Zagreb: A Relaxed Capital and the Gateway to Plitvice
Description
Croatia's capital is small, green and cheaper than the coast, with a hilltop Upper Town, good coffee culture and easy day trips to Plitvice and Trakošćan.
Zagreb is a city for one or two days: the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with the colourful roof of St Mark's Church, the Lotrščak Tower, the Museum of Broken Relationships and the shortest funicular in the world (about EUR 0.66). Below, the Lower Town has the Dolac market, cafés on Tkalčićeva Street and a string of parks.
Most visitors use Zagreb as the entry to Croatia and the start of a trip to Plitvice Lakes, two hours away; organised tours cost about EUR 80 to 120 including transport and a guide. Trakošćan Castle, a neo-Gothic castle 80 km north, is a quieter half-day. Zagreb has a growing vegan and vegetarian scene.
Activities
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Upper Town (Gornji Grad)The old hilltop quarter of cobbled lanes, gas lamps and the Lotrščak Tower; free to walk, with a funicular up for under a euro.Book
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St Mark's ChurchThe 13th-century church with its tiled roof showing the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb; the most photographed spot in the city.Free
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Museum of Broken RelationshipsA museum of personal objects from ended relationships, with funny and moving stories; entry about EUR 10.Book
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Zagreb CathedralA Neo-Gothic cathedral with twin spires, free to enter.Free
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Mirogoj CemeteryA park-like cemetery with arcades and domes, often listed among the most beautiful in Europe; free.Free
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Top things to do in Zagreb
Gallery
Where to eat
Mid-range Pod Zidom Bistro
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Zagreb, rated 4.8 on Google by 3,315 guests.
Vegetarian options- 50 m from Dolac Market
- 120 m from Zagreb Cathedral
Mid-range Kai Street Food
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Zagreb, rated 4.9 on Google by 2,574 guests.
Vegetarian options- 200 m from Dolac Market
- 300 m from Zagreb Cathedral
Mid-range HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Zagreb, rated 4.8 on Google by 2,932 guests.
Vegetarian options- 360 m from Dolac Market
- 430 m from Zagreb Cathedral
Mid-range Zrno Bio Bistro
Croatia's oldest organic farm provides a range of artisanal produce for this vegan restaurant.
Vegetarian options- 650 m from Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
- 750 m from St Mark's Church
Mid-range Vegehop
A vegetarian restaurant with whole grains, pulses and vegetables, serving moussaka, lasagna and pasta.
Vegetarian options- 700 m from Zagreb Cathedral
- 830 m from Dolac Market
Mid-range Gajbica
A cheap and cheerful, mostly meat-free fast-food spot with salads, sandwiches and vegan cakes.
Vegetarian options- 130 m from Museum of Broken Relationships
- 180 m from Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
Mid-range Falafel, etc.
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Zagreb, rated 4.9 on Google by 420 guests.
Vegetarian options- 1.8 km from Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
- 1.8 km from St Mark's Church
Where to stay
Hostel Swanky Mint
Trendy, industrial-style hostel in a former textile factory with a buzzy bar & a seasonal pool.
Hostel Bureau
Informal hostel offering a 24-hour bar & a terrace, as well as a shared kitchen & free Wi-Fi.
Whole Wide World Hostel & Bar
Contemporary hostel offering a communal kitchen, a bar & a lounge with colorful murals.
Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre
Hip quarters in a polished hotel offering a restaurant, a vintage-chic cafe/bar & a gym.
Zonar Zagreb by Maistra City Vibes
Hip rooms & suites in an upscale hotel with a rooftop pool & cocktail bar, plus a 24-hour gym.
Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria
Informal hotel offering warm rooms & suites, along with a laid-back bar & an intimate restaurant.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Refined rooms & suites in a high-end hotel with 4 chic restaurants, a cocktail bar & a health club.
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
Refined rooms & suites in an upscale hotel offering a wellness center with a gym & a pool.
DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb
Modern rooms & suites in a glass-fronted hotel with a trendy grill bar/restaurant & an indoor pool.