Zagreb Elegance: A 3-Day Guide to Upper Town Charm and Austro-Hungarian Grandeur (2025)

Zagreb is a city of distinct personalities. Its Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is a medieval hilltop sanctuary, complete with gas lamps, cobblestone lanes, and centuries of history. Below, the Lower Town (Donji Grad) unfolds in a perfect grid of grand Austro-Hungarian squares and museums, earning it the nickname "Little Vienna." The two halves, connected by a historic funicular, offer a charming blend of European refinement and vibrant Croatian warmth.

If you are seeking a city break Europe offers that is manageable, culturally rich, and defined by a relaxed café culture, a trip Zagreb is the perfect choice. This expert-crafted 3 days in Zagreb itinerary is designed for maximum walkability, balancing historical icons with the city's celebrated green spaces and unique artistic flair. It is the definitive Zagreb travel guide for planning your journey, detailing exactly what to do in Zagreb during your unforgettable Zagreb weekend itinerary.

Zagreb comes alive after dark, where cozy cafés, glowing streets, and a laid-back charm make every corner feel like a secret worth discovering.

Day 1: Medieval Heights and Lower Town Buzz

Day one focuses on conquering the two historic halves of the city: the Upper Town's spiritual and political heart, and the Lower Town's central squares.

Morning: Upper Town Icons and Funicular

Start your day by heading to the Upper Town. The easiest way up is via the Zagreb Funicular, connecting Tomićeva Street to the Lotrščak Tower. It is one of the world's shortest public transport routes and offers a charming ride (approx. €0.66).

Upon arrival, visit the Lotrščak Tower. If you arrive just before noon, you can witness the traditional daily firing of the cannon from the top. Climb the tower for excellent views.

Walk the short distance to St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka). Its iconic roof, covered in vivid, multi-colored medieval tile mosaics depicting the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Zagreb, is the city's most recognizable architectural sight. Walk past the Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata), the only remaining medieval gate, which houses a shrine to the Virgin Mary.

Lunch and Artistic Break

Descend to the Lower Town (walk down the picturesque Radićeva Street). For lunch, head to Tkalčićeva Street. This vibrant, pedestrianized lane is famous for its non-stop strip of restaurants, cafes, and bars, originally the site of a medieval river. Try traditional Croatian food or a simple meal at a local cafe like Otto & Frank.

The afternoon begins at the unique Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza). This is Zagreb's most internationally famous museum, displaying artifacts donated by people worldwide, each accompanied by a moving story about a failed relationship. It is a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking experience.

Evening: Dinner and Zagreb's Green Heart

Walk south into the Lower Town and explore the Green Horseshoe (Zelena potkova). This U-shaped series of beautiful public parks and squares is Zagreb's formal centrepiece. Walk through Zrinjevac Park, known for its musical pavilion and centenary plane trees.

For dinner, choose a highly-rated restaurant in the Lower Town that specializes in modern Croatian cuisine or a classic konoba (tavern) for a hearty meal. Conclude the evening with a traditional Croatian rakija (fruit brandy).

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Zagreb Funicular Ride	9:30 AM – 9:45 AM	€0.66	£0.55	Connects Lower and Upper Town. Runs every 10 minutes.
Lotrščak Tower (Noon Cannon)	9:45 AM – 11:00 AM	€4 avg	£3.50 avg	Climb for views. Cannon fires at noon.
St. Mark's Church & Stone Gate	11:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Free	Free	View the iconic tiled roof. Walk through the shrine at the Stone Gate.
Lunch – Tkalčićeva Street	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€15 avg	£13.10 avg	Vibrant pedestrian street with many restaurant choices.
Museum of Broken Relationships	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	€8 avg	£7 avg	Unique, emotionally engaging museum experience. Book here
Dinner – Lower Town	8:00 PM	€25 avg	£21.75 avg	Try traditional Croatian food near the Green Horseshoe.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €3.98 (approx. Daily Ticket)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 2: Spiritual Heights and Green Spaces

Day two explores Zagreb's grandest spiritual architecture, its bustling market culture, and offers a glimpse into a nearby natural escape.

Morning: Cathedral and Market Life

Start your day at the Zagreb Cathedral (Zagrebačka katedrala), the tallest building in Croatia and a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Although it has been undergoing extensive reconstruction following earthquake damage, its monumental facade and spires are an essential sight.

Walk immediately to the nearby Dolac Market (Tržnica Dolac). Located just north of Ban Jelačić Square, this vibrant open-air market is the city's 'belly,' where you can find fresh produce, flowers, local cheeses, and meats. This is a fantastic place to witness local life and grab a cheap, fresh snack.

Lunch and Literary Strolls

Walk south to Ban Jelačić Square (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića), the city's largest central square and main tram interchange. This is the true bustling heart of modern Zagreb.

For lunch, choose an affordable restaurant near the square or try one of the many spots near the Croatian National Theatre (HNK).

The afternoon begins by visiting the Mirogoj Cemetery (short tram ride required). While a cemetery, this is one of the city's most beautiful architectural spaces, known for its massive arcades, domes, and grand walkways. It is a peaceful, stunning memorial and a work of art in itself.

Conclude the afternoon with a walk along the Strossmayer Promenade, a beautiful pedestrian walkway in the Upper Town offering relaxing views and atmosphere.

