Zagreb

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Zagreb is a vibrant city of around a million people is the capital of Croatia. The city boasts a charming medieval 'old city' with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest, Prague and other Central-European capitals, though mixed with a strong Italian influence. In 2005 it was visited by over half a million tourists, mainly from Austria, Germany and Italy.

Ban Jelačić Square
Ban Jelačić Square

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

Zagreb International Airport (IATA: ZAG) (ICAO: LDZA), is located 17km south-east from the city center in the district of Pleso.

Neighboring airports in Rijeka, Ljubljana, Graz, Klagenfurt and Trieste are serviced by low-cost carriers and are often a viable alternative to travelling directly to Zagreb. EasyJet flies to Rijeka, Ljubljana and Ryan Air flies to Pula,Graz and Klagenfurt.

There is a bus link between the airport (Zračna luka) and the bus station (Autobusni kolodvor) in Zagreb. A single (one-way) ticket costs 30 kuna (~ 4,2 Euro). The bus leaves the airport at 7AM and every thirty minutes between 8AM and 8PM. Between the last regular bus at 8PM and the first one at 7AM the next morning, there is a bus leaving for the bus station every time a Croatia Airlines plane lands.

The bus line between the bus station and the airport is slightly more complicated. Full details are available in English from http://www.plesoprijevoz.hr/schedulezg.htm

[edit] By car

Almost all highways (autocesta) in Croatia start or end in Zagreb.

Travellers from Vienna can take the A2 highway upon entering Croatia.

Travellers from Budapest and Varaždin can use the A4. The Croatian part of the highway is finished, while the Hungarian portion is expected to be completed in 2007.

Travellers heading from Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey can use the A3 highway to reach Zagreb.

Travellers heading from Ljubljana can use the A3. The Slovenian portion of the highway is still under construction.

Travellers heading from the Dalmatian coast or Montenegro can use the A1 highway. Those heading from Dubrovnik should note that the section between Šestanovac and Ploče is under construction and will be finished in 2009.

Those travelling to or from Rijeka and Istria can use the A6 - which will be completed in 2008 - and the A1.

To use highways in Croatia you must pay a toll either in Croatian national currency, the Kuna, or in Euros. One may also pay by credit card- American Express, Diners, Master Card, Maestro or Visa cards. A third option is to use the HAC Smart Card, which can reduce the cost of travelling on the Croatian highways. It is issued by Hrvatske Autoceste.

[edit] By bus

The central bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor) is located to the south-east of the railway station - approximately 10 minutes walk, or 3 stops by tram (lines 2 and 6). Timetable information and prices can be found on the AKZ website [1].

Numerous Croatian and International coach operators maintain scheduled lines covering all major domestic and European cities, as far as London, Paris, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, numerous cities in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, many destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia.

[edit] By train

Glavni kolodvor - Zagreb's Main Railway Station
Glavni kolodvor - Zagreb's Main Railway Station

Zagreb is a railway hub which has direct services to major European cities such as Vienna (6 hours), Budapest, Zurich, Munich, Berlin, Salzburg, Venice, Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Thessalonika, Belgrade as well as domestic services to all major towns (except Dubrovnik). There is also an all-year-round overnight train (with sleeping compartments) between Zagreb and Split.

Rail travel times within Croatia have been made competitive with car travel in many instances with new 160kph “tilting trains” connecting Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Varazdin, Osijek and Pozega. If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount.

Tourists coming from or going to neighbouring capitals should note the following EuroCity and InterCity railway lines:

Most services are operated by the Croatian Railways, whose schedules are also available on the internet in English.

[edit] Get around

Zagreb Tram
Zagreb Tram

Zagreb has a well-developed and efficient public transport system that consists of trams, buses and trains. The tram network [route map] operates 24 hours a day - from 4AM to 12AM there are 15 "day-time lines" (tram lines 1-9, 11-15 and 17), and from 12AM to 4AM there are 4 "night" lines (tram lines 31-34) which cover most of the day-time lines on a reduced (around 30-40 minute) frequency. Occasionally buses replace trams on night lines. Tram lines 3 and 8 do not operate Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays.

