Zagreb • Outdoors

Parks and Gardens in Zagreb

Zagreb’s green side: the best parks and gardens for walks, picnics, dates, and a calm hour between museums and meals.

Updated Dec 31, 202511 min readBrowse all guides

Why Zagreb feels so green

Zagreb’s center is stitched together by parks. That’s why even busy sightseeing days can feel relaxed — you’re never far from trees, benches, and a quiet path.

Top parks to know

  • Lower Town parks: small, elegant, and easy to combine into a loop.
  • Maksimir: a true escape within the city — paths, pavilions, and long walks.
  • Jarun Lake: a more open, sporty green space with sunsets and summer energy.

Lower Town parks: the “Green Horseshoe” loop

One of Zagreb’s best “no-planning” activities is a Lower Town park loop. This area is often described as the Green (Lenuci’s) Horseshoe: a planned chain of parks and squares that makes the center feel airy and walkable.

  • Zrinjevac: elegant park energy and a classic central stroll.
  • Tomislavac: big open square vibe (often with seasonal events).
  • Botanical Garden: a calm detour when you want greenery without leaving the center.

How to use parks in your itinerary

  1. After a museum: decompress with a 30–60 minute park loop.
  2. Before dinner: do a golden-hour walk to set the mood.
  3. On a slow day: plan one café, one park, one meal — that’s enough.

Further reading

Keep exploring Zagreb

Use the guide list to build a trip that fits your pace — a few anchors, plenty of wandering, and at least one night walk.

Love Zagreb is an independent guide. For official updates, visit Zagreb Tourist Board and the linked official sources above.