Zagreb is probably one of my favourite cities, it’s easy to walk round and has an extensive bus and tram network, amazing architecture and plenty of places to visit. The capital of Croatia, it has been a city since the Romans arrived and their influence can still be seen today.

Hop on the small FREE train that takes you on a mini tour of the city, always good in helping to get your bearings.

Jelacic Square and its statue of Count Jelacic is a great place to start, with the Cathedral close by. Founded in 1093 as St Stephens (https://www.visitzagreb.hr/zagreb/zagreb-cathedral/)  it has had more than its fair share of problems with fires, earthquakes and invasions. The main Gothic structure has remained the same even if it had been under reconstruction throughout the 20th century, the massive spires rise high above your head and the interior lives up to expectations.

The Golden Statue of St Mary faces the cathedral and is worth a photo, as are some of the relics in The Museum of the Uncured Saints which opened in 1939 and was concerned with the conservation of religious relics.

A short walk away is the wonderful roof of St Mark’s Church (https://www.zg-nadbiskupija.hr/nadbiskupija/zupe?zupeid=169 ). The 13th century church had its colourful tiled roof added in 1880, which shows the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia on the left side with the emblem of Zagreb on the right. It certainly has a wow factor, the Gothic doorway with its 15 figures in shallow niches, sculpted in the 14th century, are guarded by two uniformed officers with rather large swords so don’t upset them.

If you’re looking for something completely original then head to the Museum of Broken Relationships (https://brokenships.com/ ), the museum was founded by two Zagreb based artists, Olinka Vištica a film producer and Dražen Grubišić a sculptor. After their four year relationship came to an end in 2003 the two joked about setting up a museum to house the left-over personal items. Three years later Grubišić contacted Vištica with this idea and it was shown to the public for the first time in 2006. It’s a curious place with so many stories being told and one not to miss.

The Serbian Orthodox Church is worth seeking out, it’s stunning, from the golden iconostasis that was designed in 1795 along to the icons and 4 free-standing walnut pillars.  

Head over to the National Theatre and the buildings surrounding it, museums and parks make for a relaxed wander and if you fancy it, you could always book for a concert or the ballet during your stay.

The Technical Museum, (https://tmnt.hr/hr-hr/ ) established in 1954, gives a great interactive experience along with celebrating the work of Tesla’s one of the city’s most famous sons along with his links to Thomas Edison.

A short bus ride out of the city finds you at Plitvice Lakes National Park, (https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/croatia-destinations/plitvice-lakes/getting-to-plitvice-lakes-national-park/ ) one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe founded in 1949 the protected area extends over 296 square kilometres (73,350 acres) and is best known for its 18 lakes. It’s beautiful but you won’t be on your own and if you’re looking for a lovely quiet walk then you will probably find yourself sharing with several hundred doing the same thing.

With hundreds of great eateries, friendly people and events scheduled throughout the year you will need more than a few days in Zagreb to appreciate how incredible it is.

Happy Travels