Zagreb, the Croatian capital, is definitely an underrated gem. It’s not a city chock full of sights to rush between. Instead, it’s about soaking up the culture, the sights and taking time to relax in one of the numerous bars and restaurants the city is blessed with.
If you don’t fancy trekking up the hill to reach the higher ground in Zagreb, the funicular is on hand. Taking just over a minute to make the journey up or down, it’s a nice little shortcut.
Between the train station and the old town there are 3 parks. While pretty and worthy of a walk in their own right, they are also used to hold concerts and other events.
Dolac market is a daily market held just steps away from the main square in Zagreb’s old town. It’s known for the open-air stalls, with red umbrellas lining the stalls in the summer to provide some protection from the sun and heat. You can find most items on offer here, including food, flowers and gifts.
There are a handful of interesting museums on offer in the city, including a museum of illusions, another dedicated to torture and a personal favourite – the Museum of Broken Relationships.
With more restaurants and bars on offer than you could shake a napkin at, it’ll definitely be a chance to sample the different cuisines at a Croatian rate. Read: cheap. The Croatian currency, the Kuna, goes a long way in Zagreb. 10 HRK is the equivalent of roughly £1.20, €1,35 or $1,60 (rates correct as of 1st August 2020, these will obviously change but you can check up to date rates here). This chicken gyro, for example, was 32 HRK, which was less than a coffee bought in Dubrovnik.
Tunel Gric is just that, a tunnel. It was originally built as a bomb shelter for use during WWII, but now serves as a cool walkway that offers locals a shortcut and tourists an insight into the history of the city. If you’re visiting around one of the holidays, you might even get to see it decorated!
Zagreb is the perfect weekend city break, but if you have more time, why not pair it up with a visit to Budapest, Ljubljana or Split?
6 Comments
MrsWayfarer
August 2, 2020 at 8:47 amSo looking forward to it! Soon.
Becks
August 4, 2020 at 11:36 pmFingers crossed!
Rebecca
August 3, 2020 at 12:07 amCOMPLETELY agree with you that Zagreb is underrated! I didn’t have high expectations for it, but I was absolutely blown away during my three nights there. The Museum of Broken Relationships was a unique visit, but I also really enjoyed the Museum of Naive Art (which I would highly recommend). Also funnily enough had some of the best Mexican food I’ve encountered in Europe, and it was great that the city was cheaper than its coastal counterparts (e.g. Dubrovnik, Split). 🙂
Becks
August 4, 2020 at 11:37 pmI was shocked by how cheap it was there too, and probably made my shock at the prices in Dubrovnik even worse!
Juliette
August 3, 2020 at 10:46 amBeautiful!! I can’t wait to discover this city! I remember your post about the museum of Broken Relationships and it is high on my list now! 😊
Becks
August 4, 2020 at 11:38 pmIt’s definitely worth a visit…there’s not a huge amount there so it’d be great for a relaxing long weekend ☺️