The price of single-ticket is 8 Kuna (~ 1€) only paid in local currency KUNA. There is also a 24 hours ticket (dnevna karta) available at 25 Kuna (~ 3.5 €). Buy a tram ticket (from the nearby TISAK stands located near each stop) and punch it in the orange machine once you enter to validate. As it is likely you will be taking more than one ride on a tram during your stay in Zagreb buying a daily ticket is highly recommendable.

As for the buses there are 113 day-time and 4 night lines. Buses cover the area outside the city center including neighboring towns that belong administratively to Zagreb county as well as some frequent inner-city routes. The buses use the same ticketing system as the trams.

A historic furnicular (uspinjača in Croatian) railway (one of the steepest in the world) operates between the lower and upper towns. Periodical public transport ticket holders are entitled to free travel, otherwise there is a small fee for a ride.

Trains operated by Croatian Railways (Hrvatske Željeznice) run every 15 minutes from east to west, connecting the suburbs of Zagreb with the central railway station. They are usually the quickest form of transport for those coming from the portions of Zagreb far from the railway station (Glavni kolodvor), or beyond the tram network.

Zagreb's taxis are plentiful as they are amongst the most expensive in the world (due to monopolistic position of the taxi company[2]). Starting rates from June 2005 are fixed at 19 kn (~2,5 €), price per kilometre is 7 kn/km (~0.95 €/km), waiting hour is 50 kn/h (~6,8 €/h) and additional fee for luggage is charged (3 kn per piece (0,4 € per piece of luggage)). Bear in mind that all the rates go up 20% from 10 PM to 5 AM (Mon-Sat) and during Sundays and national holidays (the whole day).

[edit] Zagreb Card

Travelers who are staying for several days should consider buying the Zagreb Card. The card offers unlimited travel on public transport in Zagreb, discounts at virtually all of the city’s museums, reduced prices at many restaurants, shops, and service providers and many other concessions. It costs 90 kuna (approx. 12 euros) and is valid for 72 hours from the date and time entered on the card. Holders of the card also receive a special booklet with a list of all the establishments and the discounts available to them. The card can be purchased at any of Zagreb's Tourist Information Centers and at the reception desks of the majority of Zagreb’s hotels.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] The Upper and Lower Towns

Gornji grad, or the Upper Town and Donji grad or Lower Town are the cultural, religious and commercial hub of Zagreb. This is where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located. The Upper Town which is the medieval core of the city developed as two separate (and often warring) towns - Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop (where the imposing Cathedral now stands), and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived (proclaimed by King Bela of Hungary in the 12th century) merged in the 1770s to form the northern section of the historic Zagreb. Following this the city expanded south of todays Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica (Jelacic Square) to the railway station and the Sava River.

[edit] Museums

Mimara Museum, Westin Hotel and Cibona Tower
Mimara Museum, Westin Hotel and Cibona Tower
Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum
  • Muzej Mimara (Mimara Museum), Rooseveltov trg 5. Houses some 3,700 works of art donated by Ante Topić Mimara. The collection comprises more than 1,500 exhibits dating from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century. Some of the most famous exhibits include works by Lorenzetti, Raffaello, Giorgione, Veronese, Caravaggio, Canaletto, 60 paintings by the Dutch masters Rembrandt, Van Goyen, Ruisdael, 50 works by the Flemish masters Van der Weyden, Bosch, Rubens, Van Dyck, more than 30 by the Spanish masters Velasquez, Murillo, Goya, some 20 paintings by the German masters Holbein, Liebermann, Leibl, some 30 paintings by the English painters Gainsborough, Turner, Bonington and more than 120 paintings by the French masters Georges de la Tour, Boucher, Chardin, Delacroix, Corot, Manet, Renoir, Degas.
  • Arheološki muzej, (Archaeological Museum), Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 19, [3]. Possesses over 400,000 objects, not all of them being exhibited. The holdings include evidence of Croatian presence in this area as well as rare samples which have made the museum known to the whole world. The most famous are the Egyptian collection, the Zagreb mummy and bandages with the oldest Etruscan inscription in the world (Liber Linteus Zagrabiensis), as well as the numismatic collection. A part of the museum is set aside for the collection of stone monuments dating back predominantly to the Roman period.
  • Muzej suvremene umjetnosti, (Museum of Contemporary Art), Katarinin Trg 2, [4]. Follows and presents contemporary trends in fine arts. Klovićevi dvori (Jezuitski trg 4) introduces Croatian and foreign cultural and artistic heritage. Umjetnički paviljon[5] (Art Pavilion), Trg Kralja Tomislava 22, by famous Viennese designers of theatres in Central Europe Hellmer and Fellmer is a neo-classical exhibition complex and one of the landmarks of the city center. The exhibitions are also held in the impressive Meštrović pavillion on Trg žrtava fašizma. Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti[6] (Croatian Museum of Naïve Art), Sv. Ćirila i Metoda 3, houses more than one thousand works belonging to Croatian naïve art. The World Centre "Wonder of Croatian Naïve Art" (Trg Bana Jelačića 2) exhibits masterpieces of Croatian naïve art as well as the works of a new generation of artists. Moderna galerija (Modern Gallery) Hebrangova 1, comprises all relevant fine artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

