Top-rated places to visit in Central Croatia, Croatia

4.5 Plitvice Lakes National Park (15.9k reviews) from $13.74
- Great Experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

As Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, the UNESCO World Heritage Plitvice Lake National Park is reputed for its 16 emerald lakes and magnificent waterfalls—including Veliki Slap, the country’s largest waterfall. The park is broken up into the upper and lower falls, with a boat ride connecting the two. Various hiking loops are available, with a panoramic train ride that goes through lush forest too. You can take a guided day-trip from Split or Zagreb, or combine your visit with the nearby Barac Caves. Visit in the shoulder seasons of fall or spring if you want a quieter experience. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Museum of Broken Relationships (4.354 reviews)
- Great quirky museum!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Museum of Broken Relationships is a physical and virtual public space created with the sole purpose of treasuring and sharing your heartbreak stories and symbolic possessions. It is a museum about you, about us, about the ways we love and lose. At its core, the Museum is an ever-growing collection of items, each a memento of a relationship past, accompanied by a personal, yet anonymous story of its contributor. Unlike ‘destructive’ self-help instructions for recovery from grief and loss, the Museum offers the chance to overcome an emotional collapse through creativity - by contributing to its universal collection. See more..
4.5 St. Mark's Church (2.648 reviews)
- One of the most unique Churches I’ve seen
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This 19-century church replaced an original one from the 13th century and includes many works of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia's most famous sculptor. See more..
4.5 Upper Town (Gornji Grad) (2.238 reviews)
- Charming and Exciting
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

The upper town is full of charm and it is a lot of Zagreb points of interest, St. Mark Church, Stone Gate, Kaptol and Museum of Broken Relationships. The upper town is exciting and calm at the same time. It is like a sleeping beauty offering its charms and stopping time to let you enjoy its beauty and wealth. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Zagreb (1.906 reviews)
- Symbol of the city of Zagreb
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Symbol of the city of Zagreb. Whenever I come to Zagreb, I go to visit it. I light a candle and pray. SeIt is located on Kaptol and it is the first most important Gothic building in Croatia. The largest sacral building and one of the most valuable monuments of Croatian heritage. The full name is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed. The Virgin Mary and Saints Stephen and Ladislav. Just beautiful. See more..
4.5 Tkalčićeva Street (1.874 reviews)
- Great to people watch
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This street was right by our apartment just across the road. Really busy day and night full of bars cafe's and restaurants. Old buildings line both sides of the street feels very safe and just a good atmosphere impressed See more..
4.5 Mirogoj Cemetery (1.390 reviews)
- Second to only one
Cemeteries

This cemetery contains world-class artwork and atmosphere. See more..
5.0 The Old Lock Up Escape Room Zagreb (1.304 reviews)
- Bailiff
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Old Lock Up escape rooms are the first ONLY horror / thriller themed escape rooms in Croatia. 60 minutes of pure adrenaline in all our adventures! Try and escape from the serial killer's basement in KIDNAPPED, or, if you are extra brave, from the demons of a long time dead family in our HAUNTED HOTEL, or maybe you wish to attempt to free yourselves from the ancient coffins of THE CRYPT! You can even try escaping an abandoned MORGUE or face the justice in THE BAILIFF (inspired by SAW movies)! HAUNTED HOTEL is the first escape room in Zagreb with LIVE INTERACTION and due to its popularity, MORGUE followed in 2020 and even scarier THE BAILIFF in September 2021! An experience you will not easily forget! We guarantee you will be talking about your experience with us long after you make your attempt to escape! See more..
5.0 Escape room Fox in a box (1.277 reviews)
- Great experience, looking forward to our next game
Friday: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Fox in a box is a world-renowned escape room game that opened their door in Zagreb in 2014. From then to now it's been a place of fun, adventure and laughter for families, friends, tourists and team buildings. It's located in central Zagreb and well known for professional personnel, well designed games and it is the only escape game in Zagreb with Tripadvisor Certificates of Excellence for 2016 and 2017. They have two available rooms: Bank robbery and Zombie laboratory. See more..
4.0 Ban Josip Jelačić Square (1.118 reviews)
- Central Square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This city center is dominated by a statue of the 19th-century governor of Croatia, which was removed by Tito in 1947 but restored in 1990 as an act of defiance. See more..
4.0 Museum of Illusions (949 reviews)
- Fun for all ages
Friday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums

