The Botanical Garden may not sound like the most exciting spot to visit in Zagreb, but it’s a lovely patch of greenery, and it’s on your way if you are exploring the so-called Green Horseshoe or Lenuci Horseshoe, a U-shaped system of green areas surrounding the very heart of downtown, conceived in the late 19th century as a basis for Zagreb's urban development.
The garden was founded in 1889, and since 1946 it's been a part of Zagreb’s Faculty of Science. In 1971 it became a protected monument of nature and culture. The arboretum is arranged freely (in English landscape style), while the flower parterre is strictly geometrical (in French style). But my personal favourites are a picturesque artificial lake and a section with indigenous Croatian plants – which are unusually numerous and diverse, because Croatia, however small, stretches both into the Mediterranean and the continental zones.
It’s worth mentioning the art-nouveau head office house (former head gardener’s house), a valuable 19th century exhibition pavilion, the greenhouse with exotic plants, a public toilet (a representative example of a public utility from the late 19th century) and the lovely little gazebo.
I love to come here to read a book and rest from the city noise, or to enjoy some of the special events organized in summer, like e. g. “Biljke i svirke” (“Plants and performing”) – when the whole garden becomes a music stage with official concerts as well as spontaneous performances of all who feel inspired to make music among the plants.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zagreb guide.
The "Gulliver Mural" in Zagreb's Opatovina park was created in November 2016. Gulliver and the Lilliputs always brighten my day...
By
"Umami Grill" Zagreb is a restaurant that takes your senses and feelings into account, offering a mouthwatering array of Asian fusion foods...
By
The "Charlie Chaplin" statue in Zagreb is a symbol of how my city has always been keeping pace with cinema and the film industry since the early days...
By
"Sjeverni kampus Sveučilišta" in Zagreb hosts several faculties of the university, and it's generally for a relaxed walk around the modern campus vibe...
By
"Torte i To" in Zagreb offers a wide variety of pastry and desserts. The cheesecake is an obvious choice, as well as the Čokovišnja, or chococherry cake!
By
Zagreb is supposed to have been founded in the Middle Ages, but just to the south there used to be Roman Andautonia. These three relics are so fascinating!
By
"Reljef Seljaci" on Zagreb's main square is often overshadowed by the square's namesake statue, but this big relief has also been here for a century...
By
"Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište HNK" (the National Theater in Zagreb) is Croatia's highest artistic institution. I especially like the view from the balcony...
By
The "Museum of Broken Relationships" in Zagreb exhibits items left behind from broken relationships and the stories behind them. It's so original and fun!
By
"Uspinjača" is one of the symbols of Zagreb. It's the first and oldest public transport and the world's shortest funicular ride. So nostalgic & romantic!
By
"Strossmayerovo šetalište" in Zagreb is probably the city's most romantic promenade. Each season, this place has something unique to offer...
By
0 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Relaxing Blog & App!
✓ 0 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Relaxing City Blog & App!