When we think of a Croatian getaway, we often think of sparkling blue seas, beachside festivals and reams of craggy natural beauty. But there is so much to be said for a Croatian city break as well. Specifically: Zagreb, the country’s capital city and an absolute mecca of culture, history, art and nightlife. In fact, if you’re looking for a fun alternative to Berlin, Budapest or Paris, then Zagreb could be just the ticket – even if you’re considering getting away for just a weekend.
As anyone who’s been to Zagreb knows, the city feels custom-made for wandering around aimlessly. While travel guides can be helpful, it’s also the sort of place you can get lost in for a day without a map and stumble across all manner of hidden art galleries and museums, art deco architecture and interesting late-night bars. With Northern Italian influences coming from one side, and Slovenian and Bosnia and Herzegovina influences on the other, there aren’t many cities as colourful, unique and genuinely surprising as Zagreb. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking of taking a trip.
How to get to Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is a mere hop, skip and a jump from the UK (or, in practical terms, a two-and-a-half-hour flight). Flights from all London airports are fairly cheap and regular – you’re looking at around £150 to £400, depending on the airline, regardless of what season you’re travelling. Flights also run regularly from Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, if you’re nearer the northern side of the country. If you’re looking to cut down on emissions, then train travel is technically possible, although you’d have to put aside a day for it, with stops in Paris and Munich (so make a trip of it!).
When is a good time to travel to Zagreb, Croatia
Like a lot of Europe, Zagreb tends to be hot during the summer months, and chillier during the autumn, winter and spring. But don’t let that put you off from travelling off-season; as with all good city breaks, the weather won’t matter when it comes to absorbing the vibe and the culture, so long as you make sure you’re wrapped up. That said, the city’s penchant for al-fresco dining, beautiful array of parks and regular open-air live music events can make warmer weather travel preferable (although temperatures in October and November float around the 15-degree mark, which for many Britons will do just fine).
What to do in Zagreb, Croatia
There’s no point going to Zagreb without diving into the city’s Museum Of Broken Relationships, which will have you in a state of rapt fascination for a good few hours at least. With its endless maze of stories and keepsakes, many of them decades old, this world-famous museum is the sort of place that’ll stick with you long after you leave. If you want to make a day of it, it’s worth popping to the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art and the Museum Mimara as well.
The actual city of Zagreb is architecturally gorgeous to look at, with all manner of historical landmarks to soak up during your stay – from the 13th-century St Mark’s Church (one of the city’s most recognisable buildings) to the Mirogoj City Cemetery, which is one of Zagreb’s most picturesque and atmospheric outdoor spots. If you just want a casual time, though, there are a whole bunch of bars, shops and restaurants dotted along Zagreb’s famously colourful and buzzing Tkalčićeva street.
Where to stay in Zagreb, Croatia
Art’otel Zagreb
