Sight guide · Zagreb · Croatia
Visiting Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo
Opened in 1794, Maksimir is a large English-style landscape park of oak woods, meadows, five lakes and pavilions.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Aldenita, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo is a park in Maksimir, Zagreb. Allow half a day; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Park
- Area
- Maksimir
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, kids, outdoors and nature
- Best months
- July–September
About Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo
Opened in 1794, Maksimir is a large English-style landscape park of oak woods, meadows, five lakes and pavilions. The Zagreb Zoo inside the park has big cats, sea lions and a children's area, and paths are good for walking and jogging.
Tip: Take trams 11 or 12 from Ban Jelačić Square, which stop by the main park entrance.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Maksimir, leafy eastern district by the city's great park and the zoo.
Best time to visit Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo
Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- September: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- July: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Zagreb has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Ban Jelačić Square and Dolac Market.
- No. 16 of the 18 sights in our Zagreb things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Zagreb.
- A family favourite in Zagreb with kids.
If you like Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo
- Green Horseshoe (Lenuci Horseshoe) — Donji Grad (Lower Town), 1.5–2 hours
- Lake Jarun — Trešnjevka, Half a day
- Medvednica and Sljeme cable car — Medvednica, Half a day
Staying near Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo
Stay in Maksimir ($$) to walk here: leafy eastern district by the city's great park and the zoo. All areas to stay in Zagreb.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo?
Plan half a day.
+Is Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Take trams 11 or 12 from Ban Jelačić Square, which stop by the main park entrance.
+Do I need to book Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Zagreb. Zagreb is relaxed and easy with children: green parks with playgrounds, a zoo, the funicular, a hands-on technical museum and Lake Jarun in summer.