I went on a trip to 3 Balkan countries, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro last September. One of the cities I visited was Zagreb. With not much knowledge of what to expect, we set out to explore the city as much as possible with the day and half that we had. Here are 6 of my favourite places.

Visit the market at Ban Jelačić Square and surrounding area

Our hotel reception was quick to suggest that this be the place to head to to start exploring and indeed it is. This is where most trams in the city cross paths so you can start your journey around town from here. Our outing was on a Sunday so there was a lot of activities going on over there. There were wet and dry markets, shop selling handmade items as well as booths promoting traditional delicacies and culture.

Market at Ben Jelacic Square

Locals in Traditional clothes preparing traditional delicacies

Fountain at Ben Jelacic Square

Get a bird's eye view of the city at Zagreb 360

In any of my travels, I always look for a place I can capture the skyline of a city. Zagreb 360 gave me just that! Zagreb 360 is located in a high rise building not far from the Ben Jelacic Square. At 8 euros per entry, you get unlimited day entry to the lounge bar at the highest floor and get to see the city's skyline from every sides of the building. Because of the central location, you get to see every corner of the city from the Old Town of Gradec in the northwest to the parks in the southeast side. Come back later to see the sunset and views at night.

Western side view from Zagreb 360

The lounge at Zagreb 360

Night view at Ben Jelacic Square

Witness the canon firing at Lotrščak Tower

At 12pm every day, the canon at Lotrscak Tower is fired just for the purpose of signaling that it's midday. You can either view the firing from Zagreb 360 or you can visit the tower in Strossmayer promenade. It's accessible by walking or even taking the world's shortest funicular Ilica street. Do take note that it's going to get loud the closer you are to the tower.

The funicular to reach Strossmayer Promenade from Ilica Street

Lotrscak Tower

Enjoy food, music and scenery at the parks

I believe because we visited on a Sunday, the parks in Zagreb came alive with a lot of events. At Zrinjevac Park, there were small stalls selling snacks and food as well as bands playing for a great Sunday atmosphere. Keep walking to the south and you get to Josipa Jurja Strossmayera Park which holds parkwide events as well. At the time of my visit, there was a Burger fest. Yum! Further down south is the King Tomislava square where you can just unwind and enjoy the beautiful fountain and greeneries.

Zrinjevac Park

Burger fest happening at Josipa Jurja Strossmayera Park

King Tomislava Square

Dine at Tkalčićeva Street

We had lunch at Tkalciceva Street. This street is just lively with many restaurants to choose from serving many different flavors. The Indian restaurant here served halal food which was perfect for us to refill our energy. When we were there, there were guards on horses parading along the streets.

Zakmardijeve stube, an alley nearby Tkalciceva street

Tkalciceva street

Tkalciceva street

Admire old and new building architecture along Frankopanska Street

Our hotel was right along this street so I got to see so many building with both old and new architecture that are just mesmerizing to look at. From the beautiful yellow building of the Croatian National Theatre to the newer looking University of Zagreb Academy of Music, these are just too good to be missed.

Museum of Arts & Crafts

University of Zagreb Academy of Music

Croatian National Theatre

I loved that you can see a lot of the city in a day without having to travel far. We even got a city guide book that gave us insight into more places to check out in Zagreb. Hope to explore those whenever I get to come to Zagreb again. What are you favourite things to do in Zagreb?