Looking for some cool things to do in Zagreb beyond the usual tourist attractions?
Updated for 2026
If you like urban travel with a bit of urban nature and a very relaxed atmosphere, Zagreb has a lot to offer.
Zagreb is a great city with a very laid-back vibe. In this guide to alternative things to do in Zagreb I’ll share what I discovered in two different visits to the city.
This post features the more unusual things to do in Zagreb, alongside some of its more famous things to do.
It’s best to start with the free tour to get to know the city, the main highlights, and the history. Then move on to the more unique things to do in Zagreb.
Here are my tips for cool things to do in Zagreb, including some quirky museums, cool cafes and bars, excellent street art and plenty of places to chill.
Table of contents
Zagreb free walking tour
I like to take guided walking tours on my first or second day in a new city. It’s the fastest, easiest way to get to know the place and meet some people at the same time.
In Zagreb I went on a free walking tour that took us around the old town (Upper Town) and the main square.
The downtown is the area you’re more likely to see as a visitor when you first arrive, but the Upper Town has plenty to see as well.
After a long historical introduction by our eloquent guide, we went up the hill and our guide introduced us to all the important highlights. It was a very good introduction to the city.
Free tours are tip-based, meaning you pay the guide at the end of the tour what you think it was worth. These tours are usually quite popular, so book your places in advance.
More Zagreb guided tours
- Zagreb BIG tour – A comprehensive tour of Zagreb.
- Zagreb Photo Tour – Photography tour led by a professional local photographer.
- Zagreb Highlights Bike Tour – An entertaining bike tour of the city highlights.
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb
This is a unique museum, conceived by a couple when their relationship ended.
As the name suggests – it is dedicated to stories of breakups, broken hearts and ex-lovers.
The stories are told through a collection of people’s personal belongings.
These were assembled from people from different countries, and you can even contribute your own items, if you’ve just ended a relationship and need to let go of something.
The tiny museum shop is full of cynical gifts. It’s dark humour that you may find very funny, or perhaps not, depending on the state of your love life…
If you’re visiting Zagreb in the high season, I strongly suggest you book a ticket in advance for this museum, because it’s really popular.
The Museum of Illusions in Zagreb
I promised some quirky museums, and this is the first one. It easily made it into the list of cool things to do in Zagreb.
It’s a super interactive museum featuring all sorts of optical illusions, holograms, clever brain teasers and the like.
Everything in the Museum of Illusions has clear explanations in English telling you how the trick works, but it may still leave you puzzled.
It’s a truly fun place to visit in Zagreb and what makes it even more fun is that you’re allowed to take pictures of all the illusions.
It may sound like a children’s museum, but in fact there were more adults than children when I visited.
The museum has two floors full of intriguing items, pictures, games and even three different rooms you can enter and lose touch with reality for a moment or two…
Get tickets to the Museum of Illusions
Cool things to do in Zagreb: Zagreb street art tour
Zagreb’s street art scene is blooming and well worth discovering. It’s got some of the most beautiful street art I’ve seen on my travels.
The murals around the city, both downtown and in the Upper Town are particularly impressive.
There’s also a unique project of painted water pumps all over the city that you may spot as you walk around.
It’s a whole world of alternative art and lifestyle in Zagreb that’s there to be discovered.
When I realised that I might be missing out on some cool pieces of art, I decided to take the Zagreb Street Art Tour and have a local guide show me around.
That was a wise decision. I definitely recommend taking this street art tour, it’s one of the best things to do in Zagreb and there’s nothing like seeing the local culture through local eyes.
Cool places in Zagreb: Booksa
An alternative guide to Zagreb has to include Booksa. This is a cool cafe, bookshop and book club, just a short walk from the main square.
There are plenty of sofas among the books and you can order your coffee or a soft drink at the bar and chill.
It’s also a laptop-friendly cafe, you’ll see quite a few people working on their laptops there.
In the evenings, you might come across a reading night or an unplugged concert.
