Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city with a population of over a million people, has cobbled streets like Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. It’s the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. Culturally influenced by Italy, it’s a unique city, popular with tourists from Italy, Germany, and Austria. Like many Central European cities, it has numerous hotels and restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and rich historical tradition enshrined in its copious museums. Architecturally, it’s an interesting blend of both Eastern and Western Europe. Austro-Hungarian buildings contrast sharply with modern infrastructures. It’s also a blend of the old and the new establishments, raucous beer halls and outmoded pubs contrasting with contemporary restaurants and trendy boutiques

Art plays a big role in Croatian life, and the artistic community has proliferated galleries throughout the city. Parks play a big role here and a line of parks bisect the city center. Maksimir Park is never empty, always busy with strollers and joggers and a steady stream of bicyclists. At Jarun Lake, residents can swim and boat, and there are also all-night discothèques. In the commercial district, no traffic is allowed, making it a surprisingly peaceful place. The city is known for a unique Croatian trait--politeness; in fact, it’s ranked as the ninth most courteous city on the planet.

Arts and Entertainment

The citizens of Zagreb appreciate nature for parks and gardens prevail throughout the city.

Maksimir Park is a wooded enclave created in 1794. Landscaped like an English park, it has artificial lakes. Bellevue Pavilion and Echo Pavilion are it’s most frequented attractions.

Zagreb’s Botanical Garden, created in 1899, has well over 10,000 plants, with numerous trees and tiny pools make it an enchanting location.

Mirogoj is park-like because of its lush green lawns, but it’s actually a historical cemetery created by Herman Bollé. Cupolas, paths, sculptures, and massive tombs make it a beautiful place, and its simultaneously peaceful and popular.

Zagreb Cathedral is also part of the Herman Bollé legacy. He restored the 11th century cathedral that was destroyed by the Tartars in 1242.

Museums abound in Zagreb, featuring Naïve Art, Contemporary Art, and Archeological Art, among other art genres, but perhaps the most famous is the historical art at the Mimara Museum, which has well over 1,500 exhibits, many from renowned ancient masters like Rembrandt, Lorenzetti, Raffaello, and Cravaggio,

On the south side of Mt Medvednica is a medieval fortress, Medvedgrad. Built in 1254, it protected Zagreb from the ferocious Tartars.

Food and Drink

The restaurants traditionally offer three-course meals with house wine.

Boban is an old brick cellar that serves Italian food.

Dubravkin Put specializes in sea food, fresh fish from Dalmatia.

Giardino is an interesting blend of a café and an Italian restaurant. It overlooks the pedestrianised Tkalciceva and is a popular place for lunch.

Paviljon is a nineteenth century art pavilion, serving meat and fish. It’s popular with train travelers because it’s close to the station.

Pivnica Medvedgrad is a beer hall with massive wooden tables dishing up rib-sticking meals like sausages in beans. The beer served is its own unique brew.

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