NOTE: Most museums and historical sights close at 1PM on Sundays and do not reopen until Tuesday.

[edit] Mirogoj

Entrance to Mirogoj cemetery
Entrance to Mirogoj cemetery

Mirogoj is the central cemetery of Zagreb. It was opened in 1876 north of the city center. The mortuary, the impressive and picturesque arcades with the church of Christ the King (architect H. Bollé, 1883-1914) make it one of the most impressive cemeteries in the world. You can find there the tombs of notable personalities (including that of basketball hero Drezan Petrovic) who are relevant to Croatian history. To get there from the central square go to the near-by Cathedral and take the bus number 106 (Kaptol - Mirogoj - Krematorij). The ride takes around 10 minutes.

[edit] Medvedgrad

The imposing mountain overlooking Zagreb contains a preserved fortress (Medvednica) and fascinating views of the city. There is no public transport to Medvednica, but it is possible to walk downhill from the top of the mountain-gondola, and then continue your journey to the public bus system back into Zagreb.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Snow Queen Trophy: Ladies Night Slalom [7]: Zagreb is the only capital in the world that hosts a Ski World Cup race. The slalom event - known as the "Snow Queen Trophy" (Snjezna kraljica) - usually takes place in January. In 2008 it will be held in February. It is the most expensive race on the women's world cup tour and an exceptionally popular sporting event in Croatia that attracts a crowd of around 25 thousand people. As of 2007 best skiers in men's competition are also expected to compete on Mount Sljeme that overlooks the city. If you fail to secure your ticket, you can watch the whole event on a giant screen in the Ban Jelacic Square.
  • Walking Tour: Departs from the Tourist Information Office in Ban Jelacic Square at 10am, a two hour walking tour around the Upper Town takes in most of the main sights.

[edit] Cinemas

  • ticket will cost you 20-30 HRK (3-4€)
  • CineStar Zagreb, Branimirova 29; ticket reservation +385 1 46-86-600, [8]. A multiplex cinema (13 screens) in the vicinity of the Sheraton Hotel. The website is in Croatian.
  • Broadway Tkalča], Nova Ves 11; +385 1 46-67-686, [9]. A multiplex cinema (5 screens) within the Kaptol Shopping Center situated to the north of the Cathedral.
  • Kino Europa, Varšavska 3. - this cinema is located in the city center.
  • Kino Zagreb, Trg Petra Preradovića 4; 062-100-100 (within Croatia).
  • Kino Croatia, Katančićeva 3; +385 1 48-13-711.
  • Kino Jadran, Ilica 42; 062-100-100 (within Croatia).
  • A1 (Iblerov trg bb - Importanne galerija; +385 1 46-19-133.
  • Kino Central, Petrinjska 4; 062-100-100 (within Croatia).
  • Kino Tuškanac, [10]. Showing more than just european filmography, alternative and older films, sometimes for free, usually costs about 10 HRK (1.5€)

[edit][add listing] Buy

If you are looking for a souvenir, perhaps the best place to visit is the Turistički informativni centar located in the central square in Zagreb (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 11). There you can find everything ranging from postcards and books to pottery and crystal. Also, check out the two shops on your right as you are walking from the central square to the Cathedral.

  • Millennium Radiceva 9 (upper left street from Jelacic square) There you can find pottery, crystal, costume jewelery, and other gifts.

Is it only a cake?!

