The city is divided into three parts, but it is the upper and lower sections that offer the most to tourists. The thousand-year old Gornji grad (upper town) contains the Presidential Palace, the historic church of St. Mark's, the Croatian parliament, as well as various museums and galleries all set in gas lamp-lit cobbled streets.

While the 19th century Donji grad (lower town) has the shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, parks will appeal most to visitors.