Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, with a population of some 800,000. It has a beautiful medieval city center with stunning architecture and atmospheric cobbled streets, reminiscent of cities like Vienna and Prague.
Gornji Grad and Donji Grad are the upper and lower parts of the city center. It is here that you will find Zagreb Cathedral, Old Town Gate, and most of the architectural sites of interest.
The city has a good number of green spaces. Maksimir Park is a great place to picnic, relax, or enjoy hiking through the forest.
Jarun Lake is popular for rowing and windsurfing and there are lots of fun bars around the shingle beaches.
Museums such as Muzej Mimara have collections dating from Neolithic times to the present day. The art collection is particularly impressive.
Medvednica is an imposing mountain of around 3,500 feet that overlooks the city. At the top of the mountain your hike is rewarded by the presence of restaurants and cafes in which to relax and enjoy some great views of Zagreb.
Gostionica-restoran Purger on Petrinjska ulica offers traditional Zagreb food and has a pretty terrace at the back. Le Bistro on Mihanovićeva has classic French cooking within the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. A dish in a low-key restaurant will cost around kn45 and a main at an upscale establishment will cost from kn120.
Zagreb has warm to hot summers and cool winters. Summer is the peak season for visitors.
Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) has extensive connections from major cities across Europe. The bus into the city center takes around 25 minutes and costs kn30. A taxi will cost upwards of kn150.
Zagreb is a major rail hub with regular international services from cities across Central and Eastern Europe. The fare from Budapest, for example, is kn240.
Zagreb is at the center of an extensive road network. The A2 comes in from Vienna and Slovenia, while the A4 connects Zagreb with Budapest. The A3 serves the city from Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia.
Zagreb has regular bus services from many European cities to the main bus station at Autobusni Kolodvor. The fare from Budapest is from kn170.
Hostel Bureau on Vlaska is a new and modern hostel right in the center of town. It offers dorm and private room accommodation. The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers traditional luxury directly across from the railway station. It was built in 1925 for passengers on the Orient Express.
Donji Grad - this is the lower town and it's where you will find the modern center of Zagreb. There are beautiful parks and everyone meets at the main square.
Gornji Grad - this is the upper town and is the historic Old Town part of the city. It has some stunning medieval architecture and lots of atmospheric places for a stroll.
Tresnjevka - this is a large neighborhood to the west of the city center. Dating from the 19th century, it is one of the most traditional parts of town.
Zagreb has an excellent integrated public transport system consisting of buses, trams, and trains. Fares range from kn10 for a single zone ticket valid for 1.5 hours.
Taxis are everywhere in the city but fares can vary. Meter drop is kn10 and then the fare is kn9 per mile.
Driving in Zagreb is made a little more complex by the extensive one-way system. You should also look out for the yellow tram lanes and avoid them. Car rental costs from around kn180.
GEA Gallery on Radiceva Street is a good place to go for handmade Croatian crafts. Oktogon Passage on Ilica Ulitsa is an upscale arcade focused on fashion.
A quart of milk in Zagreb will cost kn5.76 and a loaf of bread is kn5.83.