Croaterra- an original Croatian treat. A cake that combines Croatia’s finest products with the harmonious flavors of Slavonia, the coast, Istria, the Dalmatian hinterland and the Velebit Mountains. All of the ingredients are organic, whole grain and of high quality. But Croaterra is not just healthy and delicious, it's also an exclusive product as it's packaged in a stylized earthenware container in a specially designed gift-box.

Natural cosmetics

Croatian natural cosmetics are as the title suggests- natural. Completely! The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for the money. -Ulola offers: soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like: orange and cinnamon, goats milk and almond oil, etc. www.ulola.com/flash.htm; -Elements offers: soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of their main ingredients. www.atea.hr/index.php; -Brac fini sapuni (Brac quality soaps) has a wide range of natural soaps, the lastest addition to their bath line is Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold!!! www.bracfinisapuni.com/bfs_eng/index.html

Croatian designers

There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. I-gle Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey&Nicks in Knightsbridge (London).; -Nebo ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes.; -Nit ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". - Etnobutik "Mara" designs by Vesna Milković sells clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet).

[edit] Internet

You can visit:

  • Surf@ internet point, Tkalčićeva 13/2; located right in the heart of Zagreb. Wide range of computer services. It's not just a place for surfing the net or calling home, it's an art gallery and a BookCrossing Zone too. Open: Mon-Sat 09.30- 20.00h Tel+385 1 481 3018 http://www.myspace.com/surfat
  • Art Internet Caffee, Tkalčićeva 18, "Art" is an internet cafe bar, situated in the very center of Zagreb (Tkalčićeva 18), just a few steps from the Ban Jelačić square. In this modern and comfortable bar you can enjoy a fine selection of beverages as well as a large variety of computer services.See Art Internet Caffee. Tel:+385 1 48 11 050. Open M-Su 08.00 - 23-00.
  • Aquarius net, Kralja Držislava 4.
  • Art Net Club, Preradovićeva 25.
  • KIC, Preradovićeva 5/1.
  • Klub SC,Savska 25.
  • Mama, Preradovićeva 18, is one of the coolest and cheapest cyber cafes in the city. They charge 10kn (1.36E) per hour or you can pay by the minute. Wireless connection, Skype, cool juices and coffee are available. The place is run by Multimedia institute, a nonprofit organization working in the fields of new media culture and digital technology, so there's chance of meeting some of the local and international cutting-edge artists or attending some interesting program.
  • MMC Zagreb, Gajeva 17, "MMC" is an internet point ( Gaming&Surfing&Call&Fax ), situated in the very center of Zagreb (Gajeva 17), just a few steps from the Ban Jelačić square. See Gaming&Surfing point. Tel:+385 1 48 72 671. Open Mon-Sun 09.00 - 23-00.
  • Sublink, Teslina 12.
  • Vip, Preradović square 5.
  • Vip, Ibler square.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Zagreb has a wide variety of restaurants and food options to suit all tastes and budgets. The Croatian cuisine is wide-ranging, though vegetarians may not have a great range to choose from.

[edit] Restaurants

  • Le Bistro, Mihanovićeva 1; ++ 385 1 45 66 666. A French restaurant within the Regent Esplanade Hotel
  • Ivica i Marica, Tkalčićeva 70, Tel: +385 1 481 7321 or +385 1 482 8999, [11]. Wonderful food made only from natural ingredients, many sourced locally. Open every day except Mon 12PM-11PM.
  • Pivnica Medvedgrad Božidara Adžije 16, Tkalčićeva 36, [12]. Great food and beer for reasonable prices (10 HRK for 0.5l). Make sure to try 'čvarkuša' (4 HRK).
  • Srčeko, Vinogradska 135, ++ 385 1 373 10 07, [13]. M-Sa 12AM - 11PM, Su 12AM-6PM, a very romantic little restaurant.
  • Velika Klet obitelji Bunčić ++385 1/ 2781-132 | 01/ 2781-133 | fax: 01/ 2781-140. although technically not in Zagreb, but in Dugo Selo - a town 20 km far from Zagreb, which is part of the metropolitan area - this is a very popular place that offers Croatian cuisine, live music on weekends, a stable, fish pond and basketball courtyard.
  • Takenoko, Nova Ves 11 (Centar Kaptol); ++ 385 1 48 60 530, [14]. Zagreb may not be synonymous with sushi restaurants, but this is one is superb. It is located in the Kaptol Centar Shopping Center. It is not cheap, but sushi they make is incredible.
  • Asia, A. Šenoe 1; ++ 385 1 48 41 218. Chinese restaurant open 12AM-12PM
  • Restaurant Suhina, Dr. F. Tuđmana 1, Orešje near the Podsused bridge, ++ 385 44 1 33 71 562. An old family-run restaurant on the old Samobor road that offers a variety of roasted food.
  • Panino, Nova Ves 11 (Centar Kaptol); ++ 385 1 46 69 013, [15]. Nice little restaurant with great service and wonderful food. If you are into French and Istrian style food you will probably love this place.
  • Mex Cantina, Savska cesta 154, +385 1 6192-156, [16]; Mexican food. Good service, great food, on Mondays (starting at 9PM) they offer live music by the best Croatian mariachi band, Los Caballeros.
  • Caramba, Frankopanska 6, Mexican food.
  • "Feniks" - mexican food, 5 minutes walk from the Zagreb's main square. Address: Jurisiceva 19. Tel: 01/481 44 11
  • Boban, Gajeva 9, Italian food.
  • Havana Club, Perkovčeva 2, Cuban food.
  • Opium, Branimirova 29, Thai food.

