Explore Zagreb by bike: A short family trip

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city, is a perfect destination for a cycling adventure. With its charming streets, historic landmarks, and green parks, the city is best experienced on two wheels. Why? It’s because the infrastructure for cyclist is on high level.

WHERE TO START?

Begin your journey by grabbing a good quality coffee at the Cafe bar “Botaničar”, which has great vibes and beautiful interiors. It is located close the Botanical Garden, so if you’re into plants – you should visit.

We went the other directions instead. We headed to the city center, but on our way we stopped by the Neo-Baroque building of Croatian National Theater. It was designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. This majestic building is a hub for opera, ballet, and drama, but also a symbol of national pride and artistic excellence.

Our next stop was the Ban Jelačić Square, the vibrant center of Zagreb. From here it’s quite difficult to operate on bike, as the cycle paths are rare. But it’s not impossible. Once in the city center, you have to head toward Dolac Market. Here, you can soak in the local atmosphere and grab some fresh fruit for your ride.

TIP: Don’t go between stalls with your bike, it’s too crowded. Instead lock it in a safe place nearby.

From the Dolac market, ride to the Roman Zagreb Cathedral, which unfortunately is under construction for some time already, but still makes an impression with its size.

Now, you’re almost in the upper town. Just few more kilometers and you’ll reach the St. Mark’s Church. This historic church is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb, dating back to the 13th century. It’s especially famous for its colorful tiled roof, which features the coats of arms of Zagreb and the former Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia.

Don’t miss the Stone gate, which is closely. This historic gate is one of the last remaining parts of the medieval city walls in Zagreb’s Upper Town (Gradec). Built in the 13th century, it’s not just an architectural relic—it’s also a sacred site. Inside the gate is a small chapel housing a painting of the Virgin Mary. This painting miraculously survived a devastating fire in 1731. Since then, the Stone Gate has become a place of pilgrimage and quiet prayer for locals and visitors alike.

Try also Zagreb Funicular – the historic funicular railway, which connects the Lower Town with the Upper Town. With a ride lasting just 64 seconds, it’s one of the shortest public-transport funiculars in the world. You can also use the stairs if you prefer.

TUNNELS

Zagreb’s underground world is full of mystery, history, and even a touch of rebellion. It’s the Gric tunnel, built in 1943 during WWII by the Ustaša regime for civilian protection and military logistics. It stretches beneath the Upper Town with entrances on Mesnička and Radićeva Streets. Since 2016, it’s been open to the public daily and now hosts art installations, Advent events, and even spooky tours.

TIP: Jump off the bike, as it is forbidden to ride in the tunnel.

GREEN SPACES AROUND ZAGREB

One of the best aspects of biking in Zagreb is the proximity of parks. Zrinjevac Park, with its shaded pathways, is a relaxing stop. For a longer ride, make your way to Maksimir Park, the largest and oldest public park in the city. It’s home to picturesque lakes, lush forests, and even a zoo—ideal for escaping the summer heat.

RELAX AT THE JARUN LAKE

Lack of the sea doesn’t mean Zagrebians cannot relax by the water. Jarun lake is the favourite spot among locals. The cycling trails here provide a smooth, scenic ride along the water. You can stop to swim, grab a drink at a lakeside café, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s around 10 km bike ride from the city of Zagreb. We were lucky to be accommodated close to the lake, so we just went there for an evening ride. I was surprised to see the cycle paths almost empty, since it was such a beautiful day.

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Traffic & Safety: Zagreb has dedicated cycling lanes, but be mindful of busy streets and pedestrian zones.
• Best Time to Ride: Mornings and late afternoons are cooler, making cycling more enjoyable.

Exploring Zagreb on a bike during summer is the perfect way to experience the city’s vibrant energy while staying active. Whether you’re gliding through charming streets or discovering scenic nature spots, you’ll find that Zagreb is made for cycling!️