Here’s our Anti-Tourist Guide to Zagreb to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local

Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and get a feeling of what it’s like to live in Croatia’s capital. With its central European charm and a very interesting and unique old town, you’ll find something to do all year round. Follow this anti-tourist guide to Zagreb to experience the city’s relaxed and peaceful atmosphere while exploring its many art exhibits, quaint cafes, and array of activities. 

Let’s find answers to the most important questions about traveling to Zagreb to have the most amazing experience there!

How many days should I plan to visit Zagreb?

Tricky question! You could really spend weeks discovering all the cafes, art galleries, and museums in Zagreb, like in many European countries. However, if you are backpacking or Interrailing and your travel time is limited, two to three days would be enough to visit all the must-see spots in Zagreb.

Now that we’ve covered this, let’s move on to our next question…

What are the main anti-tourist highlights of Zagreb?

Here, historical sights meet modern flair. There is so much to see and do in Zagreb. But let’s start with covering the basics.

a) Art in museums and on the street 

Any art enthusiast will get their money’s worth. There is a lot to discover in Zagreb—not only inside. The whole city feels like an enormous art exhibition. We’ve listed the most interesting ones for you in one place.

• National Museum of Modern Art: From the permanent showings to the temporary exhibitions, from the mid-century to the present day. We especially recommend the Oktogon Art Gallery, as it features works by prominent Croatian artists. What’s more, you’ll fall in love not only with the artworks but also with the surroundings.
• Gallery M23: This is a true hidden gem gallery that bridges historical avant-garde tendencies with contemporary artistic explorations. Look out for it and experience it for yourself.
• Zagreb is a canvas, and on many surfaces all around the city you get the chance to admire the street art for free. So, keep your eyes open! If you don’t want to leave seeing these masterpieces to chance, visit the Art Park to rest, relax, and enjoy one of many free events taking place there.
• Lauba Art Gallery: With many events, projects, and exhibitions, several artists get the chance to display their art. If you’re into contemporary/urban art, look no further!
• Museum of Broken Relationships: If you don’t plan on being completely shattered after your trip, you might want to skip this place. Otherwise, feel it all!

b) Green spaces and outdoor activities

You’ll find many green spaces and parks all around Zagreb. Especially in the warmer months, it’s the perfect setting to people-watch or just relax with a picnic to recapture everything you’ve experienced so far. Let’s take a look at the nicest places with the most locals:

• Maksimir Park: The oldest public park in Zagreb truly is part of the city’s heritage and a place you don’t want to miss
• The Dolac Market offers fresh produce and traditional specialties for your home-cooked meal at the Whole Wide World Hostel. Additionally, you’ll get to see the famous red umbrella stalls.
• Not that anti-tourist but still worth visiting is the Strossmayer Promenade for amazing views all over Zagreb. Also get ready for some open-air art installations.
• Bundek Lake: Bundek Lake consists of a big and a small lake. In the summer you can go for a swim or sunbathe here.

Where to Eat in Zagreb?

We exclusively put together a cheap-eats guide for you. There you’ll find the best food. But if you’re feeling a little bit fancier, we’ve also got you covered.

a) Fancy(-ish) restaurants

• Go to Mali Bar to try “Croatian-style tapas.” It’s open until midnight; it’s great for a chill night out with your (new) friends.
• SuperPlanty offers a nice variety of vegan brunch and lunch options. From time to time, they also offer activities such as yoga to meet new people.

• For excellent sushi, go to Takenoko – a Japanese restaurant with a Peruvian twist.
• KAI Street Food Bar is for everyone who enjoys great music while trying some new, experimental food. Your curiosity will be rewarded, that much can be said.

b) Cafes and Bars   

• Botaničar
• Booksa: This place combines your love for books and coffee. Choose a drink from the menu and stroll around until you eventually find something to read.

• Café U Dvorištu: A neighborhood cafe serving specialty coffee.
• Korica: With three locations in Zagreb, you’ll always find some artisan pastries to start your day right or get out of an afternoon slump.
• AE Caffe Bar: Go get a cocktail and enjoy the stunning view over Zagreb.

Quick getaways for a day trip from Zagreb

Feeling like escaping the city and enjoying a day in nature? No worries, we also got you covered. Take the train from Zagreb Glavni kolodvor to Belavići. The trip takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you’ll be rewarded with the delightful Mreznica River.

Anti-tourist places in Zagreb

• Britanski Trg Market: Go there on Sundays for their antique fair.
• Mirogoj Cemetery: Some people argue that this is one of the most magnificent cemeteries in Europe. Every dark tourist may find out for themselves.

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