[edit] Vegetarian

  • Nova, Ilica 72/1, [17]
  • Pyr, Teslina 13/1, [18]
  • Robin Food Catering, Derenčinova 1, [19]
  • VegeHop, Vlaška 79, [20]

[edit] Pizzerias

Despite pizza being a famous Italian dish, numerous people claim that in Zagreb you can eat pizzas which are better than in Italy! Here is only a small list of some pizza restaurant.

  • Stara Sava, Savska cesta 208, +385 1 3634-322. Close to "rotor" and Mladost sports center. Arguably the best pizzeria in Zagreb.
  • Dvojka, Nova Ves 2, tel. +385 1 4817-462, +385 1 4666-111. On Kaptol close to Centar Kaptol
  • Mamma Mia, Ilica 63, tel. +385 1 4846-093
  • Colonia, Božidara Magovca 21, +385 1 6698-153. In New Zagreb, in "Mamutica".
  • Nocturno, Skalinska 4, +385 1 4813-394. On Kaptol, between Tkalčićeva street and Cathedral
  • Baschiera 2, Selska cesta 215, +385 1 3698-999. On the end of Savska street and beginning of "Horvaćanski zavoj"
  • Gigi, Petrovaradinska 39, +385 1 3885-092. Be sure to visit this pizzeria if you're going to the Jarun lake.
  • Šestica, Medulićeva 6, +385 1 4846-248, + 385 1 4846-562

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Pivnica Medvedgrad (see at 'Eat')
  • Oliver Twist (Tkalčićeva) A choice of good Irish beer with a great atmosphere.

[edit] Clubs

  • B.P. Club, Nikole Tesle 7, (+385-1) 481 44 44, [21]. Jazz and blues lovers should check it out. Open daily from 10 PM to 2AM.
  • The Jazz Club is a small club located in Gunduliceva street. Open daily, and has always jazz/blues/funk bands playing, very often from other countries.
  • Students with lower budget can have a great time in popular places like Melin (Tkalčićeva), Krivi put (Runjaninova) and Purgeraj (Park Ribnjak. Mostly rock, blues and alternative music. On happy hour you get two beer for a price of one)
  • SAX! - Klub hrvatskih glazbenika, Palmotićeva 22/2, (+385-1) 48 72 836, [22] is a great place to enjoy live music of a wide array of styles including blues, jazz, rock and pop.
  • The Best, Jarunska 5, +385 1 3011 943, [23] Largest club in Zagreb, out near the Jarun Lake complex. Mainly dance style music.
  • Hopdevil [24]. A new bar, featuring live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus a DJ on Saturday nights, it has 101 different types of Belgian beer. The unique interior features a waterfall that runs along entire wall, and stone archways. The water from the waterfall flows beneath a glass floor, which you can sit on.
  • Aquarius, Aleja Matije Ljubeka bb (Jarun Lake), [25]-Saturday night is drum'n'bass & dancehall music,Friday is hip-hop/r'n'b night. Good concerts.
  • Boogaloo, Ulica Grada Vukovara 68, Tel: 385 1 6313 022. Good electronic music. A bit expensive but worth seeing. Bar, restaurant and disco.
  • Jabuka, Jabukovac 28 Tel: 01/48 34 397 Cult club for alternative,punk music,Bar cheap drinks opened on weekends,often concerts of alternative bands

