Zagreb
From Croatia
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. It is the political, cultural and economic centre of Croatia. As Rebecca West said in 1937: ‘Zagreb makes from its featureless handsomeness something that pleases like a Schubert song, a delight that begins quietly and never definitely ends. It has the endearing characteristic noticeable in many French towns of remaining a small town when it is in fact quite large’
The information given here is not intended to be exhaustive, so travellers are welcomed to make other as well as maybe their insider information available to the public here.
How to get to Zagreb
International Airport, train connections to Central Europe (like Vienna, Munich and other cities) as well as to the southern regions of Croatia and neighbouring Balkan states(via the famous autoput) as well as to Istria.
Picture gallery for Zagreb
Insight into history of Zagreb
Zagreb used to consist of two medieval towns, Kaptol, centre of religious power and Gradec, which is now part of Gornji Grad. In 1242 with the declaration of the Golden Bull, Gradec was given the title of royal free city by the Croat-Hungarian King Bela IV. He then granted economic and administrative privileges to inhabitants. From the 16th century onward Gradec was where the Ban, the Croat delegate of Hungary administrating Croatia and the Croat parliament carried out their interests. Violent clashes around the river Medveščak between Gradec and Kaptol marked the times, a street called the Bridge of Blood (Krvavi Most) recalls that period vividly. In 1880 a terrible earthquake struck the city and many of the major monuments date from after this time.
What to see in Zagreb
The city centre of Zagreb can easily be explored by foot, although the city is quite large. Some main monuments are listed here.
Cultural life in the capital has a lot to offer, 20 museums, 16 theatres, 350 libraries, a university and lively changing programmes. This vast variety is due to the role Zagreb played in international life over centuries.
Nature Park, favourite destination with many weekenders, is also an interesting destination for visitors.
Places of excursions near Zagreb
In the north of Zagreb lies the region of Zagorje, with many churches, castles and country houses in wooded hills and the town of Varaždin is a baroque masterpiece. Southwest of Zagreb you can find low mountains, and some inland national parks, which are offering beautiful swamp nature and river lands with storks and other water birds still finding refuge. Mosquito repellents are a must though if you want to enjoy your holidays.
Sports & leisure time in Zagreb
Beaches in Zagreb
Where to eat in Zagreb
Generally the golden rules here again will be that visitors should look out for where locals go, as they tend to know best. Specialities of Croatia are mentioned in the relevant section. As food in the tourist region differs from the food in inland Croatia, here are some specialities, which recall Austro- Hungarian influences, Cafés.
Where to stay in Zagreb
Local tourist agencies give information about private accommodation. Hostels are getting more and more and some will be mentioned here: Omladinski turistički centar in Petrinjska 77, www.hrhs.hr, or Ravnice Youth Hostel 1, Ravnice 38d, www.ravnice-youth-hostel.hr, or Studentski Dom Cvjetno naselje, Odranska 8, tel 01/61-91-240. Some main hotels in Central Zagreb are Arcotel Allegra, Astoria, Central, Dubrovnik, Ilica, Jadran, Opera, Palace, Pension Jägerhorn, Regent Esplanade.
Nightlife and entertaining in Zagreb
Cultural arrangements in Zagreb
Helpful links
For more Info go to Zagreb24.com