Welcome to our fascinating world of illusions. Thrilled yet bewildered you will enter a world that will blow your mind but also give you an opportunity to learn all sorts of things... come and visit us! It is sure to be an amazing and unimaginable experience because whatever you see, especially here in the Museum of Illusions, is not what it appears to be. Are you ready for an adventure? We offer an in intriguing, visual, sensual and educational experience. It's a social and entertaining tour into the world of illusions which has delighted all generations. It's a perfect place for new experiences and fun with friends and family and it's unique in this part of Europe. Not only is it a place for children who adore coming, but also a place for parents, couples, grandmothers and grandfathers. See more..
4.5 Rastoke (874 reviews)
- Beautiful 16km walk Rastoke to River Slunjčica Spring
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

A watermill village situated where the blue-green waters of river Slunjcica flows into the Korana river. Most of the houses were built at the end of the 19th and the beginning o-f the 20th century. Because of its extraordinary natural beauties and historical tradition, in 1962 Rastoke village fell under the protection of the State Directorate for cultural and historical heritage. Many ancient civilizations, as well as contemporary urban environments whitness that the water has always attracted people to come to its banks and settle there. For thousands of years, the waters of Korana and Slunjcica, and their flora and fauna, fought the laws of nature, and as a result of this struggle in the limestone plateau, a remarkable canyon was carved in for us to take pleasure in. Seeing this natural phenomenon, this "poured off" ("rastocen") terrain, a place where the waters of river Slunjcica pour off in several backwaters, leaving behind small elevations which then form watercourses and waterfalls, people built a village and named it RASTOKE. Here, they found everything they needed and stayed here, forever bound with nature. Rastoke is a village of ambiance value and authentic heritage when it comes to architecture, and according to some records, it was built in the 17th century, possibly even earlier. Most of the houses were built at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. People have always lived in Rastoke. Grain from nearby villages was constantly being milled here, and since its location is by the main road - which connects southern and northern part of Croatia - it became the intersection of various buyers, dealers and live stock traders. This rich village constantly suffered war damages and other social-caused troubles that destroyed it and set its development back to the beginning. Although people were forced to move away, the nature always stayed and defied the odds with its distinctiveness. Because of its extraordinary natural beauties and hi... See more..
4.0 Funicular Railway (874 reviews)
- Very Short Ride
Friday: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Public Transportation Systems

The funicular connects the Lower and Upper parts of the old city. It is around three quarters of a mile on foot north of the main railway station. The journey lasts about a minute but saves a lot of energy particularly if you are on your way up. The cost is 5 kuna. See more..
4.5 Lower Town (748 reviews)
- City Center
Neighborhoods

Donji Grad part of town is now considered as a center of business, shopping, at, museums and spacious green park. The elegant Viennese influences is visible in Lower Town. Take a walk through the city's streets and notice the magnificent Austro-Hungarian buildings, facades in secession style that embellished the city in the early 20th century. See more..
4.0 Porta di Pietra (Kamenita Vrata) (711 reviews)
- As Unique as Anything I've seen
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

This was such a cool random thing that we happen to stumble upon while walking uptown to see St Mark's church. It's a little sanctuary where people pray and ask for favors, while peacefully sitting on the small benches. The uniqueness comes from that it is located under a building, and like a small tunnel. Really neat place! See more..
4.5 Croatian Museum of Naive Art (690 reviews)
- GEM
Art Museums

This little four room museum is exceptional and worth the visit. The artists are all Naive (self taught) Croatians from the beginning of the 1900's--1930's-1940's to be exact and their work will delight you. I was very surprised by the quality of this little gem and would highly recommend it. The visit takes less than an hour and worth every penny! See more..
4.5 Veliki Slap (671 reviews) from $13.74
- Day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Porec
Waterfalls

Took an organised day tour to Plitvice Lakes, the journey by coach from Porec took around 4 and half hours, however it was well worth it. I have never been to such a stunning place, the scenery is gorgeous and the water so clear and blue. I would recommend this trip. See more..
4.0 Dolac Market (671 reviews)
- Fresh produce market
Spent < 1 hour Farmers Markets

Right in the center of Zagreb, a few steps away from the cathedral and the main square – Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, you will find the local farmers’ market – Dolac. This is the best place to buy fresh food from the local producers and even if the prices might be a bit higher it is still worth paying extra for the quality of the products. The Dolac market has been part of the city’s scenery since 1930 and over the year it has become the major trading point in Zagreb where farmers from the surrounding villages came to sell their products. In the upper, open-air part you can find fruits, vegetables or flowers and in the lower one, there’s meat, fish, or dairy products. See more..
4.5 Maksimir Park (Maksimirirski perivoj) (564 reviews)
- A must visit
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Zoos • Parks

