12 Best Sights in Gornji grad (Upper Town), Zagreb and Environs

The Naïve school of painting dates back to the 1930s, and the museum features more than 1,900 works of peasant artists who were largely self-taught. The Naïve movement in Croatia began in the village of Hlebine in Koprivnica-Križevci County, and canvases by one of its founders, the highly esteemed Ivan Generalić (1914–1992), dominate here, though there are also paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints by other noted members of the movement, plus a section devoted to foreigners working along similar lines. The museum is on the second floor of the Raffay Palace.

The first museum of its kind in the world displays objects connected to love stories that didn't work out. The entire exhibition is made up of personal belongings donated by people from around the world who endured a failed relationship, and each exhibit is accompanied by a brief text, explaining the connection between the object and the relationship. Subtly illustrating the tragicomedy that is love, it is now one of Zagreb's most visited museums, and the collection has toured numerous locations in Asia, Africa, the United States, and Europe. The museum's collection is ever-expanding, and exhibits change regularly (only 15% of the collection is displayed in a year), which keeps visitors coming back for new stories.

Nestled among the regal buildings of the Croatian parliament, the original church building was erected in the 13th century and was once the parish church of Gradec. The Baroque bell tower was added in the 17th century, and the steeply pitched roof—decorated in brilliant multicolor tiles arranged to depict the coats of arms of Zagreb on the right and the Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia on the left—was added during reconstruction in the 19th century. It underwent another reconstruction in the first half of the 20th century. At that time, renowned painter Jozo Kljaković painted its walls, while the altar was decorated with works of famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović.  At the time of this writing, the church's interior was closed for renovation, but the exterior is well worth a look. 

Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to the kings St. Stephen and St. Ladislaus, this cathedral was built on the site of a former 12th-century cathedral destroyed by the Tatars in 1242. The present structure was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. The striking neo-Gothic facade was added by architect Hermann Bollé following the earthquake of 1880, its twin steeples being the identifying feature of the city's skyline. Behind the impressive main altar are crypts of Zagreb's archbishops and Croatian national heroes. The interior is imposing and inspires silent reflection. Don't neglect the north wall, which bears an inscription of the Ten Commandments in 12th-century Glagolitic script. The cathedral's face is ever-changing, as its towers are being reconstructed again following the earthquake that hit Zagreb in 2020.  At the time of this writing, the interior is closed for renovations. 

Farmers from the countryside set up stalls here daily, though the market is busiest on Saturday and Sunday mornings. On the upper level, fresh fruit and vegetables, along with flowers, traditional souvenirs, and artisan goods from honey to fresh juices are displayed on an open-air piazza. Goods are sold under the protective shade of oversized umbrellas with a distinctive red color, known as Šestinski kišobrani (much smaller versions form part of the traditional garb of Zagreb's Šestine region). Dairy products and meats are sold in an indoor market below.  When you get tired of shopping, pop into one of the stylish eateries right by the market, such as Salo or Broom44, for delicious pastries, brunch, and some of the best coffee in town.

The original 13th-century city walls had four gates, of which only Kamenita vrata remains. Deep inside the dark passageway, locals stop to pray before a small shrine adorned with flickering candles. In 1731 a devastating fire consumed all the wooden elements of the gate. Legend says that only a painting of the Virgin and Child, which was found in the ashes, remained remarkably undamaged. The gate has since become a pilgrimage site, as can be seen from the numerous stone plaques reading Hvala Majko Božja (Thank you, Mother of God).

Located off St. Catherine's Square, Croatia's largest art museum opened in 1982. International, local, classical, and modern art shows are regularly held in its three-story exhibition space, and concerts often take place in the gallery's beautiful atrium.  Some of the city's best street art is hidden just behind the building as well.

Formerly the entrance to the fortified medieval town of Gradec, Kula Lotrščak now houses a multilevel gallery with occasional exhibits of contemporary art. Each day at noon, a small cannon is fired from the top of the tower in memory of the times when it was used to warn of the possibility of an Ottoman attack. You can climb the tower partway via a spiral wooden staircase for a look into the gallery rooms (which occupy several floors), or you can ascend all the way to the observation deck for splendid views of Zagreb and its environs. You can also take the 216-foot Zagreb Funicular (the world's shortest) straight to the tower.

Designed by architect Hermann Bollé and opened in 1872, Zagreb's most celebrated cemetery is set on a hillside north of downtown and features an imposing entrance: a long massive brick wall topped by a row of green cupolas. This parklike cemetery, marked by paths lined with horse chestnut trees and black marble graves, is the final resting place for those of many creeds, from Roman Catholic and Serbian Orthodox to Jewish and Muslim. This satisfying, if somber, outing can be had by catching Bus 106 or 226 on Kaptol, in front of the Zagreb Cathedral, and riding it about 10 minutes to the fifth stop, Arkade. On November 1, the cemetery is lit up by thousands of red candles for All Saints' Day, when people honor their relatives, as well as famous figures buried there such as Herman Bollé himself, renowned author August Šenoa (1838–1881), and basketball great Dražen Petrović (1964–1993).

Well worth a visit for anyone interested in urban design, this museum traces the city's most important historical, economic, political, social, and cultural events from medieval times to the present day. Exhibits include detailed scale models of how the city has evolved, as well as sections devoted to the old trade guilds, domestic life, and sacred art. The museum also hosts a range of cool temporary exhibits year-round.

Zagreb's oldest pharmacy, K Crnom Orlu (meaning "to the black eagle") sits between the Stone Gate and St. Mark's Square. It dates back to 1355 and operates to this day, continuing to specialize in house-made tinctures. Local rumors say that pharmacist Nicolo Alighieri, great-grandson of Dante Alighieri, worked here while he lived in Zagreb.

This street was once a stream until it was built over, but few people know that the water still flows beneath it. Today Tkalčićeva is a charming well-maintained pedestrian zone lined with 19th-century town houses. Many of these have been converted into popular cafés, bars, and restaurants at street level, attracting a huge cross section of locals and tourists from morning until late at night.