Summary
Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and most populous city, serving as a pivotal junction between Eastern and Central Europe for over a thousand years.
This modern capital, Zagreb, possesses a quaint charm reminiscent of a small town, characterized by an expansive historic hilltop area adorned with cobblestone streets and squares that continue to be illuminated by gas lights.
As one descends, the Lower Town reflects Zagreb’s Viennese influences, showcasing 19th-century pavilions and meticulously crafted gardens reminiscent of the finest features in Prague or Budapest.
During the day, visitors can leisurely explore pedestrian avenues and settle at one of the numerous cafes, while nighttime reveals a vibrant nightlife, illustrating why local residents often celebrate the city’s evening allure.
Let’s delve into the top attractions to experience in Zagreb:
1. Kaptol
A notable aspect of Zagreb is the historical development of its old town, which evolved as two distinct hilltop settlements positioned closely together. Their bond was not always amicable, as Kaptol and Gradec remained separated for several centuries.
Kaptol housed the clergy and was the site of Zagreb’s diocese, established in 1094. The primary landmark here is Zagreb Cathedral, which traces its origins back to the city’s founding but faced destruction by the Mongols in the 1200s and further damage during a 19th-century earthquake.
Visitors can observe the remnants of the cathedral’s fortifications, constructed when the edifice served as an observation tower amidst the Ottoman conflicts.
2. Gradec
This area represented the secular part of Zagreb’s medieval core, predominantly inhabited by artisans and tradesmen. Presently, it stands as a picturesque district, well-suited for nostalgic strolls due to its recently pedestrianized cobblestone lanes.
St. Mark’s Square serves as a cultural and political centerpiece in this locale, encompassing the Croatian Parliament and Constitutional Court. The square derives its name from St. Mark’s Church, which retains significant elements of original Romanesque architecture, later complemented by Gothic enhancements from the 1300s.
At the highest point of Radićeva Street lies Gradec’s last surviving city gate, which transformed into a shrine for the Virgin Mary following an 18th-century fire that spared only a painting of her.
3. Lower Town
Zagreb’s elegant Lower Town was designed in the 1800s, contrasting with the medieval core’s narrow passages, as it boasts wide boulevards and impressive neoclassical edifices.
This district is home to the city’s upscale hotels, abundant green spaces, and several prominent museums that will be explored further in this article.
You might consider stopping for lunch at a cafe or indulging in some luxurious retail therapy followed by a leisurely stroll through this verdant area.
4. Jelačić Square
This square is devoid of road traffic, serving as a focal point for the contemporary city and is well connected by several tram lines.
Here, one can perceive Zagreb as a thriving hub of commerce, bustling with office workers and shoppers, providing ample opportunities for people-watching from the comfort of a sidewalk cafe.
Named after Count Josip Jelačić, a renowned military strategist of the 19th century, his statue was erected in this square in the 1800s. However, it was removed during communist rule due to its association with Croatian nationalism, only to be reinstated in 1990.
5. Go out in Tkalčićeva Street
For those seeking live music at a bar or a satisfying dining experience, Tkalčićeva Street is the preferred choice for both locals and visitors. It serves as a prime destination for leisure and entertainment in Zagreb.
By day, Tkalčićeva comprises a picturesque street with charming low-rise, colorful buildings featuring balconies and awnings, perfect for a romantic stroll.
As the sun sets, guests can choose from Zagreb’s finest cafes, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
If you prefer a takeaway or an elegant dinner with a partner, Tkalčićeva offers a variety of options to satisfy your desires.
6. Dolac Market
For those opting for self-catering, a visit to Zagreb’s daily farmers market is a necessity.
Opening in the morning, Dolac Market features offerings from local farms, providing an excellent location to purchase meat, dairy, vegetables, and Croatian artisanal products, while also featuring a wide selection of fresh seafood sourced from the Adriatic Sea.
Locals often refer to Dolac as the “Belly of Zagreb,” highlighting its role as a key part of daily life in the city.
A staircase leading from the marketplace leads you to Optovina, the city’s primary flower market.
7. Statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka
Marija Jurić Zagorka, a celebrated 20th-century cultural figure, was the first female journalist in Croatia and an acclaimed author, born in 1873.
Her statue, adorned in modest Edwardian attire, can be found on Tkalčićeva Street, contrasting with the modern bars and cafes that characterize the area.