This 18th-century, 18 hectare park also houses the city zoo. See more..
4.5 Lotrščak Tower (555 reviews)
- Scenic view + Cannon = Must-visit
Observation Decks & Towers

A 13th-century defense tower from which a cannon is shot every day to mark noon. See more..
5.0 The Lower Lakes (542 reviews) from $13.74
- A memory for life
Bodies of Water • Waterfalls

A memory for life in this mind blowing and unique nature wonderland. We walked over 12km with our daughter and had to catch our breath many times to just be in the moment of This beauty. Great organised park and tram behind. See more..
4.5 Zrinjevac (524 reviews)
- Welcoming place
Parks

Zagreb has one of the best Christmas markets ever! It is located in this park Zrinjevac. What a beautiful compound of music, christmas lights, little stands with food and drinks and a big big crowd of kind people. In all of that you have ice skating area which completes the whole story. Really something worth visiting! See more..
4.0 Ban Josip Jelacic Monument (502 reviews)
- Great location - iconic square
Monuments & Statues

This statue marks one of two main squares in Zagreb, the other being in front of the railway station. I understand Jelacic is a well respected Croatian figure and he is certainly popular for having your photo taken below. The square really marks the junction between upper and lower town. It is also a major crossover for the tram system. So look out for the statue. See more..
4.0 Botanical Garden (489 reviews)
- Really worth to see
Gardens

I loved it. Everything was in blossom and the entree price was very cheap for the park. Every flower, tree, bush etc. had a lable to say what it is. Be ware of mosquitoes though, me and my husband got bitten a lot. See more..
4.0 Zagreb Zoo (443 reviews)
- Underwhelmed
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos

Visited during an afternoon during the week. There was not a lot of customers at this time. The price for adults was 30 Kuna per person. The zoo was mostly half under construction and a lot of the animals were not out due to the weather of the cold months. Some of the animals we did see were the 4 lions, red panda, sea lion, chimpanzees, zebras, komdo dragon and lots of snakes and birds. I personally wouldn’t say there is a lot to see and I don’t think the park is really maintained either. Zagreb Zoo (Croatian: Zoološki vrt Grada Zagreba) was opened in 1925, it is 7-hectare (17-acre) zoo located within Maksimir Park in Zagreb, Croatia and is across the street from Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium. It is one of three zoo parks in the country. Zagreb Zoo is a member of both the European and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a participant in the European Endangered Species Programme. See more..
4.5 Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb (426 reviews)
- Impressive Building
Architectural Buildings • Theaters

This centrally located theater seats only 850 people. See more..
4.5 King Tomislav Square (419 reviews)
- Very pretty
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

King Tomislav Square represents the very center of the town. Its vibrant atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists to enjoy sitting on the terraces with a coffee, cream cakes and open views. All the buildings on the square are listed as heritage buildings. See more..
4.5 Jarun Lake (370 reviews)
- A beautiful day
Bodies of Water • Sports Complexes • Nature & Wildlife Areas

We visited Jarun lake on Aug 15 th when Zagreb was very hot (35°C). In the park is possibile to swim in clear and luke warm waters. The beaches are very nice and also there is a specific area for naturists . You can practice summer sports and find many places where to eat and drink. There are also very usefull free toilettes and showers all around the lake. But above all you can take there your DOGS without any restrictions. See more..
4.5 Trakoscan Castle (Dvor Trakoscan) (284 reviews)
- Perfect castle visit and 5 km lake walk.
Castles • History Museums

A 19th-century restoration of a 13th-century castle. See more..
4.5 Zagreb 80's Museum (282 reviews)
- Interesting Concept
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

A new kind of museum at the heart of Zagreb. It occupies the first floor of an old building in the historical part of the city, surrounded by famous touristic sights. The ZAGREB 80's is dedicated to present past in a new way. Its space is a reconstruction of everyday life in the former Yugoslavia in a unique and interactive way that intersects past & future, way of life & heritage, memories & emotions. There is no guide, no fence, no velvet ropes, no glass in our place. Exhibition introduces lively decade in fun and enlightening way. You are invited to make a step into the apartment where everything remains the golden 80's. ZAGREB 80's encourages visitors to touch, feel and interact with exposition to recall sweet moments, evoke nostalgia and find out the way of life in recent past. One day at the weekend we have a party at the museum along with a musical journey through the 80's. See more..
4.5 Medvednica mountain (Sljeme) (247 reviews)
- Fabulous cable car must see
Mountains • Parks

