Capital of Croatia - Experience Fascinating Zagreb

Not many plan a visit to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, during a vacation in Croatia. However, there is much to see and experience there. A city trip to Zagreb is ideal if you want to add a bit of variety to your beach holiday.

Below, we present the most interesting sights and insider tips of the capital of Croatia.

Croatia Capital - Discover Zagreb's Culture

Most visitors to Croatia do not venture beyond a visit to the Adriatic coast and its many picturesque seaside resorts. One might ask why, as the beauty of Croatia's coast is undeniable and attracts countless tourists every year. However, a visit to the capital of Croatia, which is located away from the beaches in the northwest of the country, is definitely worthwhile.

Those who take the step to visit the capital of Croatia and leave the country's beaches behind will be welcomed by a bustling city with many historical buildings in Baroque style. With a population of 80,000, most destinations are within walking distance. The atmosphere of the city can be described as cozy. Unlike Croatia's tourist hotspots, Zagreb is not overcrowded.

What can you experience in the capital of Croatia?

Zagreb is full of winding alleys, fascinating buildings rich in history, and cultural offerings. If you are planning a weekend trip here, you should start the day in the traditional way.

This is what a perfect morning in the capital of Croatia looks like

The first stop in the capital of Croatia, especially on Saturdays, leads many locals to the Dolac Market. Under the many colorful umbrellas, vendors offer their fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meats. This is not just a place to run errands but also a meeting point to have a chat. Afterwards, you can make yourself comfortable with a coffee in one of the many surrounding cafés and enjoy the spectacle.

Exploring the capital of Croatia on foot

If you are good on foot, you will be pleased to hear that most of the city's sights are within walking distance. We at Crovillas recommend a walk through the small Japanese-style botanical garden. There are even a few turtles in the pond that you can watch.

It is also worth strolling through the city's cemetery, which is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. The many interestingly designed memorials and arcades make it a sight to see.

Capital of Croatia - The medieval Upper Town

The capital of Croatia is divided into two parts. The Upper Town forms the medieval part of the city, perched on a hill above the city, while the Lower Town represents the modern center. In the Upper Town, there are interesting museums to visit, such as the Museum of Naive Art. The St. Mark's Church with its colorful roof tiles forms the heart of the Upper Town.

An interesting tradition that awaits you in the Upper Town is the daily cannon shot, which has been traditionally fired at exactly 12 o'clock for 140 years. In the bell tower of the Upper Town, you can learn about the history behind this tradition.

Modern Lower Town of the capital of Croatia

The easiest and fastest way to get from the Upper Town to the Lower Town of the capital of Croatia is the funicular, which has been connecting the two parts of the city for 120 years. It takes you directly to Ilica Street, one of the most popular shopping streets in Zagreb. Right next door is the Oktogon shopping gallery, which is worth a visit for its architecture alone. The dome building dates back to the turn of the century and was designed by Josip Vancas.

Eating in the capital of Croatia

In the capital of Croatia, you can expect a range of very good Croatian restaurants and snack options. Since Croatian cuisine is influenced by many cultures, it is very diverse. There are some things you should definitely try to get closer to the culture of the country.

Of course, you can eat excellent grilled meat here, and lamb, in particular, has a long tradition. You have probably heard of ćevapčići, but have you ever tried Štrukli? This is a traditional specialty made from stretched dough, which is then filled with cheese, meat, or other ingredients and is offered in almost all Croatian restaurants.

If you have any further questions about a trip to the capital of Croatia, please feel free to get in touch with us via contact.