best Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
• 15 Spectacular Things to Do in Sarajevo

One Day Zagreb Itinerary Map

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