Zagreb

Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Zagreb

Zagreb, the charming capital of Croatia, is a city brimming with history, culture, and vibrant charm. From its cobbled streets and Austro-Hungarian architecture to its lively cafes and bustling markets, Zagreb offers something for every traveler. This guide will delve into everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to this captivating European destination.

I. Unveiling Zagreb’s History & Culture:

  • Upper Town (Gornji Grad):

    • St. Mark’s Church: Admire the colorful roof tiles depicting the coat of arms of the city and its historic districts, a common sight in Zagreb’s charming streets.
    • The Croatian Parliament: Witness the grandeur of this architectural landmark and explore its history and architecture.

  • Museums & Galleries:

    • Museum of Broken Relationships: Experience a unique collection of artifacts from past relationships, each with its own poignant story.
    • The Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU): Immerse yourself in modern Croatian art with an impressive collection of contemporary art pieces.
    • The Archaeological Museum: Discover the rich archaeological history of Croatia and beyond, with artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.

  • Historical Sites:

    • Zagreb Cathedral: Explore the towering spires and ornate interior of this iconic cathedral.
    • St. Mark’s Square: Marvel at the colorful architecture of the Croatian Parliament and other historic buildings, including the Croatian History Museum and the Academy of Fine Arts.
    • The Croatian Museum of Natural History: Home to a fascinating collection of fossils, minerals and animal specimens.

  • Historic Churches & Monuments:

    • Church of St. Francis of Assisi: This magnificent church features stunning stained glass windows and ornate baroque architecture.
    • The Museum of Broken Relationships: A poignant museum showcasing the remnants of past relationships, offering a unique perspective on love and loss.
    • The Croatian History Museum: Learn about Croatia’s rich history from its prehistoric beginnings to modern times.

II. Exploring Zagreb:

  • Strolling through Upper Town (Gornji Grad):: Wander along the charming cobblestone streets, admire the historic architecture, and explore the hidden alleys of the Upper Town. Visit the historic Dolac Market, wander through the bustling streets of Tkalčićeva Street, or explore the museums and galleries that line the cobbled paths.
  • Strossmayer’s Promenade: Enjoy a breathtaking view over the city while sipping coffee and watching the sunset from this popular pedestrian walkway.

III. Museums & Galleries:

  • Museum of Broken Relationships: Located in the heart of Upper Town, this museum offers a glimpse into the emotional complexities of love and heartbreak through a collection of personal objects that symbolize the end of a relationship.
  • The Museum of Broken Relationships: Explore the stories behind the relationships, both happy and sad, through donated objects and their accompanying narratives.

IV. Things to know about Zagreb:

  • Currency: The official currency is the Croatian kuna (HRK), but many places also accept euros.

  • Language: Croatian is the official language, but English and German are widely spoken in tourist areas.

  • Safety: Zagreb is a safe city with low crime rates. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft as you would in any major city.

  • Cultural Significance: The museum showcases the complexities of relationships through a unique lens.

V. Food & Drink:

  • Traditional Croatian Cuisine:

    • Restoran Ribicek: Known for its delicious seafood and charming atmosphere.
    • Pod Krošnjom: A popular spot for traditional Croatian dishes like “peka” (meat or fish cooked under a bell-shaped lid) and “čevapi” (grilled minced meat sausages).

  • Zagreb Cuisine:

    • Kod Svetog Ante: Enjoy a taste of Zagreb’s history with their authentic Croatian cuisine.
    • Cafe & Wine Bars: Explore the city’s vibrant cafe scene:
      • Cafe Zagreb: A classic cafe in the heart of the city, offering traditional Croatian coffee and pastries.

  • Other Culinary Delights:

    • Dolac Market: Immerse yourself in the local food scene and sample fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and pastries.
      • Market: Indulge in delicious street food at Dolac Market - a must-visit for any foodie!

V. Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury Hotels:

    • Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: A historic hotel with luxurious amenities and a central location.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    • Hotel Vintage: A stylish hotel in a renovated 19th-century palace, offering unique rooms and a charming courtyard.

  • Apartments & Guesthouses:

    • Airbnb: Find a variety of apartments and rooms for rent from local hosts.
      • Hostels:
        • Hostel Swanky: A modern hostel located in the heart of the city with stylish communal areas and friendly staff.

  • Budget-Friendly Options:

    • Hostel Zagreb: Enjoy affordable accommodations and meet fellow travelers.

VI. Transportation:

  • Public Transport: Zagreb has an excellent public transport system, making it easy to get around the city.

    • Tram & Bus Network: The city’s tram and bus network is extensive and covers most of Zagreb.

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Zagreb.

    • Uber & Bolt: You can also find Uber and Bolt taxis, which are a good option for getting around quickly and easily.

  • Walking: Zagreb is a walkable city, especially within the city center.

  • Travel Tips:

VII. Getting Around by Tram & Bus:

  • Zagreb Public Transport: Use the efficient tram and bus system to reach all parts of the city.

