Zagreb unveils plans for major new pedestrian zone in city centre

by croatiaweek
September 23, 2026
in News

(Photo: ZZPUGZ/Grad Zagreb)

ZAGREB, 23 September 2026 – Plans have been unveiled for a major transformation of several streets in central Zagreb, with Masarykova, Teslina and parts of Preradovićeva and Gajeva streets set to become a connected, greener pedestrian zone.

The concept was presented on 21 September at the Lapidarium of the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb as part of European Mobility Week.

Prepared by the Zagreb Institute for Spatial Planning, the project proposes expanding the existing pedestrian area in the Lower Town and creating a new connection between Trg Republike Hrvatske and Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog.

The planned zone would prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, while creating new areas for sitting, socialising, outdoor activities and public events.

More than 50 new trees and around 600 square metres of green areas are planned as part of the project. New planted areas and permeable surfaces are also intended to provide shade and improve the microclimate in the city centre.

The concept divides the area into a pedestrian zone and a traffic-calmed zone. The pedestrian section would include Masarykova east of Gundulićeva, Teslina, and parts of Preradovićeva and Gajeva north of Berislavićeva. Masarykova between Trg Republike Hrvatske and Gundulićeva would become a traffic-calmed area.

(Photo: ZZPUGZ/Grad Zagreb)

The plans envisage a unified design for the streets, including new paving, greenery, seating and other urban equipment. Several locations would become focal points, including areas near Kavkaz, Loewy Tower, Obrtnički prolaz, Prolaz sestara Baković, ZKM, and the Archaeological Museum.

Existing restaurant terraces would largely remain, with planned adjustments to their layouts and a more uniform appearance.

The project also includes the renewal of underground infrastructure and a comprehensive redesign of the street surfaces, with the aim of improving the historic Lower Town while respecting its protected urban character and individual heritage buildings.

(Photo: ZZPUGZ/Grad Zagreb)

(Photo: ZZPUGZ/Grad Zagreb)

The concept was developed between March and September 2026 following a participatory process involving residents, businesses and other members of the public.

The presentation was followed by a discussion involving Zagreb Deputy Mayor Luka Korlaet, Faculty of Transport Sciences Dean Marko Šoštarić and Zagreb Institute for Spatial Planning director Nikša Božić.