The most beautiful parks of Zagreb
Enjoy an oasis of calm and solitude in one of the many parks in Zagreb. Can you guess how many parks there are in Zagreb and what is their total area? According to the latest official data, the capital of Croatia boasts 33 tended parks, covering more than 400,000 square metres. If one were to count all the green areas in this city, the number would be much higher, as Zagreb is often referred to as the Green City. In almost every corner of this city, there’s a secluded oasis of greenery and calm that you can sneak into on hot summer days or where you can take a relaxing walk on a romantic evening. If we had to present only the most memorable parks of Zagreb, the list would include these five. Let’s take it from the top!
The Parks of Zagreb – the most beautiful oases of calm and the lungs of the city
If you want to get away from the hustle of the city and take a break on a bench or a blanket, surrounded by greenery and nature, visit a Zagreb park. Take your pick from a wide range of options – the capital of Croatia features more than 30 parks, covering more than 400,000 square metres, alongside many other green areas where you can rest your mind and body. If one were to count all the green areas in this city, the number would be much higher, as Zagreb is often referred to as the Green City. Besides the positive impact on your health, taking a walk in the parks of Zagreb will bring you a sense of calm that we often overlook. Is there anything better than a small green paradise where you can have your ‘me time’?
Zagreb offers a variety of locations that are perfect for such a green escape. Here are some of the most beautiful and most popular.
Parks in the centre of Zagreb
The best-known park in the centre of Zagreb is the Lenuzzi Horseshoe, consisting of a complex of parks and squares. The first one is the city’s oldest park, Zrinjevac. It is known as one of the most beautiful parks in the heart of Zagreb, famous for its plane trees, fountains, a musical pavilion that hosts many concerts and dances, a meteorological column, and busts of famous Croats. Right next to Zrinjevac Park is Strossmayer Square, featuring a park of the same name, where you can find a statue of Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer. Moving on behind the bishop, you’ll reach King Tomislav Square, which includes a spacious park called Tomislavac. This park is a favourite of the capital’s residents. It is beautifully landscaped, teeming with greenery and benches perfect for relaxation or picnics, offering an oasis for a break in the middle of the city. In the winter, the park turns into a fairy tale on ice, featuring a large outdoor skating rink. On summer days, it is perfect for enjoying nature. The benches and pathways surrounded by flowers and decorative shrubbery attract many tourists, especially those staying at the nearby Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Not far from here, you’ll find the main symbol of Zagreb and its most beautiful park by popular vote – Zrinjevac. The musical pavilion is a venue hosting numerous cultural, musical and entertainment events, dance nights and concerts. Generations meet and greet under the leafy treetops of the old plane trees in this memorable park. The main attraction for many visitors is the meteorological column, placed here in 1884, which is still wound manually.
Once fish ponds, today a beautiful park
A charming boutique hotel, the Jadran is situated not far from here, on Vlaška Street. Since all the important monuments, such as the cathedral, the main Zagreb square and other tourist attractions, are in its immediate vicinity, the hotel is an ideal starting point for exploring Zagreb’s artistic and cultural heritage, as well as its magnificent architecture.
Moving northwards, in the direction of the main Zagreb square and turning into Vlaška Street, you will reach an impressive park – Ribnjak.
Adjacent to the walls protecting the cathedral, this park is a perfect place for a break from the city’s bustle and the heat, as there are many benches and large green areas, ideal for picnics and outdoor meetups. It was named after the fish ponds that used to be here until the 19th century. Then it was transformed into a wonderful park with many sculptures and a fountain. During the summer, the park hosts many musical events that are an integral part of Zagreb’s exciting nightlife.
Discover the magical world of plants at the Botanical Gardens
Do you know where in Zagreb you can see more than 10,000 plant species? The answer is: on Marko Marulić Square, near the main railway station, at the Botanical Gardens.
This place is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Here you can learn all about plants and how they are grown, explore the greenhouses and plants from all over the world, or just take a walk through the magical park in this cultural monument protected by law, enjoying the calm and soft hum of the birds.
Maksimir Park – among the most beautiful parks in Europe
The last park on the list is Maksimir Park, one of the best-known parks in Zagreb. This forest park is named after Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac and also features the city zoo. The forest park was landscaped in the 18th century and has retained its appearance to this day. It covers an area of 316 ha and includes five lakes, several streams, pavilions and numerous meadows.
It is a habitat for more than a hundred bird species, countless animals and plants, and is a favourite destination for all those who want to spend quality time in nature, take a walk, rollerblade, paddle or run, because of its lush vegetation and many trails. After all, there’s a reason why it was included among the most beautiful parks in Europe!
Hopefully, we’ve made it easier for you to decide which park to visit. When you need a rest after all the outdoor activities, you can stay at the Westin Zagreb hotel, where all the parks will be within easy reach, as the hotel is situated in the centre of the city, right next to the Mimara Museum. Spacious rooms, luxurious suites with incredible views of the city, a beautifully decorated interior, a fantastic gastronomic offer, and a lounge bar with a summer terrace guarantee the holiday of your dreams.
Sightseeing strolls around Zagreb will inspire you. And just when you start feeling tired, the tranquillity of the city’s parks will invite you to take a break underneath the lush canopy of their trees!
Hotels in Zagreb
The Hotel International, located in the heart of the business district of the country’s capital, is an excellent choice for business guests, as well as anyone visiting Zagreb as a tourist. With king-size beds and large bathrooms, the modern rooms offer comfort to make you feel at home. The largest Deluxe suites on the 10th floor of the hotel with a terrace overlooking Zagreb will satisfy even the most demanding guests, whether they are on holiday or a business trip.
The modern bed & breakfast Hotel Jadran enjoys an excellent location in the centre of Zagreb, just a short walk from the main Ban Josip Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, and all the attractions of the Upper and Lower Towns. With comfortable accommodation in 49 modern en-suite rooms, start the day with a great hotel breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
A hotel for citizens of the world situated in the capital of Croatia. The Zonar Zagreb was designed as an urban zone of relaxation and rejuvenation for guests visiting for business, sports or a thirst for new experiences. In any case, welcome!
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