Jarun Lake – a place to chill
Zagreb is a very green city. I admire all the parks and gardens you see everywhere you go.
If you feel the need for some more urban nature, a little bit outside the city centre, you’ll find a marvellous artificial lake called Jarun.
Surrounded by a beautiful park, that’s where the locals hang out at weekends.
The day I went to Jarun was a sunny one and it was wonderful to walk around the lake and sit by the water with friends, have a drink and relax.
There was a free music festival by the water that day as well, and I’ve been told it’s a popular spot for festivals in summer.
Jarun Lake is great for walking, jogging, cycling or sitting on the beach and it’s just a short tram ride from the centre of Zagreb.
Find more Zagreb day trips
Alternative Zagreb: Program Bar
This is a beautifully designed cafe and bar. It’s very close to the central square and next to another cool cafe, Booksa.
You can sit outdoors or indoors, with plenty of natural light. I admired the interior design.
It’s also a laptop-friendly place, with fast wifi and soft music in the background.
Strossmayer promenade
A lovely spot in the Upper Town, with a view of the city from above.
It is located right at the top of the hill, where the Zagreb funicular ends its one minute ride.
During the summer, Strossmayer hosts the Summer Stross Festival. It gets very lively, especially at weekends.
It’s a cool place to go for free music concerts that are held every night at 9 pm by local bands. I saw some great Jazz and Balkan music shows.
Apart from the free music gigs, there are cool art installations, theatrical performances, food stalls and people chilling with a drink on a summer evening.
Art Park – a unique place in Zagreb
Wondering what to do in Zagreb on a fine weather day? Head to Art Park!
Somewhat hidden, but just moments from the Zagreb funicular, this little park in the city centre is a beautiful project initiated by a group of street artists.
In the past it used to be a junkie park, today it’s one of the coolest places to hang out in the city.
Open all day long in the summer months, and in the evening up to 11 pm, it’s full of people hanging out, drinking and chatting.
There are a couple of bars in the park to serve your drinking needs.
The park is full of cool street art creations everywhere you look and new pieces are added from time to time.
Don’t miss this unique spot when you visit Zagreb.
Cool things to do in Zagreb: the botanical garden
Surprisingly, Zagreb can get even more relaxed than it already is.
If you ever need to unwind in Zagreb, the botanical garden is the place to go.
This is a little gem right next to the train station and it’s one of the best free things to do in Zagreb.
As you walk around the garden, you’ll see the names of the trees and other plants are displayed next to each.
I liked the flower beds sorted by colour, with explanations in English.
There are some vegetable beds and many types of succulents, but my personal favourite spot was the pond 🙂
Where to stay in Zagreb
When you choose where to stay in Zagreb, first decide if you want to stay in the Upper Town (Old Town), or in the lower town, the modern part of the city.
Here are accommodation options for every budget.
Chillout Hostel Zagreb – in a good location for nightlife in the Upper Town.
Funk Lounge Hostel – a clean and comfortable hostel near the old town.
Stay Swanky Hostel – a hostel with private rooms.
Cool Centre Zagreb – a centrally located B&B.
Centroom Apartments Zagreb – Beautiful and modern 4-star apartments, close to Zagreb’s attractions in a historic building, a good choice if you need self-catering accommodation.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – A luxurious 5-star hotel with a relaxing atmosphere, a rooftop terrace and a sauna.
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4 Comments
Zagreb seems cool and the Museum of Broken Hearts sounds quirky and meaningful. Thanks for this fantastic guide!
I can see myself enjoying many of these activities, and one has to wonder what is in the Museum of Broken Hearts, what great ideas for things outside the usual!
Though I’ve visited Zagreb many times, it was almost always for work. There are so many sites here that I didn’t have a chance to explore, and would love to have a few days in town to enjoy visiting these.
This is such a great take on Zagreb beyond the usual highlights. I love how you mix quirky museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships with relaxed local spots like Booksa and Jarun Lake. It really shows off the city’s laid-back, creative vibe and makes Zagreb feel easy to explore and enjoy.