Now that planning is underway for my Croatia trip, the excitement is building. It’s so much fun reading about the places I want to visit, one of which is picturesque Zagreb with its different faces — from the medieval charm of Upper Town to the European flavor found in Lower Town.
I’m looking forward to adopting the unhurried pace and hearing locals share Zagreb’s history and stories. My bucket list for what to do and see when I get there is growing but I’d love your help to make sure I haven’t missed anything. I want to soak in all the history and also hit places that will give me a real local taste of Zagreb. Here’s my list so far; tips and suggestions are welcome in the comments, thanks!
1. Gorge on the treasures at Dolac Market. Outdoor markets are definitely one of my favorite finds in every city.
2. Wander through the thousands of flowers and plants at Zagreb’s Botanical Garden.
3. Imbibe at the bars and cafes on Tkalcicev Street in Gornji Grad.
4. Eat Pizza. I’ve heard the pizza rivals that of Italy’s…it’ll be fun to find out.
5. Ride the hundred year old funicular from lower town to St. Mark’s Church.
6. Visit Markov Trg square and St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tiled roof and sculptures by Mestrovic.
7. Enjoy a glass of wine and people watching in the garden courtyard at the Bacchus jazz club.
8. Tour Mirogoj historical cemetery, said to be one of the most beautiful (and eery) in Europe with cupolas, sculptures and tombs.
What else are can’t miss to do’s? I’m looking to get to 10!
Flickr: Sobrecroacia.com
And meat or fresh chees “Burek” with yogurt for breakfast is my favourite. Also, pizza from bread oven for launch in pizzeria “Dvojka(2)” or “DG” is better and bigger than any Italian pizza.
And finally, for dinner, “Cevapi u somunu” in some “Rubelj cevabdzinica” or, much better, “Pavlinovic cevabdzinica” behind Vjesnik “skyscraper”. Ask for extra “kajmak”.
Btw..i’m the autor of this photo….if you don’t mind…can you redirect Sobrecroacia.com to http://www.sobrecroacia.com and not flickr? If you can’t…doesn’t matter…Thank you!!!
if you have time try to visit Plitvice Lakes…it’s two hours from Zagreb and excellent for a one day trip…Also, check castle Trakoscan….and have fun…;)
Miju and Mario, Thanks for your suggestions, really appreciate it! I’m adding them to my list and hope to get to everything! Cheers, Laurie
Try the big park to the east of the center, there are some actual old growth oak trees there.
Thanks Andrew!! Any advice on Dubrovnik by chance
I love that photo, and it is not at ALL what I pictured Zagreb to look like either! I would have automatically thought Lisbon or even my home, San Francisco.
I loved the photo for the same reason. It’s a different side of the city than is typically shown in Zagreb photos.
From what I’ve been learning it seems that’s characteristic of Zagreb, can’t wait to find out first hand!
i’ll be working in zagreb from early march to mid june. love your ‘bucket list’ idea. i hope to be able to fill mine with 100 items. i’ve spent time on the coast line a few years ago….beautiful and inland at the national park…impressive. looking forward to staying in one place with weekend side trips….
wow, 100 items is ambitious, have a great time and good luck!
Did you go to Zagreb? My neighbor is from there. If you’ve gone, where do I read about your trip. If you haven’t, so you still have room on your bucket list?
Still have room on the bucket list…would love recommendations from your neighbor! Trip with dad some day