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Jan
11
Zagreb Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Balkans
A trip to Zagreb
Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, is located at the foot of Mount Medvednica between the northern and southern banks of the Sava River. The city boasts grand architecture and is home to approximately a million inhabitants. Zagreb also has a compact city centre that is in close proximity to the major hotels, as well as places of interest.
Flights to Zagreb
Easily accessible with direct flights from most major European cities, Zagreb’s international airport facilitates the city’s growing tourism industry, with more visitors discovering the quiet charms of this old central European city. The city’s airport is located just nine miles from the city centre and is serviced by taxis and buses that take 20 to 25 minutes to make the trip. There is a shuttle bus service managed by Croatian Airlines that is a fast and efficient way to get to town. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Zagreb try Ebookers.
To get to Zagreb by rail is also relatively easy. The central train station, located at the southern end of the city, links Zagreb to the rest of Europe. Meanwhile the Main Railway Station is located in the centre of the city at Kralj Tomislav Square, a convenient 10-minute walk from the central city square. There is also a main bus station with regular bus departures to Slovenia and onwards to northern Italy and Austria. Zagreb is a pedestrian-friendly city with broad sidewalks and a tour on foot is a leisurely way to get around.
Zagreb
Sightseeing in Zagreb
Jalacic Square is where you will find the cathedral. From here you can head north to the upper town to visit the Stone Gate and a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. St Mark’s Church, which was built in the 13th to 14th century, is the parish church of Croatia. Its exteriors were changed in the 14th century to their present-day Gothic form. Its interiors were designed by Croatia’s most renowned sculptor – Ivan Mestrovic, and house many other works of the artist. From here, stroll through leafy green parks and enjoy a quiet afternoon off the tourist track.
There are many town squares in the lower part of Old Zagreb leading to attractive park squares, each with its distinctive identity and worth a walking tour. Zrinski Square features a music pavilion dating from 1895 and fountains and is also within walking distance of the Archaeological Museum.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Gajeva and Bogoviceva streets are the perfect places to sit back and watch Zagreb walk by while enjoying a coffee or drink at any of the many cafés and bars. The most popular district is Tkalciceva, just north of Trg Bana Jelacica. Trg Marsala Tita is home to the National Theatre, offering drama, ballet, and opera performances. As for other nightlife, there is an abundance of dance clubs scattered around Zagreb, one of the most popular being the Londoner at Kaptol Centar.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
A good daytrip destination is the green and hilly countryside of Hrvatsko Zagorje, located at the northern end of Zagreb. This hilly area boasts charming villages, farms, vineyards and pleasant spas. Places of interest that are rich with historical value are the castles of Veliki, Trakoscan and Beranac. Each of these castles boasts imposing and grand architecture while affording fantastic views of the city and a glimpse into Zagreb’s past.
Daytrips
Zagreb is a great launching point to nearby areas, and apart from beaches, the region has so much to offer that it would be a pity not to stop for a few days. Samobor is only a 30-minute drive from Zagreb. This picturesque town is a great place to head if you want to be charmed by its many bridges and red-roofed houses. With its medieval atmosphere, it gives visitors fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life. Here you can enjoy great dining options and taste local specialities.
From Samobor, you can drive to Samoborsko Gorje where hiking trails and stunning scenery are just waiting for you. Varazdin is located two hours away from Zagreb and is connected to the capital by trains (three hours) and buses. It features splendid Baroque architecture and interesting museums providing tourists with clues to understand and getting to know more about Croatian history.
The area surrounding Zagreb has many castles, such as Veliki Tabor Castle (57kms from Zagreb), Trakoscan and Marusevac (a neo-Gothic palace). Outdoor activities around Zagreb include a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park and to Karlovac, loaded with kayaking and rafting spots. If you enjoy skiing, in winter the area provides great slopes only 30 minutes from Zagreb.
Must-see attractions
Zagreb features two distinct parts: the Lower Town and the Upper town. The Upper Town features medieval ambience compared with the modern architecture of the Lower Town. Major landmarks in the capital include the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located at Trg Jelacica Square.
In the Upper Town you will enjoy strolling along Tkalciceva, a lively street lined with cafés, or visiting the studio of Ivan Mestrovic, a famous Croatian sculptor. St Mark’s Square features St Mark’s Church, but also the Croatian Parliament and presidential palace. If you need some fresh air in a relaxing environment, take the tram and ride to Maksimir Park, endowed with lakes and nice green spaces.
Best time to go
With temperate weather, Zagreb has moderately cold winters and warm summers. However, summertime is usually humid and see the largest crowds which can put a dampener on sightseeing. It rains often in Zagreb but rain is intermittent and not heavy. Most travellers go to Zagreb in the early spring but if you intend to ski it’s better to arrive in the winter.
Rainy day suggestions
Zagreb is loaded with interesting museums. The most popular is the City Museum, displaying Zagreb’s history and located in Upper Town. The Ethnographic Museum will give you knowledge about Croatian culture and features folk costumes while the Archaeological Museum has many medieval artefacts and the largest coin collection in Europe.
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