Zagreb

“If the city’s parks and gardens are havens of tranquillity, Zagreb’s squares, when not occupied by gardens, are places where the city’s heartbeats are heard the loudest.” Anita Rao-Kashi

Zagreb is Croatia's capital and largest city, presenting the country's cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative centre. 

Its turbulent history is full of interesting personalities that lived and worked there. Among them is Ivo Andrić, one of the most famous and world-known authors of the 20th century and the winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1961.

Zagreb’s surrounding area has Roman roots but the city itself can be traced back to 1094 when Hungarian King Ladislav established the Zagreb Diocese. Prior to the union, there were two different city centres: Kaptol in the east and Gradec in the west, which is now commonly known as the Upper Town. This area hides a two-tower Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark's Church known for its coloured mosaic roof and built in the 13th century. Nearby, you can get a panoramic view of the city from the 19th century pedestrian Strossmayer Promenade,  making it a very romantic spot. Lower down, but still part of the same area, the pedestrian street Tkalchicheva provides you with a chance to explore Croatian cuisine in the many cafes and terraces. 

In the Lower Town, you'll find the Ban Josip Jelacic Square, the Croatian National Theatre, a botanic garden, various museums, shops and the Green Horseshoe system of city squares with parks. Zagreb is mostly made up of low-rise buildings that blend harmoniously with the surrounding greenery, each telling a story of its rich history. Getting around the city is easy, thanks to a well-developed public transport system with eye-catching blue trams.

While Zagreb may not have sandy beaches like Croatia’s coastal cities, it exudes its own unique charm. The graceful flow of the Sava River, tranquil lakes, numerous parks, and the majestic Medvednica mountain with its Nature Park, spanning 18 hectares, is much loved by hikers. In addition, throughout the year, Zagreb hosts events and festivals all over the city, including musical festivals in summer and the Festival Of Light in winter.

The best time to explore Zagreb is during the end of spring and summer when the climate is warm though occasionally hot with lots of sunshine.

Top Markets in Zagreb