7 things to see in Upper Town, Zagreb
There’s plenty to see in Upper Town, Zagreb that makes it worth visiting. If you find yourself on a road trip in Croatia with limited time like us, you should at least stop in the capital city of Zagreb for a walk through Upper Town.
Upper Town is a charming area of old Zagreb, made of narrow cobblestone streets and historic points of interest. Here are 7 highlights you can spend just one afternoon walking around to check out.
1. St. Mark’s Church
Park in a garage just next door to Upper Town (Parking Tuškanac) and start your walk heading towards St. Mark’s Church. The colorful roof tiles depicting the coat of arms of Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia are a unique feature that make this church stand out.
2. Stone Gate
Next, continue your walk with a stroll through Stone Gate, a passageway with a painting of the Virgin Mary.
It’s the only remaining gate of the medieval fortifications that once encircled the Upper Town of Zagreb. Originally built in the 13th century, the gate was partially destroyed in a devastating fire in 1731. Miraculously, the only surviving part was a painting of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus, which now resides within a chapel built into the gate. Legend has it that the painting protected the city from complete destruction during the fire, and it has since become a cherished symbol of faith and hope for the people of Zagreb.
3. Lunch on Ul. Ivana Tkalcica
Take a wander around the streets after Stone Gate. There’s tons of bars and restaurants along Ul. Ivana Tkalcica and the surrounding streets with outdoor seating. Rest up, grab some food, and enjoy some people watching on the charming stone streets.
4. Zagreb Cathedral
Then be sure to see this Gothic style cathedral with spires that stand out against the backdrop of Upper Town. Currently (as of 2023), you can’t go inside but it’s still worth seeing from the outside.
5. Panoramic Viewpoint
Stop for some pictures at the Lotrščak Tower, a medieval tower offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It overlooks Upper Town with a nice view of the spires of Zagreb Cathedral towering above the other old-world buildings.
6. Tunel Gric
Circle back towards where you parked by walking through Tunel Gric. It’s a pedestrian tunnel built during World War II to serve as a bomb shelter. Enter on the east side and exit on the west side to be let out just a couple minutes walking to the parking garage you started at.
7. Strossmayer Promenade
If you have time you can continue your walk through Park Gric to Strossmayer Promenade. This walk runs parallel to Tunel Gric so if you stroll down it you’ll need to head back the same way you came to get back to your car.
TL;DR: Upper Town, Zagreb’s highlights
Spend an enchanting afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets and soaking in the views of Upper Town. From the colorful facades of St. Mark’s Square to the gothic charm of the Zagreb Cathedral, this neighborhood provides a fascinating glimpse into Croatia’s past. To follow my path exactly, here is a link to the above points of interest on Google Maps.
If you are continuing on in Croatia, check out this post on the small town of Rastoke and this post about tips for visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park.