  • Purchasing Tickets: Tickets can be purchased from kiosks, newsstands, or via a mobile app (Zagrebus).

  • Ticket Validation: Remember to validate your ticket when you get on the tram or bus!

  • Walking & Cycling: Walking and cycling are popular ways to explore Zagreb’s historic city center.

  • Transportation Options:

    • Public Transportation: Explore the efficient Zagreb tram & bus network for getting around the city.

VIII. Food & Drink: * Enjoy fresh, local produce at Dolac Market. * Try “štrukli” (a traditional Croatian dish) and “čevapčići” (grilled minced meat sausages). * Sample local delicacies: * Tkalčićeva Street: This street is home to many restaurants and cafes serving up delicious and affordable Croatian cuisine.

  • Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene:
    • Upper Town (Zagreb) Restaurants:

A. Food:

  • Traditional Restaurants: Head to the Upper Town for a taste of Zagreb’s history and culture with its traditional restaurants.

  • Zagrebacka Kulinarija:

B. Getting Around: * Tram & Bus System: The system is extensive, covering the entire city center. * Walking: Exploring the city on foot allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the local culture up close. * Zagreb Walking Tours: Consider joining a walking tour to explore the city’s history and architecture while learning about its unique stories and cultural insights.

A. Getting Around:

  • Zagreb Public Transportation: Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and attractions through their public transport network.

  • Walking Tours:

    • Zagreb Free Walking Tour: A great way to see the sights and learn about the history of Zagreb, with knowledgeable guides who offer a fun and informative experience.

VI. Other Things to Consider:

  • Public Transport:

    • Zagreb City Card: Offers free access to public transport and discounts at many attractions.

  • Walking:

    • Explore the city on foot: Discover hidden gems and charming streets while enjoying the slower pace.

  • Zagreb Walking Tours:

    • Zagreb City Travel Guide: The Zagreb City Card provides access to a variety of museums, attractions and discounts in the city.

  • Travel:

A. Accommodation:

  • Transportation:
    • Zagreb Airport (ZAG): Conveniently located for international travel, with flights arriving from major European cities.
    • Zagreb Walking Tours:

B. Food & Drink:

  • Food: Explore the city’s bustling markets and try delicious local dishes like “štrukli” (savory cheese pastries) and “čevapčići” (grilled minced meat sausages).

  • Public Transportation:

    • Zagreb Public Transportation: The city offers a variety of public transportation options.

  • Walking & Public Transport:

    • Exploring the City: Discover the charm and history of Zagreb’s Upper Town by walking.
    • Explore the city’s hidden gems on foot:

VII. Exploring the city’s public transport:

VIII. Other Things to Consider:

  • The Zagreb Card: This tourist card offers a variety of benefits, including free entry to many museums and attractions, discounts on public transport and transportation:**

    • Public Transport:
      • Zagreb’s Public Transport: Provides access to the city’s public transportation network.
      • Walking & Cycling: Offers a great way to experience the city’s culture and history while getting some exercise.

  • Zagreb:

    • Getting Around:
    • Public Transport:
      • “Strukli”:
      • Exploring the city:
      • Zagreb’s Public Transportation":

B. A. The Upper Town (Gornji Grad):

A. Food & Drink:

  • Explore the historical cafes and restaurants of Zagreb’s Upper Town, which offer a glimpse into the city’s past while enjoying local delicacies like “štrukli” (a savory pastry dish) and “čevapčići” (grilled minced meat served in a flatbread with onions).

    • Zagreb Card:

  • A. Getting Around:

    • Public Transportation: The Upper Town is easily accessible on foot, by tram or funicular.
      • The Funicular: This iconic mode of transport takes you from the Lower Town to the Upper Town in a few minutes.
      • Exploring the city:

  • B. Getting Around:

    • Walking:
      • The Zagreb’s vibrant walking scene is a great way to experience the city’s charm and history while enjoying delicious “štrukli” (a traditional Croatian dish) from local bakeries or cafes, offering a chance to discover hidden treasures like “Dolac Market” - a bustling market where you can find fresh produce and local crafts.

B. Visiting the Upper Town: * Public Transportation:

  • The Upper City:
    • Zagreb’s Public Transport:
        1. Walk:
        • The Funicular: The funicular railway is a great option for getting to and from the Upper Town, providing stunning views of Zagreb while you enjoy the ride.
        • Walking Tours:

B. Exploring the Upper Town:

  • Galleries and Museums: Explore the Upper Town’s museums and galleries, which are easily accessible by the funicular:

    1. Museums and Historical Sites:
    • The Museum of Broken Relationships:
      • Traditional: Learn about the history and culture of Zagreb’s past through a collection of personal objects, each donated with a story behind it.
    • Museums:

  • Transportation:

    • Museum:

VII. A. Zagreb:

  • B. A. The Zagreb Card: The Zagreb’s Public Transportation system:
    • Extensive network: The Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is a popular destination for tourists.
    • Public Transport: Provides access to the Upper Town and other attractions.

