24 Hours in Zagreb: Exploring Croatia’s Underrated Capital

During our Interrail trip across Europe, we stopped in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, for a short visit on our way further down the country.

We only had two days and one night in the city, and after a long train journey from Slovenia we were completely exhausted. But as most travellers know, tiredness rarely stops you from exploring somewhere new. After dropping our bags at the hostel, we pushed through the fatigue and set out to discover the city.

Although Zagreb doesn’t usually receive the same attention as Croatia’s famous coastal destinations like Split or Dubrovnik, it turned out to be a fun and memorable stop on our journey.

First Evening in Zagreb: Food, Nightlife, and New Friends

One of the best parts of travelling is the people you meet along the way.

On our train to Zagreb, we met two travellers — Lindin from the United States and Waseem from Jordan — and ended up chatting for most of the journey. After arriving in the city, we decided to drop our bags off at our hostels before meeting again for dinner at a popular restaurant in the city centre.

Unfortunately I can’t remember the name of the restaurant, but I do remember the food. I ordered a mushroom risotto, which may well have been the best I’ve ever eaten — although after a long day of travelling, hunger probably played a big role in that judgement.

By the time we finished dinner it was already late, so we decided to check out Zagreb’s nightlife.

Tkalčićeva Street: Zagreb’s Nightlife Hub

We headed to Tkalčićeva Street, one of the most popular streets in Zagreb and widely considered the centre of the city’s nightlife.

Located in the Upper Town, the street is lined with lively cafés, small bars, inexpensive restaurants, and art galleries. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, making it a great place to wander around in the evening.

Eventually we ended up in a club where we danced for a while before Hannah and I decided it was time to call it a night.

Of course, rather than announcing our departure, we opted for what we jokingly called “The Great Escape” — quietly slipping out through the back of the club and heading back to the hostel.

Sometimes the simplest travel memories are the funniest.

Exploring Zagreb’s Upper Town

After breakfast at the hostel the next morning, we set out to explore Zagreb properly.

We started in the city’s main square, Ban Jelačić Square, before walking uphill toward the historic Upper Town.

Dolac Market

Our first stop was Dolac Market, a large open-air fruit and vegetable market that runs daily from early morning until early afternoon.

The market was full of colourful stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and local foods. We picked up some raspberries, found a quiet spot nearby, and sat down to enjoy them while people-watching — one of our favourite travel pastimes.

Zagreb Cathedral

A short walk away stands the impressive Zagreb Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century, although much of the building was later restored after a devastating earthquake in the late 19th century.

With its towering twin spires, it’s easily one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city.

The Museum of Broken Relationships

Hidden among the cobbled streets of the Upper Town is one of the most unusual museums I’ve ever visited: the Museum of Broken Relationships.

This quirky museum displays objects donated by people from all over the world — items that represent the end of a relationship. Everything from books and jewellery to clothing and letters is displayed alongside short stories explaining their emotional significance.

Some stories are funny, some are heartbreaking, and others are simply strange.

It’s definitely one of the most unique museums I’ve ever visited, and without a doubt the highlight of our time in Zagreb.

We then continued our journey to see Zagreb’s most photographed site in St Marks Church on St Mark Square. I loved the multi-coloured tile roof that was constructed in 1880. The rest of the church dates back to the 13^th century. In the same square, you can see Croatian parliament (Sabor) and Ban’s Palace, now the presidential palace.

Lotrščak Tower and the Noon Cannon

Before leaving the Upper Town, we stopped by Lotrščak Tower, another historic landmark.

Every day at noon, a cannon is fired from the tower — a tradition that dates back centuries. A local passerby told us the cannon commemorates Zagreb’s historic victory over the Ottoman Turks.

The sudden boom echoes across the city and has become one of Zagreb’s most unusual daily traditions.

Lower Town and Zrinjevac Park

To reach the Lower Town, many visitors take Zagreb’s famous funicular railway down the steep hill.

Instead of paying for the ride, we simply walked down the hill, which took only a few minutes.

The Lower Town feels quite different from the historic Upper Town. It’s more modern and is home to many of Zagreb’s business districts, hotels, museums, and large public parks.

While we didn’t explore the area extensively, we spent some time relaxing in Zrinjevac Park, a beautiful green space with tree-lined paths and elegant fountains.

We passed the time there playing cards and enjoying the sunshine while waiting for our night train to Split.

Where We Stayed in Zagreb

During our short stay we booked a five-bed female dorm at The House Hostel in Zagreb.

The hostel had a relaxed atmosphere and a great communal kitchen with free coffee and tea, which is always appreciated when travelling on a budget.

Its location near the bus station also made it convenient for travellers moving between cities.

For a short stopover in Zagreb, it worked perfectly.

Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?

Zagreb might not be Croatia’s most famous destination, but it still makes for an enjoyable stop — especially if you’re travelling between cities within the country.

The historic Upper Town, quirky museums, and relaxed café culture give the city plenty of character.

While we only spent about a day exploring, it was enough to get a good sense of the city — and it turned out to be a surprisingly fun stop on our Interrail adventure.

wheremaywanders

July 11, 2017

Europe