Zagorka’s novels remain widely read today, many of which are set in Old Zagreb, a place she truly cherished.
During her career, she founded Women’s Papers, a groundbreaking women’s magazine distributed throughout Austria-Hungary.
8. Mimara Museum
This museum in Lower Town is named after Ante Topić Mimara, a 20th-century art collector known for his complex history.
The museum’s permanent collection comprises items donated by Mimara, who was controversial due to accusations of art theft during WWII and forgery thereafter.
While some critics argue that certain pieces are forgeries, this venue still represents a worthwhile excursion for art enthusiasts.
Exhibits include works from renowned artists such as Canaletto, Rubens, Holbein, Velazquez, Goya, Monet, Renoir, and Degas.
9. Archaeological Museum
Given its position at the historical crossroads of civilizations, visiting Zagreb’s archaeological museum promises an engaging journey through various eras and cultures.
A highlight of the museum is the Vučedol Dove, a ritual vessel dating back to at least 2500 BC. Additionally, the museum houses the Liber Linteus, an Etruscan mummy from the 3rd century BC, which was wrapped in bandages containing the world’s longest Etruscan text.
Notably, much of this text remains untranslated due to the limited understanding of the language.
10. Pick up a Licitar
As one navigates the streets of Zagreb, the prevalence of red hearts is often noticeable. These symbols refer to Licitars, traditional honey dough cookies that require a meticulous preparation process lasting several weeks.
Once the heart-shaped cookies are fully baked and cooled, they are coated in a glossy red edible enamel and artistically adorned with intricate patterns and messages.
Due to the deep-rooted significance of this craft, Licitars have been recognized by UNESCO as emblematic of northern Croatian culture, making them a poignant souvenir.
11. Lenuci Horseshoe
For a reminder of your presence in the former Austro-Hungarian empire, this elegant collection of squares, fountains, and grand architecture serves to highlight this influence.
The Lenuci Horseshoe, designed in the 19th century, forms a U-shape in Zagreb’s Lower Town and resembles urban landscapes found in Vienna or Budapest, warranting a leisurely exploration at any time throughout the year.
Two key attractions within the Horseshoe include the Botanical Garden, home to over 10,000 plant species from across the globe, and the impressive Croatian National Theatre, regarded as the city’s leading venue for ballet, opera, and dramatic performances.
12. Jarun Lake
Situated quite inland, Zagreb relies on Jarun Lake as a popular retreat during the summer heat.
The lake offers a wide array of recreational activities, ranging from competitive rowing and kayaking to skateboarding and cycling, but is also perfect for simply relaxing and cooling off at the pebble beaches.
This area also hosts Zagreb’s nightlife, featuring various bars and nightclubs along the lakeshore. Additionally, if your visit coincides with late June, the INmusic festival occurs here.
13. Museum of Broken Relationships
This unique museum explores the theme of break-ups. While it may not be everyone’s ideal activity, this attraction is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The exhibits serve a therapeutic function, as they have been contributed by people around the world who have experienced romantic loss.
Visitors will encounter a variety of seemingly unrelated items, each accompanied by a narrative revealing its connection to a failed relationship, often evoking humor but sometimes eliciting poignant emotions.
14. Samobor
Nestled between Zagreb and the Slovenian border lies the charming medieval town of Samobor, a popular tourist destination for nearly 200 years.
The town’s architecture features numerous baroque influences, and a visit to its museum reveals a building where composer Franz Liszt stayed for a night in 1846.
Samobor is surrounded by lush hills, and within a short ten-minute hike to Tepec Hill, visitors can explore the remnants of Samobor Castle.
The fortress is largely intact, allowing for easy navigation of its moat, outer walls, and gatehouse.
15. Karlovac
Located approximately 45 minutes southwest of Zagreb, this delightful town was established in the 16th century as an Austrian outpost against the Ottoman advance.
Karlovac reflects advanced military planning, evident in its Old Town. The citadel, where much of the town’s historical essence remains, still preserves the outline of its innovative six-pointed star defensive layout, even though the original walls no longer exist.
In Croatia, Karlovac is referred to as the “City of Parks,” as the former trenches and moats surrounding the city have been preserved, allowing for expansive green spaces, forests, and gardens for visitors to enjoy.