VII. Exploring:

  • Explore the city on foot: Enjoy “štrukli” (a traditional Croatian dish) at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Zagreb.

  • Zagreb’s Walking Scene:

A. The Museum of Broken Relationships:

  • The Future: Enjoy the city’s future: The city has a rich history and culture, making it a fascinating destination.

  • Exploring the City: The funicular is a popular option for getting to the top of the Upper Town for its stunning views.

C. Getting Around in Zagreb:

  • Other Options:
  1. Explore the Upper Town by tram:
  2. Museums and Galleries:
  • The Funicular: Enjoy the city’s charm and history:

B. Exploring the City:

  • Museums & History:
    • The Zagreb’s Museums:

You can enjoy the beautiful views of the Upper Town while exploring its museums.

  • Try a variety of activities: Enjoy the city’s delicious cuisine, explore local markets, and visit historical sites.

Activities:

  • Zagreb’s Funicular: A popular choice for getting around, offering a scenic ride and breathtaking views.

  • Museums & Galleries:

  • Walking Tours: Explore Zagreb’s historic streets:

    • The Museum of Broken Relationships: Enjoy the city’s history with a focus on:
    • The “Museum” of ZAG:

A. Exploring: Enjoy the city’s vibrant walking scene:

B. Exploring:

  • Walking Tours: The “Museum” of Zagreb’s Public Transportation system is a must-see for tourists, and it’s a great way to explore the city’s history and culture on foot.

  • Museums & Galleries: Enjoy the variety of museums in Zagreb:

  • The Museum of Broken Relationships:

C. Getting around:

  • Ride the Funicular: The funicular offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past.

  • Explore the city’s history:

C. Exploring: Enjoy the historical sites, including the historic:

  • The Museum of Broken Relationships:

  • Transport:

A. Exploring:

  • B. The Funicular:

C. The Museum:

The “Museum of Broken Relationships”:

  • IV. The Zagreb Museum:

  • Zagreb’s Public Transport: Enjoy a variety of transportation options:

  • Exploring the city:

The Funicular Railway:

  • Public Transportation:

C. Zagreb: Enjoy a unique blend of history and culture in Zagreb’s historic district.

The Zagreb Funicular:

  • “Museum”:

  • Walking:

Activities:

  • Public Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of the funicular, a great alternative to taxis and buses.

  • Walking:

  • Explore the “Museum of Broken Relationships”: Discover the history of relationships in Zagreb through captivating exhibits.

C. Exploring:

  • The Zagreb Museum: A must-see for those interested in the history of the city and its people.

B. Public Transportation:

  • Exploring:

A. The City’s History:

  • B. Explore the “Museum”:
    • Explore the history of Zagreb: Discover the history of the city through its historical:

C. The Museum:

  • The “Zagreb City Card”

  • Offers a convenient way to explore the city’s attractions:

C. Exploring:

Museums and Attractions:

B.

  • The Zagreb Funicular: This historic railway, built in 1890, connects the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with the Lower Town (Donji Grad).

Walking Tours:

  • Explore the city’s historical neighborhoods:

The Funicular:

A. Enjoy “the history of Zagreb”:**

  • The Zagreb’s historic architecture:
  • The Upper Town is a great place to explore the city’s history.

B. The Upper Town:

  • Public Transportation:

B.

5. The Upper Town:

  • Explore the charming streets of the Upper Town, which offers a glimpse into Zagreb’s rich history and culture.

The Funicular:

Exploring:

The Funicular Railway:

This iconic attraction is a great way to experience the city’s past and present.

The “Museum of Broken Relationships”:

  • The Zagrebić

    • Walking:

  • Take the Zagreb funicular:

Zagreb Museum & Culture:

  • Zagreb:

    • Enjoy the history and culture of Zagreb.

  • Explore the history of the Upper Town by strolling through its charming streets and visiting the historical:

  • The Zagreb City:

    • Explore the city’s history with a funicular ride.

The Zagrebić:

The Funicular: *

Zagreb:

  • The Upper Town (Gornji Grad) - a must-see for tourists:

ZAG:

  • The Zagreb Museum:

The “Zagreb” museum:

  • Public Transportation:

    • A. The Zagrebić:

  • C. The Zagreb Funicular:

  • The Upper Town:

Exploring the Upper Town:

The Upper Town Museum:

  • Enjoy a funicular ride for tourists:

  • Public Transportation:

  • The Upper:

  • Zagreb:

The Upper City:

The Zagreb Funcular:

  • B. Find the best cafes and restaurants in the Upper Town:

The Funicular:

  • Enjoy:

The Upper Town:

  • Public Transportation:

The Upper Town:

  • The Upper Town:

Public Transportation:

The Zagreb:

  • The ZAG: *

Enjoy the city:

  • Explore the history of the funicular:

Exploring the Upper Town:

  • The funicular is a great way to experience the history:**

The Zagreb:

  • Historical Museums: