What to Do in Zagreb in Summer: 5 Ideas You'll Love Year-round

Zagreb in the summer? It might not be everyone’s first pick, but many don’t realize this is when the city reveals its true charm. While locals may have headed to the coast, the buzz is kept alive by both domestic and foreign tourists.

If you can look past the heat radiating off the city streets, Zagreb offers countless spots waiting to be explored and discovered. Here, we’ll share some of the more offbeat, more alternative options. Get ready to experience a different kind of summer in Zagreb.

Discover Zagreb’s Hidden Corners

If you love mysteries and quirky historical tales, the Secret Zagreb walking tours are made for you. These guided walks take you through the city’s lesser-known areas, bringing forgotten legends, urban myths, and eccentric characters from Zagreb’s past back to life.

The experience is spiced up with humor, creativity, and geeky enthusiasm, turning the city into an interactive novel with you as one of its main characters.

Watch a Movie in Two Different Ways

Zagreb offers a true cinematic split. On one side, there’s the charming Tuškanac Summer Stage, tucked next to the forest park of the same name, where films are screened under the open sky, from festival gems to cult classics and local masterpieces. Perfect for those who love the full, “tangible” movie experience.

On the other hand, for those who enjoy exploring new formats, there’s VR Cinema KEK, which quite literally immerses you in the movie of your choice. Here, you’re not just watching – you’re part of the story. Ideal for anyone curious about how it feels blurring the line between reality and fiction.

Create Something with Your Hands

Zagreb offers a range of creative workshops that combine fun, learning, and relaxation. The city offers a tapestry of creative paths: paint on canvas sipping on a glass of wine, craft your own ceramic mug, try your hand at cooking dishes from different cuisines, or even weave a small rug.

Not only will you go home with a unique souvenir, but you might also discover a new passion. Workshops are open to complete beginners and those with a bit more experience, with a laid-back, almost therapeutic vibe. And best of all – there’s no grading.

Go on a Treasure Hunt

If you enjoy puzzles and scavenger hunts, Zagreb hides more than you’d expect. Geocaching, the global game of treasure hunting using GPS, has been around in Zagreb for years, with each cache revealing a fun local fact.

It’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective – as an urban explorer, clever detective, or adventurous treasure hunter. And the joy of finding a cache? Priceless.

Play Board Games

Summer evenings are perfect for rolling some dice in good company. In certain cafés, you can borrow a game to play while having a drink, and dedicated game rooms regularly host game days.

Places like Crni mačak or Carta Magica attract fans of board games, card games, and miniatures. It’s easy to make new friends here and put your tactics to the test.

Expected Bonus: Escape Room

Escape rooms are one of the most exciting ways to spend an hour or two with your friends and family. Zagreb is packed with themed rooms where your logic, teamwork, and communication will be put to the test under time pressure.

Is there anything better than that collective AHA moment when you crack the code and escape? We don’t think so, but we may be biased! 😄

Have we introduced you to something new? Either way, give summer in Zagreb a chance because it just might surprise you. And so will autumn, winter, and spring.