Zagreb, like the whole of Croatia, has experienced a big surge of popularity among foreign tourists. Croatia is on most lists of world hit destinations, and for a good reason. It's a very versatile country, renowned for its stunning seaside, great cuisine and laid back atmosphere. But there is more to Croatia than that. Its capital town of Zagreb is often seen as a gateway to the country and it boasts over 1.3 million foreign visitors a year. Usually foreign visitors view it just as a stopover on their way to the seaside. Interested in some of the fun things Zagreb has to offer? Then continue reading!
10 REASONS TO VISIT ZAGREB:
- It's easily accessible from most European countries (by car, bus or plane)
- Zagreb is very safe - even for solo female travellers.
- It's walkable - most major attractions, restaurants and shops are within a walking distance.
- Zagreb is only about 1.5 hour car drive from the nearest seaside destination (Crikvenica).
- No language barrier since most locals speak very good English.
- A decent choice of accommodation - from budget lodgings to the most luxurious hotels.
- It has a very relaxed, laid back vibe with many small, cozy, Vienna style coffee shops.
- In the winter it hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
- A good choice of restaurants offering delicacies of local cuisine.
- It is home to some interesting and unique museums.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ZAGREB?
All year round - each of 4 distinct seasons has its unique appeal.
SPRING: warm weather, trees and flowers in full bloom, nice to walk around
SUMMER: quite hot, less crowded, a great stopover on the way to the coast
AUTUMN: pleasant weather, great choice of seasonal produce on the market
WINTER: Christmas market, festive vibe
WHERE TO STAY IN ZAGREB
Being an 800,000 inhabitant city, Zagreb offers quite a wide range of different accommodation options. From world renowned 5 * hotel chains like Sheraton, Esplanada and Westin
(20, 10, 15 minute walk from the main square, respectively) to more affordable hotels, hostels and private lodgings. Below are some of the highest rated lodgings within 15 minute walk from the main Zagreb square:
ART'OTEL ZAGREB https://artotelzagreb.com
Centrally located luxury hotel with signature artworks, rooftop bar, gym, sauna, heated indoor pool, yezi restaurant and a teahouse.
DUBROVNIK HOTEL https://www.hotel-dubrovnik.hr
The 222 room hotel located in the heart of Zagreb was opened in 1929 and has been popular ever since. Pets allowed, possible airport transportation and other amenities are available.
BEDROOM MORE THAN A BED https://www.agoda.com/bedroom-more-than-a-bed/hotel/zagreb-hr.html?cid=1844104&ds=F8%2BvPh9A1APtpUgO
A privately owned lodging in the Upper Town with the prices for a double room starting at 67 €.
Swanky Hostel https://stayswanky.com
The hostel is conveniently located on the main street about a 10 minute walk away from Ban Jelačić Square. It offers a wide range of accommodation options - from 8 bed dorms to double bedrooms. Prices start from 20 euros per night.
PLACES TO ENJOY AMAZING CROATIAN FOOD
LA STRUK https://hr.gaultmillau.com/restaurants/la-struk
Located in the heart of the Upper Town, the restaurant is named after the most famous local delicacy štrukli. It is their signature dish and they make it in different varieties. The restaurant is small and has a beautiful patio in the back. You will enjoy its pleasant atmosphere and mouthwatering štrukli. Insider tip: be prepared to wait in a line!
A modern style bistro and wine bar in the city centre boasts an assortment of amazing traditional Croatian dishes. The fresh, seasonal ingredients are sourced from nearby Dolac, Zagreb's main market (insider tip: a must visit!)
STARI FIJAKER https://starifijaker.hr
Conveniently located in the city centre, the restaurant offers generous servings of authentic Croatian dishes at quite affordable prices.
BORNSTEIN http://www.bornstein.hr/en/home/
Must visit for all wine lovers! The 30-year old brick vaulted cellar is near the cathedral and offers a large selection of amazing Croatian wines and other high quality edible delights like olives, truffles, olive oil and cheese. Great atmosphere and an interesting tour through Croatian wine regions. Tasting and cheese plates are available for 30 euros.
HERITAGE CROATIAN FOOD AND SNACK BAR
Located off the main square, the snack bar and shop offers authentic Croatian food, fresh and locally sourced at quite affordable prices. The place is small, but cosy and full of personality.
TOP 4 TRADITIONAL LOCAL DELICACIES TO TRY IN ZAGREB
1) ŠTRUKLI - the iconic dish of local cuisine and my personal favourite. This mouthwatering, doughy pastry delicacy filled with cheese can be salty or sweet. Since 2007 it has been on the list of the Croatian intangible cultural heritage.
2) TURKEY WITH MLINCI - a classic Sunday dinner and a trademark of a Christmas meal in northern Croatia, Locally raised turkeys are roasted to perfection and their flavourful grease and juices used to season the mlinci (pasta tatters).
3) ZAGREB SCHNITZEL - a fried veal cutlet filled with ham and melted cheese, an enriched version of the Wiener Schnitzel. It has been a staple dish in Zagreb for years.
4) KREMŠNITE - this delicious custard and puff pastry dessert is a must try. An insider tip: one of the most popular places for this sweet treat is Vincek, a sweet shop in Ilica, Zagreb main street.
6 INTERESTING AND FUN MUSEUMS TO VISIT
1) CHOCOLATE MUSEUM
The Chocolate Museum in Zagreb city center is an amazing place for all chocoholics. Explore the history of this magic sweet delight, sample some of the best Croatian artisan chocolates and take home some sweet memories of Croatia! An unforgettable experience for children, families and love couples. Guided tours available in Croatian, English and German.
2) MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS (duration 1-2 hours)
Explore a world of illusions where nothing is as it seems! You think water can't flow uphill? Or your friends can't grow or shrink? You want somebody's head on a tray? This amazing place will make all this possible!
3) MUSEUM OF HANGOVERS
The Museum of Hangovers is only a 10 minute walk away from the main city square. This one of a kind museum features some authentic hangover/drunk experiences, gives insight into drinking habits around the world and offers different kinds of booze and drinking games. Fun museum where you can go through all stages of a hangover. Quite a memorable experience!
4) MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS
This quirky museum is an emotional rollercoaster of real people around the world. It showcases mementos of broken relationships and tells stories of happy, sad and tragic relationships.
5) MUSEUM OF SELFIE AND MEMORIES
Another unconventional museum in the city centre, a place that provides different settings for memorable selfies. Also, some exhibits refer to the important moments and people from Croatian history in a fun way.
6) MUSHROOM MUSEUM
The Mushroom Museum on Ban Jelačić Square was founded by Croatian most renowned mushroom expert Romano Božac. This, one of the most unique museums in the world, is home to over 1600 mushroom species from all over Croatia. This fascinating and most extensive collection of freeze dried preserved fungi is well worth a visit.
FUN TOURS OF ZAGREB
FREE SPIRIT TOURS
Every day at 11 a.m Ban Jelačić Square is the meeting point for all those who want to join a free 2 hour walking guided tour of Zagreb. Just look for the guide with an orange umbrella at the horseman statue and join the group! Insider tip: Minimum number of participants is 2. For groups of 10 + private tours are available.
UPPER TOWN WITCHES ZAGREB TOUR
This unique 2 hour long tour is an interesting combination of historical facts, legends, myths and superstitions of ancient Zagreb.
https://www.lovezagreb.hr/topics/heartbeat-of-zagreb/spooky-legends-of-zagreb
Costumed licensed guides will walk you through the Upper Town, its dark secrets and magic. This memorable tour has won Luxury Travel Guide awards and is highly reviewed by most visitors. Insider tip: book the tour in advance: info@zgc.hr
TRUFFLE HUNTING ZAGREB TOUR
https://www.trufflehunting-zagreb.hr/en/
Interested in nature, dogs and truffles? Well, in that case this tour may be a once in a lifetime experience for you. Surprisingly, in the city's biggest park Maksimir and other places around the town you can find wild black truffles of highest quality. This unique tour is a blend of truffle hunting, enjoying nature and sampling fresh truffles.
8 FUN FACTS ABOUT ZAGREB
1) Founded in 1134 Zagreb is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
2) Zagreb is home to the world's shortest funicular, the ride lasting only 64 seconds.
3) Every day since 1877 at noon you can hear the Grič cannon
https://www.lovezagreb.hr/topics/become-a-zagrebian/the-gric-canon-a-piece-of-zagrebs-historical-legend
4) St Mark's Church roof tiles feature the coat of arms of Zagreb
5) 106 women were burned at stake in the great witch hunt in the 18 century.
6) Zagreb is home to most museums per capita in the world.
7) Jägerhorn, first opened in 1827, is the oldest hotel in Zagreb. It is located in the main street (Ilica), a few minute walk from the main tourist attractions.
8) After Easter Monday every Saturday and Sunday at noon you can view the parade of Cravat Regiment on Ban Jalačić Square https://academia-cravatica.hr/6606/
FUN THINGS TO BRING BACK FROM ZAGREB
1) LICITAR
By far the most popular inexpensive souvenir from Zagreb is a licitar heart - a colourfully decorated gingerbread. Although it is edible, it is mostly used for ornamental purposes. It is a part of the old Croatian heritage and since 2010 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
2) CROATIA FOOTBALL SHIRTS
Croatia football shirts in different designs and colours are some of the most popular and bestselling Croatian souvenirs.
3) NECKTIE
Fun fact: Did you know that necktie originates from Croatia?
(Croatian kravata) dates back to the 17 th century when it was worn by the members of military units. CROATA is a luxurious Croatian brand producing high quality neckties and women's scarves and is located near Ban Jelačić Square.
4) CROATIAN NAIVE ART PAINTINGS
In some souvenir shops in the centre of Zagreb there is a big selection of Croatian naive art paintings featuring village life, celebrations, landscapes and festivals. For naive art lovers there is a Museum of Naive Art in Zagreb.
https://hmnu.hr/
5) ZAGREB GOURMET SOUVENIRS
Souvenir and food shops, as well as the town's major market Dolac offer an amazing assortment of Croatian cheeses, truffles, charcuterie, handmade chocolates (Kraš Bajadera), local wines and traditional liqueurs.
BONUS TIP
PLITVICE (AND RASTOKE) DAY TRIP (prices start at 100 €)
If you have an extra day to spare don't miss the opportunity to visit these two Croatian gems. Only about 120 km away this breathtaking natural beauty is by far the most popular day trip from Zagreb. Plitvice Lakes is the biggest and most visited national park of Croatia and one of its landmarks. Tha park is one of 10 Croatian UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a definite must visit! More about it in one of my subsequent blog posts!
QUO VADIS FINAL THOUGHTS
Zagreb, unlike Paris, London or Rome, isn't the epitome of luxury and grandeur, but it's an amazing little vibrant town most people like and cherish in their memories. Big enough to offer all the advantages of urban life, yet small enough for you to feel safe and comfortable. Only about a 1.5 hour drive from the coast, with 4 distinct seasons and many fun things going on year round, it's a great place to visit and live in. Admittedly, born, raised and living in Zagreb I may be biased, but I definitely think it's worth a visit. Anyway, I hope that in this blog post you will find some useful insider tips and interesting facts about my hometown. Who knows, it may even inspire some of you to come and see this amazing town yourself.
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