Things to see in Zagreb

This romantic footpath offers some of the finest views over Zagreb. The 19th-century promenade was built when the old town walls were torn down, and now allows views of the lower town below as well as the Sava River beyond. Old-fashioned gas lamps illuminate the cafés and the trees shadow the benches. Look out for the sculpture of Croatian modernist poet Antun Gustav Matoš, whose silver figure by Ivan Kožarić reclines nonchalantly on a bench. The most amusing way to reach it is by funicular (from Tomićeva, just off Ilica), although it is also quite feasible to walk up.

Daily 24 hours.

No.

There has been a church on this site in Zagreb since the 12th century, but today's neo-Gothic façade, complete with twin steeples, was erected after an earthquake in 1880. Soaring upwards from the square outside the church is the startling gold statue of the Madonna, with four equally vivid angels at her feet. Inside, on the north wall, note a 12th-century inscription in Glagolitic script (a predecessor to Cyrillic) and a series of 13th-century frescoes. The tomb of Archbishop Alojzije Stepinac is a source of some controversy, as he had been convicted of colluding with the Nazis during the WWII but was later exonerated by Pope John Paul II.

Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1300-1700.

No.

Zagreb's main square until the 19th century is home to the neoclassical Sabor (parliament) and the baroque Banski dvori (Ban's Court Palace). The centrepiece is Crkva svetog Marka (St Mark's Church), which is best known for its eccentric red, white and blue tiled roof featuring the coats of arms for Zagreb and the Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia. This was added to the 13th-century building in 1880. Here you’ll find one of Ivan Meštrović’s most compelling works, his depiction of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Daily 24 hours.

No.

One of Zagreb’s latest museums has become a hit among visitors from all over the world. This strange and endearing collection of unlikely objects tells stories of love lost and found – from wedding dresses never worn to an axe used to chop up an ex’s furniture. Exhibits have been collected from across the globe, although many relate to the experiences of people in the region during the painful break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. It’s poignant and funny at the same time, and the gift shop is worth a look for unusual souvenirs.

Mon-Sun 0900-2230 (Jun-Sep); Mon-Sun 0900-2100 (Oct-May).
 

Yes.

This large paved piazza has been Zagreb's main square since Donji grad came into being in the 19th century. Pedestrian-only (with the exception of trams), it's a lively public meeting place rimmed by several elegant pastel-coloured Secessionist facades and open-air cafés. The centrepiece is a bronze equestrian statue of its namesake, Ban Jelačić, the Croatian viceroy under Austro-Hungary. Temporary markets and exhibitions pop up in the centre of the square.

Daily 24 hours.

No.