Just because Zagreb isn't as famous as Paris, Rome, London, and more that this means that it's boring here. Once you visit the city, even for a day, you'll find that this place is anything but boring! Don't let its less than stellar popularity fool you! There's so much to see and do in the Croatian capital that you probably won't know where to start. And if you only have a day to spend here, you'll get even more confused as to what to do for that limited amount of time. Well, if you don't have any ideas, perhaps these suggestions might work!
Explore The Upper Town
Many cities in Europe have retained their old-world charms for all the world to see. Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, is no exception. In the city's Upper Town district, the most nostalgic out of
all the areas, you get a good sense of what the country looked like centuries ago. The cobblestone streets harken back to past eras, the cottages and castles reveal its Medieval past and the famous St Mark’s Church even shows off the country's previous coats-of-arms. History and heritage reign supreme in this delightful part of the Croatian capital; a typical must-see for any tourist!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go Downtown
On the other side of the spectrum—and the other side of the city as well!—Downtown Zagreb peeks into what contemporary life in the city is all about. It's where
public transport is alive and well, with the blue-hued buses and trams passing by carrying locals and tourists alike. The district's main point, Jelacic Square, livens up with the cafes, boutiques, and other commercial areas that surround it. And by nightfall, the place turns into the nightlife hub of the Croatian capital. Don't miss getting into the crux of what living in Zagreb is all about here in the Downtown area.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Walk Through Tkalčićeva Street
Although both these aforementioned places are famous in their own right, if you were to ask where the most famous street in the city is, many will likely point you to Tkalčićeva Street. A famous pathway devoted to food and drinks, this is a foodie's paradise. Some of the
best restaurants in the city can be found here, waiting for those adventurous and hungry travelers to try Zagreb's finest. By the afternoon, several pubs and bars are already serving locally crafted beer and well-mixed cocktails, turning up the party just as the sun goes down. All while the old-world charm of the city continues to fascinate those who simply want to pass by!
Source: Flickr.com/ Jorge Franganillo
Play By Jarun Lake
Out of all the lakes in Zagreb, Jarun Lake is definitely one of the most famous. So much so that it's become its own district as well. The man-made body of water remains a popular hang-out for both locals and tourists alike. Every so often it becomes the venue of all sorts of sporting events, ranging from boat-racing to kiteboarding and the like. Meanwhile, the surrounding parks and open areas have often hosted music festivals, concerts, fairs, and the like. If you're lucky, you might be able to see and experience any of these events while you're in Zagreb, especially during the
national holidays!
Source: Flickr.com/ prkos
Shop at Dolac Market
Now, let's talk shopping! No, not luxury shopping since Zagreb isn't exactly as glamorous as the likes of Paris and Milan. Shopping in the sense of getting delicious food, finding charming antiques, discovering all sorts of knickknacks, and more. Here in the Croatian capital, out of so many marks in the city, one that's definitely a must-visit is Dolac Market! Located just near the main square of the Dolac district, just by the famous Zagreb Cathedral, there are all sorts of fascinating finds just waiting to be discoevers. Once you purchase some, you'll feel a lot closer to Zagreb than ever before!
Source: Flickr.com/ Jorge Franganillo
Heartbreak might not exactly top your to-do list for Zagreb, especially if you're with your significant other, but you won't find a museum more fascinating! Ever since it opened in 2010, the Museum of Broken Relationships has been the most unique attraction in the Croatian capital. Who knew that relics of past relationships, symbols of one's romantic sorrows, and modern elegies of past loves would draw so much interest? From the crust of an ex's wound to shoes that were once given with much affection, this gallery displays memories, some painful, some happy, of those who've been dumped or did the dumping.
Source: Museum of Broken Relationships Facebook Page
Drink Coffee All Day
It's easy not to know just how important coffee is in Zagreb. The city isn't exactly Paris where café society reigns supreme. However, if you've been to the city more than once, you'll probably realize that there really are a lot of coffee shops around. Some districts have cafés on practically every corner, or two on each block, and some literally standing beside each other. And you know what? Why not devote an entire day to drinking coffee? Granted it will keep you up that night, there's no denying that it'd probably be fun to taste all the best brews in the city!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
You've probably only barely scraped the surface of Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. There's so much to see and do here that once you get to know the city more, you'll be baffled as to why it's not more popular than it currently is!
No matter what you do in Zagreb, the best way to end your day is to relax in your
luxury home here!
