From historic castles to serene lakes,
Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, definitely has a lot in store. It shouldn't be surprising that the capital city of the country, its ultimate seat of power, is also one of its most diverse metropolises. Diverse in the sense that not all neighborhoods look like. Not all districts offer the same things. And there's always a new experience at every corner. This guide will let you learn more about the best neighborhoods in Zagreb and perhaps help you choose which ones will give you a good time.
Where is Zagreb, Croatia?
Zagreb is located right smack in the middle of Croatia. Though the country itself is in Southeastern Europe, slightly on the edge of the Mediterranean, the city's geographical location lets it experience all four seasons. It even snows in winter here, which can't be said about the rest of the Mediterranean.
What to Do in Zagreb, Croatia
There's a lot you can
do in Zagreb that one day is barely enough! For sightseeing, explore the famous Upper Town and get lost in its old-world magic. You can also go Downtown and hang out in the popular hotspots. Tkalčićeva Street is another great place for going out on the town, especially with its array of fine restaurants, cool cafes, chic bistros, and more. Jarun Lake, on the other hand, itself another central neighborhood in Zagreb, offers water sports and family fun on sunny days. And for a unique alternative, check out the Museum of Broken Relationships and discover the painful beauty of parting.
Britanski Trg, Zagreb
Local life flourishes in Britanski Trg, a popular public square with an open-air farmer's market in Zagreb. The place produces some of the freshest fruits, vegetables, and more in the city, drawing in both locals and tourists alike. It's even pretty ironic that locals love Britanski Trg since the area's name is translated to “British Square” in English. Despite its name, however, the lifestyle here is as Croatian as ever. With its open-air structure, shoppers and diners can enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine, especially in spring and summer. And though the plaza itself is often bustling, the surrounding district remains relatively peaceful and largely residential.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Suradnik13
Donji Grad, Zagreb
Before getting to the more famous Upper Town, let's focus on Donji Grad, or “Lower Town,” first. It's the Croatian capital's bustling city center, offering a good mix of tourist spots and local hubs. Surrounding its main square are residential avenues full of old-school European apartment buildings housing some of the
best luxury apartments in Zagreb, narrow cobblestone streets, and a treasure trove of coffee shops. In fact, if you're truly into Europe's café society, you'll love staying here for a while. Practically every corner you turn, there's at least one or two café where you can relax and unwind.
What to Do in Donji Grad, Zagreb
Donji Grad is perhaps one of—if not the best part of Zagreb to out on the town. Famously, the neighborhood is home to the city's “Green Horseshoe” (Zeleni Potkov), a series of gardens and parks that run through the center of the Croatian capital. In these idyllic green spaces, you can play with friends, enjoy a stroll date with your partner, hang out with locals, and more. Famously, this is also where you'll find the grand Croatian National Theatre. It's arguably the best place in the city to immerse yourself in fine performance arts and culture.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Jorge Lascar
Zagreb’s Gornji Grad
Mostly referred to as the “Upper Town” of Zagreb, Gornji Grad is the city's beloved old-world district. Its monicker comes from its location atop the hillside, making it the upper town to Donji Grad's lower town. Mansions, manors, and homes all preserved from the pre-socialist and pre-World War eras of the country make up most of this nostalgia-inducing neighborhood, not to mention the famous grand churches in the city. And while Gornji Grad looks beautiful no matter the time of year, you'll want to see it around the holiday season. They set up one of
Europe's most magical Christmas markets here and it will warm your heart in more ways than one!
What to See in Gornji Grad, Zagreb
Gornji Grad is a feast for the eyes. From the cobbled streets that incline down the hillside to the stone houses that have been around for centuries, it's a history book walk-through. But among the great sights here, there's no denying that St Mark's Church and the Zagreb Cathedral are the main highlights. St. Mark's Church proudly shows off the city's coat of arms, harkening back to the beauty of the Middle Ages. The Zagreb Cathedral, on the other hand, stands imposing with its Gothic glory.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Suradnik13
Jarun, Zagreb
When you ask a local to take you to Jarun, they'll bring you to the lake of the same name. Don't worry! If you were referring to the neighborhood named Jarun, you're still in the right place. “Jarun” refers to both the lake and its surrounding district. Since it's a lakeside area, it's a great place to do all sorts of outdoor activities. Among the most popular are water sports such as swimming, jet-skiing, kayaking, and more. At the same time, most of the nearby facilities are sports centers, courts, gyms, and the like.
What to Do in Jarun, Zagreb
If you're the sporty type and you plan to
move to Zagreb, choose Jarun as your new hometown! This is the best place for athletics, thanks to the eponymous lake and the green spaces around it. You can start your day jogging by the lake, perhaps even riding your bike if you have one, then do aerobics on the field nearby, cool off by swimming, and cap your day with a relaxing picnic by the lake. What more could you ask for?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kaptol, Zagreb
Even if it may not seem like it, Croatia is actually a religious country. And here in Zagreb, the country's capital, the seat of ecclesiastical power is in the Kaptol neighborhood. Technically, Kaptol is part of Upper Town, but it's so distinct that it's largely considered its own district. Beautiful centuries-old cathedrals, grand churches, and other places of worship dominate this part of the city, making it another tourist haven in Zagreb.
Is Kaptol, Zagreb Safe?
Yes, it is. The
crime rates in Zagreb are already quite low, so the city as a whole is safe. Kaptol, in particular, is safe as it's a largely religious area. Though it still gets pretty hectic here, it's far from dangerous.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Robert Majetic
Maksimir, Zagreb
Named after Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, one of the leading ideological figures in Croatia during its National Revival Age, the Maksimir district is another central part of the city. It's right smack in the middle of the metropolis, geographically speaking, bordered by other notable areas mentioned in this guide. Despite its strategic location, however, Maksimir is more residential and nature-centric. Maksimir Park is the neighborhood centerpiece, where locals and tourists alike hang out and have fun. There's also the University Hospital Centre Zagreb, one of the
finest international schools in Zagreb.
Zagreb's Maksimir Park
As already mentioned, Maksimir Park is its namesake district's pièce de résistance. The park boasts five lakes, collectively called the Maksimir Lakes, and even the Zagreb Zoo. Its sheer size alone makes it a must-see, especially for those who moved to Zagreb with their entire family. That's why the Maksimir neighborhood itself is popular. A lot of people would want to live in what's arguably the best park in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Rostyslav Malenko
Novi Zagreb, Zagreb
Located on the south bank of the Sava River, Novi Zagreb is slightly separated from the rest of Zagreb. It is its own distinct district, defined by its communal approach but also its fairly expansive green spaces. Perhaps the most famous part of Novi Zagreb is its apartment blocks housed in brutalist buildings from the city's socialist era. They're decidedly modern, especially compared to the more historic and old-world appeals in other neighborhoods in Zagreb. Though some may find this aesthetic rather somber, it's a refreshing contrast from the overabundance of centuries-old nostalgia found in most European cities.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Plamen
Strossmayerovo šetalište, Zagreb
Known for its mile-long promenade that stretches from the Upper Town to the Lower Town, Strossmayerovo šetalište is one of the more beautiful neighborhoods of Zagreb. As you walk on this famous path, you'll see countless beautiful homes, relaxing cafés, quirky boutiques, must-see theaters, fascinating art galleries, street performers, and the like. In many ways, the area shows the heart of the city, both its old-world charms and its modern-day magic. It's no wonder it's becoming more and more popular among locals, new residents, and tourists nowadays.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Miroslav Vajdic
Tkalčićeva, Zagreb
Tkalčićeva is yet another neighborhood in Zagreb that will take you back in time. Its charming vintage homes, cobblestone streets, and lamp-lit pathways harken back to the days of yore; romantic periods that you'd easily associate fairytales and classic novels with. Even the vibe is sort of the same! As you explore this district, you'll realize that it's made up of a close-knit community of locals. They're people, families, and businesses that have been in Zagreb for decades, perhaps even centuries.
Tkalčićeva Street
The heart of the Tkalčićeva district is its eponymous street. Tkalčićeva Street is one of the most popular spots in the city. Lined with some of the best cafes and
restaurants in Zagreb, this is the best place to have a foodie tour of the Croatian capital. a few highlights include Rooftop 215, Wok by Matija, Kokyan World Food Tkalčićeva, and Confusion Bar, among many others. Not only do these hotspots serve the most scrumptious food, but they're also great places to hang out with friends. What's not to like?
What to Do in Tkalčićeva Street
If you haven't figured it out yet, Tkalčićeva is all about eating and drinking. You can go from one restaurant to the next, tasting the different flavors of Croatia and the rest of the world. At night, it's all about drinking and dancing. Though Tkalčićeva Street is fairly chill, they still let loose every once in a while too!
Source: Flickr.com/ Jorge Franganillo
Check out the central neighborhoods in Zagreb to get to know more about the Croatian capital. Even by just these popular districts, you'll get a good sense of what makes the city the beloved destination it is today.