[edit][add listing] Sleep

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[edit] Budget

  • Hotel Central [26] (+385 1 48-41-122) 3-star hotel situated 150 meters from the railway station (Glavni kolodvor) (Branimirova 3). The hotel was refurbished in 1996.
  • Astoria Best Western Premier Hotel (+385 1 48-08-900) 3-star hotel in Petrinjska 71 not far from the central square of Ban Jelačić.
  • Hotel Dora [27] (+385 1 63-11-900) 3 star hotel behind the Lisinski Music Hall (south of the main railway station - Glavni kolodvor). The hotel's website is in Croatian
  • Hotel Golden Tulip Holiday [28] (+385 1 34-96-621) 3-star hotel situated at the western entrance to Zagreb not far from the Zagreb Fair.
  • Hotel I [29] (+385 1 65-42-238) 3-star hotel situated near the southern entrance into Zagreb (Remetinečka cesta 106). This hotel is located south of the Sava and in the vicinity of Zagreb Fair.
  • Hotel International [30] (+385 1 61-08-800) 3-star hotel located several hundred meters south of the central railway station (Miramarska 24).
  • Hotel Jadran[31] (+385 1 45-53-777) 3-star hotel (Vlaška 50) is situated in the city center some 500 meters east of the Cathedral. There is a big shopping center near-by - the Importanne Gallery.
  • Hotel Laguna [32] (+385 1 30-47-000) 3-star hotel (Kranjčevićeva 29) located near the Cibona Business Tower. The hotel's website offers information in Croatian.
  • Hotel Phoenix [33] (+385 1 20-06-333) 3-star hotel (Sesvetska cesta 29, 10 360 Sesvete) situated in an eastern suburb of Zagreb - Sesvete. It is located some 500 meters from the motorway on the main road that leads from Zagreb to Dugo Selo. The hotel's website contains more information in Croatian.
  • Ravnice Youth Hostel [34] (I. Ravnice 38d).

[edit] Mid-range

Palace Hotel
Palace Hotel
  • Hotel Palace [35] (+385 1 48-14-611) 4-star hotel located in the very heart of Zagreb on J.J. Strossmayer Square. It was built in the Secession style in 1891 and converted into a hotel in 1905. The Arts Pavillion is 50 metres away.
  • Hotel Dubrovnik [36] (+385 1 48-63-500) 4-star hotel (Gajeva 1) overlooking Zagreb's main square - Ban Jelačić Square.
  • Arcotel Allegra [37](+385 1 46-96-000) 4-star hotel (Branimirova 29) which is Zagreb's first "lifestyle" hotel. It is situated within five minute walking distance (300 meters) from the central railway station (Glavni kolodvor). All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and feature mini bar, safe, internet connection, bigscreen TV and DVD player. A very cool touch are the free apples supplied in your room in a very funky holder !
  • Four Points by Sheraton Panorama Hotel Zagreb [38] (+385 1 36-58-333) 4-star hotel (Trg Kresimira Ćosića 9) is located in the business district of Zagreb some 2.5 kilometers away from the central railway station (Glavni kolodvor).
  • Hotel Aristos [39] (+385 1 66-95-900) 4-star hotel located in the vicinity of the Zagreb airport at the southern gates of Zagreb, in the Buzin commercial center (Cebini 33, Buzin, 10010 Zagreb)
  • Hotel As [40] (+385 1 46-09-111) 4-star hotel located in Zelengaj (Zelengaj 2A), some 2,5 kilometers to the north-west of the railway station (Glavni kolodvor). The hotel's website contains a map on how to get to the hotel.
  • Hotel Phoenix is at the east end of Zagreb, and has 50 modern styled rooms and a restaurant.

