Zagreb provides a completely different perspective on Croatia from the Adriatic coast. The Upper Town preserves medieval streets and historic civic buildings, while the Lower Town is characterised by broad avenues, parks and architecture from the Austro-Hungarian period.
Why spend time here
Private walking tours can connect the city’s political and cultural history with food markets, specialist museums and neighbourhood cafes. Zagreb is compact enough to explore comfortably on foot, but substantial enough to reward more than a single overnight stay.
Exploring at the right pace
The restaurant and wine scene also provides an introduction to continental Croatian flavours that differ from the seafood-led cooking of Dalmatia and Istria. Seasonal events can change the city’s atmosphere considerably through the year.
Building it into an itinerary
Zagreb works well as the first or final chapter of a Croatian journey, particularly when travelling onwards to Istria, Slovenia or the Plitvice region.
