Zagreb in 2 Days: A Local City Break Itinerary (with Food & Markets)
If you are thinking how many days you need for Zagreb city break, two days is all you need to feel the city’s rhythm. Zagreb isn’t flashy, it’s the kind of place that grows on you quietly, through morning markets, easy walks, and long coffees that somehow turn into wine.
This 2-day itinerary is how I’d explore Zagreb like a local: real spots and real food, no tourist fluff. From Dolac Market and Upper Town views to cozy wine bars and Sunday brunch favorites, it’s a city break that feels slow, simple, and actually doable.
Zagreb might not shout for attention, but it’s full of charm if you know where to look. So if you’re wondering what to do in Zagreb or how many days you need, start here, with two days that show you the best of the city without rushing it.
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Before we start with day 1, If you’re looking for a place to stay, pick something near Zrinjevac or the Main Square, it keeps everything walkable. My top recommendations are Esplanade, Hotel Dubrovnik and Amadria Park (Capital).
All three are excellent central options: Esplanade is the most elegant (and priciest), Hotel Dubrovnik offers the best value just steps from the main square, while Amadria Park gives you the best of both worlds, stylish but not overly expensive.
Click the links on each hotel to check prices and availability.
Morning: Dolac Market & Upper Town
Start your morning like a local, at Dolac Market. It’s loud, messy, and full of character, red umbrellas, local farmers yelling prices, and the smell of fresh bread from nearby bakeries. Grab a burek or pastry from the stalls below the main market, or if you want to sit down for your breakfast, Meet Mia or Broom44 are a few steps away. Both are pretty good.
Then I’d suggest a short couple-minute to the Zagreb Cathedral. You will notice that the towers of this cathedral are covered in scaffolding. It’s been like that forever, there are photos from early 1900s of this cathedral in scaffolding, it’s a running joke that it will never be finished. However, the truth is that it was severely damaged in the earthquake of 2020, the tip of both towers had to be removed and reconstructed.
Anyways, once you’ve been in the church, you cam go back to Dolac make your way to Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the oldest part of the city and one of the prettiest. You’ll pass Stone Gate, where locals light candles for luck, then end up in front of St. Mark’s Church, the one with the tiled roof you’ve seen in every photo. Don’t skip the view from Lotrščak Tower, there’s also a cannon up there that shoots every day at noon, so don’t be scared if you hear a loud bang. On your way down you can visit the Grič Tunnel, it’s not too long but worth the walk.
Afternoon: Lunch, Museum & Parks
For lunch, find a spot in Tkalčićeva Street, Zagreb’s main café drag. Locals come here for long lunches and people-watching. TryLa Štruk (a local favorite serving baked štrukli) or Mali Bar if you want something more modern.
If you don’t find anything for you in Tkalčićeva, I’d go with SOL Croatian Tapas tucked in Petrinjska Street just a few minutes from the main square. It’s one of those spots that manages to feel both cool and casual, small plates, good wine, and a local twist on Mediterranean flavors. The concept comes from chef Mate Janković, and the idea is basically Croatian ingredients turned into tapas. Big recommendation for this one!
After lunch, I’d suggest staying nearby and visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships, one of Zagreb’s quirkiest and most heartfelt spots. It’s small but powerful, filled with personal objects and stories people donated after breakups. Some are funny, others hit deep, but all together, it’s one of those places that remind you how universal heartbreak is. Even if you’re not usually into museums, this one’s worth the stop.
If that kind of emotional storytelling isn’t your thing, pop into the Museum of Illusions or the Museum of the 80s instead, both are just a short walk away. The 80s Museum, in particular, is a nostalgic time capsule of Yugoslav-era living rooms, cassette players, and fashion. It’s light, fun, and gives you a peek into what everyday life here used to look like.
In the afternoon wander toward Zrinjevac Park and King Tomislav Square, part of the “Green Horseshoe,” a series of leafy parks in the city center. If you visit in winter, this is where the Zagreb Christmas Marketmagic happens. Otherwise, it’s the perfect spot for a break before dinner.
Evening: Dinner & Drinks
Finish your first day with drinks, I recommend A’e Craft Bar where you can have a pint or glass of wine with an amazing view of Zagreb Cathedral. Another option for a relaxed drink, head to Swanky Monkey Garden, half hostel, half bar, full of life.
Looking for more recommendations for what to do in Zagreb? Here you can find list of top 15 things to do!
Day 2 in Zagreb
For the 2nd day I suggest starting out with a brunch and a market stroll, however if you wish to learn more about Zagreb & Croatia history then I’d suggest book a morning walking tour. This is an awesome tour that I suggest to all of my friends coming to Zagreb.
Below you can check out availability:
Morning: Brunch & Market Stroll
Start your second day with brunch at Melt, a cozy spot that’s perfect for smoothie bowls, pancakes, or good coffee before heading out. If it’s Sunday, walk up to Britanski trg, where locals gather at the morning antique market, one of Zagreb’s small but charming rituals. It’s not huge, but the atmosphere is pure Zagreb: relaxed, friendly, and a bit nostalgic.
From there, make your way down toward the Croatian National Theatre (HNK), one of the city’s most beautiful buildings and the heart of its cultural scene. Continue walking through the park toward the Mimara Museum or the Modern Gallery, both small enough for a short visit if you’re into art or history. The area itself is beautiful for a slow stroll, classic Austro-Hungarian architecture, tree-lined avenues, and a proper city feel.
Afternoon: Creative Corners & Coffee/Lunch in Martićeva
Next, head east toward Martićeva Street, one of Zagreb’s most creative and up-and-coming neighborhoods.
As you make your way toward Martićeva, stop by the Croatian Association of Fine Artists. locals still often call it simply Meštrović Pavilionor džamija (mosque). The building itself is a story in layers: originally designed by the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović in the 1930s, it was built as a House of Fine Arts, later converted into a mosque during World War II, and eventually transformed back into an art space. Its circular shape and massive dome make it one of Zagreb’s most striking architectural landmarks. Today, it hosts contemporary art exhibitions and installations, it’s usually free or just a few euros to enter, and even if you skip the inside, it’s worth a quick walk around for the architecture alone.
Now make your way to Martićeva, this area has quietly become the city’s design hub, filled with small studios, galleries, and cafés that feel more Berlin than Balkans. Here you can stop by Program Bar for coffee.
If you are hungry, then in Martićeva you can eat at Bistro Fetiš, a cozy, welcoming spot that stands out for its 100% gluten-free menu and relaxed, stylish vibe. Whether you’re after a lighter brunch or a lunch break with a twist, you’ll find standout dishes like avocado-topped focaccia, pulled-pork burgers, or raw cakes that even non-gluten-free folks rave about.
Evening: Sunset & Wine
Wrap up your weekend at Strossmayer Promenade, it’s the best place for a final view over the city rooftops as the sun sets. Finish with a glass of Croatian wine at Bornstein, and you’ll understand why Zagreb isn’t just a stopover, it’s a mood.
If you are a brunch lover like I am, here I prepared a full list of best brunch spots in Zagreb ☺️
Final Thoughts
Zagreb doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly why it works. In just two days, you can get a real feel for the city: its rhythm, its food, its people. It’s the kind of place where mornings start at markets and evenings end with wine, and somehow everything in between just flows. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick weekend stop, Zagreb makes it easy to enjoy without overthinking it.
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