Zagreb – Croatia's capital with Central European charm
Zagreb feels more like Vienna or Budapest than a Mediterranean city: Habsburg façades, coffee houses, parks and trams set the scene. The medieval Upper Town with Kaptol and Gradec looks down on the Lower Town with Ban Jelačić Square. Most visitors to Croatia drive past on the way to the coast – yet Zagreb is worth a stop of a day or two, especially at Advent.
At a glance
Region
Central Croatia
Airport
Franjo Tuđman, approx. 17 km
To Split
approx. 410 km via the A1
To Rijeka
approx. 165 km via the A6
Best time to visit
May, June, September, December (Advent)
Ideal for
city breakers, stopovers, culture lovers
Sights
Upper Town (Gornji grad) St Mark's Church with its colourful tiled roof, the Stone Gate, Lotrščak Tower, from which a cannon is fired every day at noon
Funicular (Uspinjača) just 66 metres long, linking Ilica with the Upper Town
Cathedral and Dolac market Kaptol with the cathedral and the colourful farmers' market under red umbrellas
Museum of Broken Relationships unusual museum of mementos from past loves
Mirogoj park-like cemetery with arcades – one of Europe's most beautiful
Medvednica / Sljeme the city's own mountain with hiking trails on the edge of town
Advent and events
Advent in Zagreb has been voted Europe's best Christmas market several times: squares, parks and courtyards become markets with mulled wine, sausages and concerts. In spring there's the Festival of Lights, and in summer numerous open-air events in the Upper Town.
Honest verdict
Zagreb has no sea and no spectacular landmarks – its strength is atmosphere: cafés, markets, museums. After the 2020 earthquake some buildings, including the cathedral, are still under renovation. As a stopover on the way to the coast or a short Advent break, the city is ideal.
Zagreb – Croatia's capital with Central European charm
Zagreb feels more like Vienna or Budapest than a Mediterranean city: Habsburg façades, coffee houses, parks and trams set the scene. The medieval Upper Town with Kaptol and Gradec looks down on the Lower Town with Ban Jelačić Square. Most visitors to Croatia drive past on the way to the coast – yet Zagreb is worth a stop of a day or two, especially at Advent.
At a glance
Region
Central Croatia
Airport
Franjo Tuđman, approx. 17 km
To Split
approx. 410 km via the A1
To Rijeka
approx. 165 km via the A6
Best time to visit
May, June, September, December (Advent)
Ideal for
city breakers, stopovers, culture lovers
Sights
Upper Town (Gornji grad) St Mark's Church with its colourful tiled roof, the Stone Gate, Lotrščak Tower, from which a cannon is fired every day at noon
Funicular (Uspinjača) just 66 metres long, linking Ilica with the Upper Town
Cathedral and Dolac market Kaptol with the cathedral and the colourful farmers' market under red umbrellas
Museum of Broken Relationships unusual museum of mementos from past loves
Mirogoj park-like cemetery with arcades – one of Europe's most beautiful
Medvednica / Sljeme the city's own mountain with hiking trails on the edge of town
Advent and events
Advent in Zagreb has been voted Europe's best Christmas market several times: squares, parks and courtyards become markets with mulled wine, sausages and concerts. In spring there's the Festival of Lights, and in summer numerous open-air events in the Upper Town.
Honest verdict
Zagreb has no sea and no spectacular landmarks – its strength is atmosphere: cafés, markets, museums. After the 2020 earthquake some buildings, including the cathedral, are still under renovation. As a stopover on the way to the coast or a short Advent break, the city is ideal.