Evening: Day Trip or Theatre

For the evening, you have two distinct options:

Option 1 (Culture): Check the schedule for a performance at the magnificent Croatian National Theatre (HNK), which hosts world-class opera, ballet, and drama.

Option 2 (Nature): Take a half-day or full-day tour to the Baroque town of Varaždin or the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plitvice requires a full day, meaning an early start).

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Zagreb Cathedral	9:30 AM – 10:30 AM	Free	Free	View the exterior and ongoing reconstruction.
Dolac Market & Ban Jelačić Square	10:30 AM – 1:00 PM	Free	Free	Buy local goods and watch the bustling market.
Lunch – Central Square Area	1:00 PM – 2:00 PM	€15 avg	£13.10 avg	Casual Croatian food or International cuisine.
Mirogoj Cemetery Visit	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Free	Free	Tram required. Stunning arcades and architecture.
Strossmayer Promenade Walk	5:00 PM – 6:30 PM	Free	Free	Relaxing walk with city views.
HNK Performance (Optional)	7:30 PM onwards	€15-€40 avg	£13-£35 avg	Check National Theatre schedule and book tickets in advance.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: Included in Daily/72-Hour Pass

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 3: Quirky Museums and Green Escapes

Your final day covers Zagreb's unique, creative side, its commitment to green urban planning, and a final scenic moment.

Morning: Quirky Museums and Coffee Culture

Start your day near your accommodation in the Lower Town. Visit the Museum of Illusions (Muzej iluzija), a fun, interactive stop that uses over 70 exhibits to play tricks on your mind.

Next, join the essential Croatian coffee culture. Find a cafe terrace on Tkalčićeva Street or Flower Square (Cvjetni trg) and enjoy a slow, lingering coffee (špica is the local term for the peak coffee hour).

Lunch and Modern Art

For lunch, enjoy a classic Croatian street food lunch of Ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) at a local grill shop.

The afternoon takes you south to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) (Muzej suvremene umjetnosti). This modern, striking building houses a collection of Croatian and international contemporary works. Note: A tram ride is required to reach this southern location.

Alternatively, for nature lovers, visit Maksimir Park, Zagreb's largest and oldest public park, which also houses the Zagreb Zoo.

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Museum of Illusions	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM	€10 avg	£8.70 avg	Interactive, fun museum near the centre. Book here
Coffee Culture (Špica)	11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	€3 avg (Coffee)	£2.60 avg	Linger on a cafe terrace on Tkalčićeva or Flower Square.
Lunch – Ćevapi Grill	1:00 PM – 2:00 PM	€8 avg	£7 avg	Quick, high-quality Balkan grill shop.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU)	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	€10 avg	£8.70 avg	Requires a tram ride south of the centre.
Maksimir Park Walk (Optional)	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Free	Free	Largest park in Zagreb, located in the east (Tram 11 or 12).
Farewell Dinner	7:30 PM	€25 avg	£21.75 avg	Enjoy a final dinner near your hotel or the main square.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: Included in Daily/72-Hour Pass

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

For a truly central, stylish, and highly convenient stay in Zagreb, the art'otel Zagreb is an exceptional choice.

art'otel Zagreb powered by Radisson Hotels (Book here)

• Location: Superb. This 5-star hotel is centrally located in the Lower Town, just a 5-minute walk from Zagreb's main square (Ban Jelačić Square) and within immediate walking distance of the Funicular, Tkalčićeva Street, and the main museums. This location maximizes your walkability.

• Style & Amenities: The hotel is a design-lover's paradise, featuring stunning artwork throughout its public spaces and rooms by the famous Croatian artist Boris Bućan. Amenities include a highly-rated indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, fitness room, and an excellent Pan-Asian restaurant with a rooftop space/bar offering city views.

• Rates: Reflecting its modern luxury, prime location, and extensive amenities, rooms typically start around €180 (£156) per night. A comprehensive breakfast is available for an additional charge.

Final Section: Tips and Local Insights

Your charming trip Croatia is planned. Here are essential logistics and local insights to ensure your visit is seamless.

Mastering Zagreb’s Public Transport (ZET)

Zagreb's public transport (trams and buses, managed by ZET) is efficient and affordable, particularly within the central AB zones.

• Tickets: For your 3 days in Zagreb, the 3-Day Ticket for approximately €9.29 (£8.10) is the best value, offering unlimited travel on all trams and buses within the central zone.

• Validation: Single tickets must be validated immediately upon boarding by punching them in the onboard machines. Traveling without a valid ticket can result in a high fine.

• Trams: The tram network is the quickest way to get around the Lower Town and connect to the Museum of Contemporary Art or Mirogoj Cemetery.

Currency, Tipping, and Culture

• Currency: Croatia uses the Euro (€).

• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, it's common practice to round up the bill or leave about 10% for good service. In cafes, rounding up to the nearest Euro is sufficient.

• Café Culture: Zagreb's cafe culture is a way of life. Locals spend hours enjoying a single coffee. Embrace the slow pace and enjoy the špica (the local term for the peak coffee hour on weekends).

  
  

Zagreb is waiting to charm you with its dual identity and vibrant Central European atmosphere. Dobar put! (Have a good trip!)