Stupendous cable car construction, base facilities and comfort. This is a must see ride if you visit Zagreb. Easily accessible by tram from anywhere in Zagreb. Wonderful views. At the top are the ski runs. See more..
4.5 Old Castle - Stari Grad (230 reviews)
- Large castle with 3 floor museum.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Castles • History Museums

We toured this large castle today winding all around its 3 floors. Numerous rooms displaying period costumes/jewelry, weapons, and furniture, then many fully outfitted in their Baroque, Renaissance or Rococo styles. Spent a very worthwhile hour. See more..
4.5 Krapina Neanderthal Museum (200 reviews)
- Very high quality museum
Speciality Museums

The museum is just simple amazing the explained from the Big Bang, formation of earth until the first humans. The display is very interesting in many languages they even have a cinema . Price per entrance is 60 kunas The toilets are very clean you even have a place to leave your luggage or big items. I was very impress, if you take a walk around the grounds please wear some confortable shoes some place outdoors could be a bit stiff The car park is not big but very useful is free. See more..
4.5 Radićeva (183 reviews)
- Restaurant Row!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We absolutely loved going up and down this quaint long street from Uptown to Lower Town. There are so many little cafés, shops, and restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed just sitting on the outdoor terraces, and soaking in the atmosphere! See more..
4.5 Gradinsko Lake (175 reviews) from $13.74
- Take Your Time With Graninsko
Bodies of Water

You are walking on the wooden planks when you see Grandinsko. If you are a photographer there are some really nice shots here. See more..
4.5 Sastavci (159 reviews) from $13.74
- Fantastic national park
Waterfalls

We enjoyed the national park and the various water falls and coffee shops as well as the The stunning views there from water falls See more..
4.5 Main Square (144 reviews)
- Beautiful scenic square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lovely square to sit and have a drink surrounded by beautiful buildings. The town hall is lit up at night so make sure you see then too. When we visited they had musicians playing jazz and added to the whole atmosphere See more..
5.0 Mali Buk (134 reviews) from $13.74
- Stunning
Waterfalls

Disclaimer - I am not entirely sure Mali Buk is the waterfall in all these pictures. I couldn't find any definitive information, but these photos relate to a waterfall on Lake Milino, next to or perhaps part of Galovacki Buk on the Upper Lakes seciton. It was my favourite spot, a stunning place for incredible photos. See more..
4.0 The Museum of Army Collections from the Croatian Homeland War (130 reviews)
- Emotional place
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Military Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums

The city of Karlovac and its defenders endured fierce attacks in the Homeland War and played a key role in the defence of the Croatian territory, as well as in the creation of the independent Republic of Croatia. Karlovac, a fortress city in the shape of a star, has always been an indispensable part of the European and Croatian history. This unique museum tells the story of the fearlessness of Croatian defenders and the invincibility of the city on four rivers. The permanent interactive museum exhibition containing 350 original artefacts and more than 3 hours of multimedia content through which visitors can discover contemporary Croatian history. The exhibition also presents 23 exhibits featuring large-scale combat technology, with an emphasis on the ones manufactured domestically. The museum also has a Memorial Room of the Fallen Karlovac Defenders from the Homeland War, a multi-purpose hall, library and a souvenir shop. See more..
4.5 Arena Centar (119 reviews)
- Zagreb Shopping Area
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

This place has everything you want to buy from household to branded. There is food court with variety of selection and it is beside Zagreb basketball arena. Would recommend anyone to go and you will probably spend a lot of time in here due to different shops. See more..
4.5 The Upper Lakes (118 reviews) from $13.74
- Away from the masses
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

Home to more waterfalls and lakes than The Lower Lakes, perhaps the best part about The Upper Lakes is that it offers (some) opportunities to get away from the masses. (The Lower Lakes boasts the biggest falls in the park, so maybe that's why it's more crowded in that area?). Anyway, I prefer the Upper Lakes part b/c there are places to have a quiet picnic (yes, even midday on a weekend--in autumn, mind you, but still), and there are hiking trails off the main trails (so, away from the falls, but also away from the herds). Best accessed by Gate 2, but you can also enter the park at Gate 1 and hop on the long ferry, which is a nice ride across Kozjak Lake. See more..
4.0 Staro selo museum (114 reviews)
- 19th C "Open Air" museum and birthplace of Tito.
Historic Sites

