Top 10 things in Zagreb that are free of charge

Find something for yourself in our Top 10 best free-of-charge things to do in Zagreb. Perhaps you are a tourist in Zagreb who wants to experience the metropolis without it costing you too much, or you are simply "stuck" in Zagreb this summer. Whatever the case may be, the Croatian capital offers plenty of activities that are completely free of charge and will allow you to experience a different aspect of Zagreb.

Perhaps you are a tourist in Zagreb who wants to experience the metropolis without it costing you too much, or you are simply "stuck" in Zagreb this summer. Whatever the case may be, the Croatian capital offers plenty of activities that are completely free of charge and will allow you to experience a different aspect of Zagreb.

Find something for yourself in our Top 10 best free-of-charge things to do in Zagreb.

1. Changing of the honour guard

The Ceremony of the changing of the honour guard of the Cravat Regiment is held every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 pm, and additionally on 5 August (Thanksgiving Day), 8 October (Croatian Independence Day) and 18 October (Cravat Day).

The unit is arrayed at noon on St. Mark's Square, followed by a unit and weapons check ceremony and a parade through the city centre with trumpeters, drummers, standard-bearers...
After this the guard is positioned according to plan at attractive tourist sites, from the Ban Jelačić Square to the statue of Our Lady on Kaptol.

2. Aqua Fitness

Free aqua fitness is held throughout the summer, from 1 July until 31 August at Malo Jezero at Jarun. Sessions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30 am to 11 am at the Erste Sand Volleyball Club. This recreational activity is organized by the Zagreb Sport for All Centre. For additional information, call: 4922 720 and 099 676 4071.

3. Summer at Stross - Strossmartre

The Strossmayer Promenade, one of the most romantic promenades in the city, has become Strossmartre. Modelled on Paris' Montmartre Promenade, one of the most important cultural and tourist events in Zagreb - Summer Stross - is held there until the end of September.

The programme starts at 11 am and goes on until midnight. Concerts are held starting at 9 pm, and theatrical performances for children are held Thursday through Sunday starting at 7.30 pm.

4 Promenade Concerts

The Zagreb Time Machine, as its name says, takes us back into the past. This is a series of events that bring life back to the streets of Zagreb starting in April and lasting until the end of September.

Promenade Concerts by the Strauss Salon Music Ensemble are held Saturdays 11 am to 1 pm on the stage of the Music Pavilion on Zrinjevac and Sundays, 11 am to 1 pm in Maksimir Park at the Gazebo.

5 Jarun and Bundek Lakes

Bathing season at the “Zagreb Sea”, as Jarun is nicknamed, starts as early as June. Bathers are watched over by lifeguards during the day, and the sandy beaches that stretch for over two kilometres along Veliko and Malo Jezero offer something for everyone.

If you do not have money for a holiday by the sea, or you cannot get enough of swimming, Jarun is the perfect destination. Entrance is free. If you come by car, the daily charge for a parking ticket on weekdays is 5 kunas and 10 kunas on weekends.
You can also go swimming free-of-charge at Bundek. This year there will also be a summer stage with a series of cultural events.

6 Maksimir

Although Maksimir Park is perhaps best known for its zoo (admission to the zoo is not free of charge), this green oasis in the east part of Zagreb is a haven for walking, picnics, or for simply enjoying nature and peaceful surroundings. It is a favourite area for jogging, Nordic walking or spending time with your children.

7 Dolac Market and the Zagreb “Kumica”

Tourists from around the world tag Dolac as an imperative as it seduces the palate with the diverse flavours of its fresh local fruit and vegetables brought in by so-called “kumice”, or country women. You do not have to buy anything; simply walk around the stalls and smell the flowers. There is no guarantee that you will not end up opening your wallet when visiting this market which has also featured in a BBC documentary.

8 The Upper Town

When is the last time you took a walk through Zagreb's Upper Town and enjoyed the view over the red roofs of Zagreb? Once you are already there, then head off to St Mark's Square,
and see the church. Although you cannot enter the church as such, it is a tourist sight worth seeing.
Head down Radićeva Street to Ban Jelačić Square and then onto the Lenuci Horseshoe, a series of some of Zagreb’s greenest parks, where you can relax on a bench or on the grass, or even have a picnic.

9 Performances by buskers

Buskers are an indispensable sight in Zagreb, but as we dash around in the rat race of everyday life we often turn our backs on them. Stop and take time to listen to them and if you like it,
spare them a few kunas (even though listening is free of charge, reward the musicians if they deserve it and if you can afford it). The Tkalčijana brings buskers and entertainers to the most fun street in Zagreb and is held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays starting at the end of June.

10 Summer Cinema Gradec

This is the fourth year that the Summer Cinema Gradec is being held at St Catherine's Square and is the most popular place for all film buffs. This is an outdoor cinema ideal for spending hot nights in Zagreb. Admission is free of charge and affordable drinks can be bought at the K Žnidariću Café, named after the café of the same name which appears in the film One Song a Day Takes Mischief Away.