[edit] Splurge

  • The Regent Esplanade (+385 1 45-66-666). Luxury hotel in the heart of Zagreb (Mihanovićeva 1, just across the central railway station) that offers everything that you would expect from one of the world's finest hotels. It was built in 1925 for passengers of the famous Orient Express train, which connected Paris and Istanbul. If you can, check the Emerald Ballroom with its soaring dome shaped roof. The hotel also includes the Zinfandel's Restaurant, Le Bistro and the Esplanade 1925, the hotel's lounge and cocktail bar.
  • The Westin Zagreb [41] (+385 1 48-92-000). Luxury hotel (Kršnjavoga 1) next to the Mimara Museum and the Croatian National Theatre. The hotel was renovated in 2004. It features the legendary Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Shower and probably offers the best view in the city.
  • Sheraton Zagreb Hotel [42] (+385 1 45-53-535). Luxury hotel situated in Kneza Borne 2 that features air-conditioned rooms and suites with classic furniture and marbled bathrooms. It also includes King Tomislav Restaurant, Fontana Restaurant, Piano Bar, Café Imperial, 17 meeting rooms and an 800-square-meter Grand Ballroom.

[edit] Stay safe

Zagreb is a safe city, but just as anywhere else dark alleys, parks etc. should generally be avoided. The chance of getting in trouble is low, especially in the centre where most of the hotels are located. Ribnjak Park, while generally viewed as dangerous is in fact only a meeting place of alternative youngsters.

Also avoid clubs which play what is known in Croatia as "Turbo-folk" music. These clubs are often featured in the local newspapers as violence erupts in them quite easily.

Also, AVOID STRIP CLUBS AT ALL COSTS. The are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Recent cases include foreigners that were charged 2000 euros for a bottle of champaign. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you are unable to pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. This not only applies to strip clubs in Zagreb, but also all over Croatia.

[edit] Get out

Samobor main square
Samobor main square

There are a number of interesting places in Zagreb's vicinity. Travelers should certainly check Samobor, which is a picturesque medieval town with well preserved old lore and long tourist tradition. The prevailing architecture is that of the Baroque period. The town is also reputed to be the place where the best "kremšnite" - one of Croatia's best known cakes - are made. Samobor is a short 20 minute drive from the Zagreb city center. You can get there by bus or take the A3 towards the Slovenian border (a train link will be reconnected to Samobor in 2010).

Another town, which travelers should check is Vrbovec east of Zagreb. Famous by own traditional festival of cooking of old specialities from the past "Kaj Su Jeli Nasi Stari?", Vrbovec is a born place of Ban Petar Zrinski, a Croatian hero from middle-age. For all who would like to meet with typical way of Croatian life, Vrbovec offers peaceful staying and feeling like at home. Well connected by modern highway A-4 and then by speedway, it needs only 30 minutes by car, or 35 minutes by train from main train station in Zagreb, or 45 minutes by bus from main bus-station in Zagreb to reach Vrbovec. Once you come here, you'll feel like at your home.

You should also take time to have a walk through Maksimir. That's Zagreb's biggest park located at the east side of the town. You can have coffee at the "Vidikovac" or the "Swiss house" or you can visit the Zoo. To get to Maksimir you should take the tram No.7 if you are coming from the Central Bus Station or trams No.11 and 12 from the main square or the No.4 of your coming from the railway station.

Karlovac is located at the junction of 4 rivers and is a stunning little town. The town plan is unique as the historic town center is in the shape of a 6-point star and was constructed in the 16th century as a fortification against the invading Turks double of the back cush pink centre pocket. There are a few museums and a fortress on Dubovac hill with great views of the town. Karlovac is also the home of Croatia's most famous beer factory, Karlovacko. Buses and trains depart frequently for the town, 50 minutes from Zagreb.Great swimming in summer months in Karlovac rivers Korana,http://www.hotelkorana.hr/index.php?&lang=eng and near by Mrežnica http://www.kanuking-avantura.hr/raf-colorado-mreznica.htm with rafting and kayaking.

Also worth a visit is Jarun Lake, on the outskirts of the city. Jarun Lake is a recreational area based around a large lake where locals go to relax, exercise - and party! The centerpiece of the area is the actual lake itself, which is used for windsurfing and has a large rowing section with spectator stands. There are also shingle beaches surrounding the water, alongside which are several bars that get very busy during the weekends but are also nice for a sunny lunchtime snack. All the bars there are considered 'fancy' places and usually play commercial music.

You can get to Lake Jarun by catching Tram number 5 or 17 or, alternatively, a taxi will take 10 minutes (traffic dependent) from the center of town. Jarun Lake website (Croatian language only)

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