We drove a rental car 65km NW to Zagreb to this small village sitting on the border with Slovenia. Although our goal was the historical birthplace of Tito, the adjoining village museum was delightful on this sunny fall day. On the edge of town is his memorial fountain and just above his dacha. Great visit. See more..
4.0 Dvor Veliki Tabor (97 reviews)
- Great renovation work
Historic Sites • Castles

The fort of Veliki Tabor is one of the most important cultural and historical monuments of secular architecture in continental Croatia, with a unique monumental and authentic fortification structure. Situated at the top of Mount Hum Kosnicki, at 333 meters above sea level, it has dominated the Zagorje area for over half a millennium, during which time the architecture has blended in with nature. The impressive view from Veliki Tabor stretches over the entire Hrvatsko Zagorje area and part of Slovenia. This zero-category monument is one of the most recognizable identities of not only Hrvatsko Zagorje but of Croatia as a whole. See more..
4.5 Museum of Hangovers (83 reviews)
- Great staff, great drinks, amazing experience
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The First Museum of Hangovers in the world is a fun place where you can experience the best hangover/drunk stories. You can also enjoy our interactivity, playing drunk darts, simulator of drunk driving, drunk walking, and more. The concept of the museum is made as a way of returning drunk home from a night out. The price is 8€ for adults and 6.5€ for students See more..
4.5 Aquatika Freshwater Aquarium Karlovac (80 reviews)
- worth a visit
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

Freshwater aquarium Aquatika presents the flora and fauna of Croatian rivers and lakes, geological history, traditional culture and history of the basin of four Karlovac rivers. Visitors can witness richness of life in rivers and lakes, and more than one hundred freshwater fish species, of which 40 are endemic. This is an EU project financed from European Development Fund. Additional services: Coffee Shop (open 8 am-9 pm), Souvenir shop, children playgrounds See more..
4.0 Samobor Castle (74 reviews)
- A must do
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Really wanted to show the ruins to my family, as been there myself few years ago. Enduring challenge but beautiful and absolutely breathtaking views, with Zagreb panorama on horizon. Lovely spring nature too. Highly recommended See more..
4.0 Dubovac Castle (68 reviews)
- Charming
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Castles

Dubovac Castle is the oldest Karlovac monument, not just because of its ample history, but also because of the pioneer decision to preserve it in the name of collective memory. To this day the castle on the hill above the Kupa River is the most prominent landmark of the cultural and historical landscape of Karlovac. In the Middle Ages, Dubovac developed as a settlement with a fort at the cross-section of river and road routes, and in an area of dense fortified locations. It was first mentioned in 1339, when it got its first parish priest. Frequently written in Glagolitic script, the testimonies of trade and crafts, legal and school life circumstances of Dubovac burghers-freemen, were most numerous in the several decades preceding 1578, when the Osmanlis devastated its city to the ground. Although not large in area, the Dubovac estate was important economically as a regional market town. Its owners were, among others, important noble families from 1387 to 1810. See more..
5.0 Konjicki Klub Rakovica (51 reviews)
- Prvi put na konju
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Horseback riding/trail riding with a guide in a beautiful countryside of Plitvice valleys, with the possibility of visiting the Barac caves( Braceve spilje) on a horse. We also have riding school lessons and short walks (10,20,...mins) for everyone who's interested in trying out horsebackriding. Experienced and inexperienced riders are welcome. Feel free to just visit our place to enjoy beautiful countryside and our animals. See more..
4.5 Marija Bistrica Church (49 reviews)
- Beautiful church
Religious Sites

I believe if you are religious you will love this place. The church is located in the hill with beautiful views to the country side. Inside is very peaceful and calm. I love the way that they have some holy water labeled to take away home. Candles cost 4 kunas The nativity was so beautiful. The architecture is so lovely I did not play attention if you have access for disabled people since the church has lots of stairs to claim See more..
4.5 Kozjak Lake (48 reviews) from $13.74
- Ride across or stroll along
Bodies of Water

Kozjak Lake is sort of the bridge between the Upper and Lower lake sections in the park. You can take a 20-minute or so ferry ride across and/or walk alongside it, both of which are nice to do. The ferries are electric, so you can enjoy a quiet ride--if you go early in the morning before the masses. Keep an eye out for cormorants and mallards. All ferry rides are included in the ticket price. See more..