1. Architecture
Both the Lower Town and Upper Town in Zagreb offer visitors an insight into the past. The 19th century style of architecture is prominent across the capital. From the bright yellow Croatian National Theatre building situated in the heart of the city to the white walls and colourful roofs, visitors will get a glimpse into the past of the historic city.
2. Parks and Gardens
Like London, Zagreb is a garden city, with many parks and Botanical Garden open for public recreation. The U-shaped system of city squares with parks in Zagreb Lower Town was designed by horticulturalist Lenuzzi and is often called the Zagreb horseshoe. Monuments, galleries and museums can be found nestled within the greenery and flowers. Maksimir is the biggest park in Zagreb and was the first public promenade in south east Europe and features zoological gardens, three lakes, and pavilions, gazebos and sculptures. The park also includes a mock Swiss chalet and belvedere with a café, and is an ideal place to visit during the week when it is less busy.
3. Coffee Culture
Zagreb’s streets are lined with both traditional style coffeehouses and cafés to the modern. Locals can often be found sitting in a café from morning to dusk enjoying a coffee or two with friends.
4. The Mirogoj Cemetery
Not your average cemetery, Mirogoj serves not only as a burial place but also as a beautiful park and something of an open-air art gallery of nature, and is one of the most exquisite cemeteries in Europe. Designed by renowned architect Herman Bollé, the cemetery features a composition of impressive arcades, cupolas, pavilions, and domes intertwined with flora and greenery as well as sculptures by Croatian sculptors.
5. Museums
Zagreb is home to a wealth of museums including the Archaeological Museum, the Croatian Natural History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. In addition, Zagreb is also the permanent home of the Museum of Broken Relationships. The quirky museum exhibits mementos and love tokens donated from broken-hearted lovers after a relationship has ended
6. Arts and Culture
Zagreb has a rich cultural life, with around 30 theatres, 30 museums and numerous art galleries dotted around the city. Housed within a neo-baroque building, the Croatian National Theatre is a key symbol of Zagreb, and is the national home of ballet, opera and drama.
7. Cuisine
Zagreb’s culinary scene features fresh seafood and modern European cuisine with traditional dishes including kotlovina (stewed meat), štrukli (a thin dough stuffed with cottage cheese) and traditional cakes such as Zagreb strudels and spiced biscuits sold in the city’s coffeehouses. Wine also plays a prominent part in Croatian cuisine and there are a number of exclusive wine bars in the city.
8. Shopping
All the major luxury brands can be found within the city as well as boutique shops such as local hat makers and shops dedicated to the necktie, a garment invented by the Croatians. From distinctively Croatian products, along with books, guidebooks and art paintings - we recommend wine, confectionery products and natural cosmetics, artefacts, handmade textile, glass and wooden products. There is also quality clothing, shoes and jewellery made by local designers - products based on international trends, as well as those for which the inspiration is drawn from the rich national heritage of the city with its surroundings and other Croatian regions. Food lovers can head to Dolac Market, a farmers market that has been the city’s trading area since 1926 and is open daily.
9. City Tours
One of the best ways to become acquainted with the city of Zagreb is to take part in a walking tour. Led by an expert local guide, the tours showcase the city’s top attractions including Zagreb Cathedral, Stone Gate and Strossmayer Promenade, as well as offering an insight into the city’s history and culture. There are many themed walking tours available to visitors, but you can also discover Zagreb by various means of transport including bus, balloon, Segway, rickshaw or electric car, which combine the city's past and present in a unique way.
10. Funicular
A short, but sweet attraction, Zagreb boasts the shortest Funicular in the world with a travel time of 64 seconds. Connecting the Lower Town with the Upper Town, Zagreb’s Funicular runs every 10 minutes between 6:30am to 10pm daily. If you travel up the Funicular around midday, you will be at the top of the hill in time for Zagreb’s cannon fire at 12pm from the Lotrščak Tower. Tickets cost 4 kuna (approximately £0.65).
