Why Head to Zagreb? * Tour Travel Hotels
Is Zagreb worth a visit? This is a relevant question to ask, given that Croatia is one of the most open nations in the world to tourists during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Now as always, many visitors to Croatia head straight for the Dalmatian coast, preferring Dubrovnik or Split to the capital. But whether it's because of Zagreb's exciting attractions, affordable hotels and apartments, or a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere, I think the city deserves a closer look.
Certainly, if you have more than a few days to spend in the country and you aren't too busy on other places to visit in Croatia, I would consider stopping in Zagreb for a few days. Let's talk more closely, okay?
Where to stay in Zagreb
Part of the answer to the question "Is Zagreb worth a visit?" depends on where you live there. As is the case in much of the rest of the Balkans, apartments offer much better value for money than hotels. There are also many more - apartments in Zagreb - than hotels in Zagreb. You can find properties on a site like Booking.com as easily as you would on Airbnb, for example.
No matter where you decide to stay in Zagreb, you can bet that it will give you excellent value for money. This is the case whether you are renting a luxury apartment or hotel, or staying in a hostel dormitory.
My favorite things to do in Zagreb
St. Mark's Cathedral
Regarding the churches of Zagreb, St. Mark's Cathedral is my favorite, although it is smaller than another famous church in Zagreb which I will mention in a few paragraphs. First built in the 13th century, the current structure has a design that dates back to the mid 1500s; in any case, it is still one of the oldest churches in Zagreb. I especially liked the roof, which is tiled in a way that gives it a resemblance to the Croatian flag.
The Museum of Broken Relationships
Is Zagreb worth a visit? Yes, if only for a trip to Museum of Broken Relationships. Housed in an unpretentious space not far from St. Mark's, this interesting museum features found objects that convicted relationship partners submitted after their breakup. I personally went there just a few weeks after one of my most difficult breakups broke up. If you can't, I recommend you wait a bit before you go!
Zagreb Cathedral
As is the case with much of the rest of Europe, church visits are an essential part of any trip to Zagreb. After visiting St. Mark's, you can visit the Zagreb Cathedral, which is significantly larger and more dramatic, which makes sense given its Gothic building style. The cathedral was opened just over a century ago, which means its architectural accents may seem more familiar to you than you might think.
Dolac market
Set in the shadow of Zagreb Cathedral (and the iconic striped umbrellas that dominate its stalls), Dolac market is a great place to visit. Whether you want to shop for fresh fruit and souvenirs, or just want to people watch, come here on a weekend morning for the best atmosphere. Is Zagreb worth a visit? Yes, and a few minutes at the Dolac Market will prove it to you.
Zagreb 360 ° Observation Deck
Looking for the best view of Zagreb? As the name suggests, the Zagreb 360 ° Observation Deck offers the best and most comprehensive view of the city, especially on a clear, sunny day. Despite offering you such a high perspective, Zagreb 360º is easy to reach. It is only a short walk from all the tourist attractions of Zagreb listed in this article, although I love coming here at sunset.
How many days do you need in Zagreb?
"It all sounds great," you might say, "but can you also do my homework for me regarding the length of my trip?" Definitely - I don't mind at all. In general, I would say that the number of days you spend in Zagreb is directly related to the length of your trip to Croatia and where you want to go. If you have two weeks in Croatia, for example, and you've already spent most of it on the Dalmatian coast, you could just spend a night or two in Zagreb at the start or end of your trip.
If, on the other hand, you are heading to Zagreb on a city trip from elsewhere in Europe, you might decide to stay longer. Three to five days - even a week in Zagreb - are especially appealing if you are staying in an apartment, as it can give you the feeling that you are "living" in the Croatian capital, even if you don't intend to stay. stay there long term. Is Zagreb worth a visit? Yes, whatever time you decide to spend there.
Zagreb travel faqs
Is Zagreb safe for tourists?
Crime in Zagreb is quite rare, certainly when it comes to violent crime and anything other than petty theft. As a tourist you will almost always be safe, unless you are carrying an open bag in the Dolac market on a Saturday morning, or being too visible about your wealth to the wrong people.
Is a visit to Zagreb expensive?
Not at all! Although the Croatian coast in recent years has arguably been as expensive as many destinations in Italy, prices in Zagreb are very fair. I would say Zagreb is one of the most affordable capitals in Europe, just behind other cities in the Balkans like Sarajevo and Belgrade.
What can you do in Zagreb in a day?
One day in Zagreb, technically speaking, is enough to see everything I mentioned above - the two churches, the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Dolac Market and Zagreb 360º. However, if you give yourself more time to enjoy Zagreb, you will have more opportunity to feel the particularity of the city.
The bottom line
If you came to this site with the question "Is Zagreb worth a visit?" in your mind, I hope you now have an answer. I have certainly done my part. Whether it's explaining all of Zagreb's attractions or talking about its relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere (at least compared to Dubrovnik and Split), I think I've done a good job defending Croatia's capital. On the other hand, some people just won't spend enough time in Croatia to visit the city, even though they would like to do so on the merits. No matter where your trip to Croatia takes you - it should go without saying - I hope your trip is amazing, especially if you are fleeing the gloom of the coronavirus.
Robert Schrader is a travel writer and photographer who has traveled the world independently since 2005, writing for publications such as "CNNGo" and "Shanghaiist" along the way. His blog, Leave Your Daily Hell, offers a mix of travel tips, destination guides and personal essays covering the more esoteric aspects of traveler's life.