Rakia, Relationships and Ramblings: 8 Reasons to Visit Zagreb
Zagreb is (hopefully) known to all as Croatia’s buzzy capital, a city famed for its colour festivals and deemed by the sequin wearing, painted faced amongst us as “festival city”. However, despite being the capital, Zagreb is definitely not the first place that pops into mind when planning a trip to Croatia, perhaps overshadowed by more popular choices Split and Dubrovnik. I’m here to wave my hands in your face and shout about Zagreb, because after visiting, it’s definitely a culture-filled capital I’d be willing to revisit time and time again.
The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are definitely worth a wander, especially if you like turtles! I have never seen so many in my life, and they’re so well disguised in the large pond – I thought they were rocks at first and then the realisation creeps in, you’re surrounded by the creatures. The gardens were founded in 1889, and really are a staple of the city with expansive greenery, lily-pad-covered ponds, French-inspired flowerbeds and ten glasshouses.
The Museum of Broken Relationships
This does sound quite ominous doesn’t it… a museum of relationships is pretty weird to begin with but broken relationships? In essence, it’s a whole museum, located in the beautiful baroque Kulmer palace in the Upper Town, dedicated to heartbreak and symbolic possessions. In other words, it’s the perfect dumping ground for those random bits left behind after an awkward break-up (think grey hoodies and diary entries).
St Mark’s
For that insta-photo sure to rake in the likes, St. Mark’s Church is very “Croatian”. I know you’re probably wondering, what makes something look “Croatian”? But once you’ve seen it, trust me you’ll get where I’m coming from. It’s red-white-and-blue chequered roof tiles host two coats of arms of Zagreb and Crotia, just striking. The little church looks so clean, which seems to be an overarching theme in Zagreb.
Nightlife
Culture to one side, there are a whole host of bars to enjoy in the city-centre. The night-life is so varied, we sat on Tkalčićeva Street, probably like the most touristy people ever, but this area is buzzing with atmosphere, (and perfect for a people watch). Another great bar that has a hidden outdoor garden with swing stools and an atmosphere ideal for pre-drinks is Swanky Monkey. Two local drinks you just have to try are Medica, a beverage made of brewed honey and Rakia, drinks with different fruit and herb flavours. Without further ado, a raki cheers!
Zagreb Cathedral
German architect Hermann Bollé certainly did a great job with this skyline dominating cathedral. Whilst you might grimace at a “typical” tourist-y holiday wandering forcibly around cathedrals, this one is actually a highly recommended visit. Purely because it is terrifically beautiful, with neo-Gothic spires and tremendous amounts of colour. It’s quite eerie inside, but it’s an eeriness worth exploring.
Mountains
So not exactly slap bang in the city centre but just to the north of Zagreb is Medvednica Mountain, the perfect pit-stop to rid yourself of city centre eye bags and bustle. To cleanse yourself, jump on the tram and it’s the last stop on Line 15.
Cuisine
The food culture in Zagreb is eclectic. Often, to avoid frequenting Maccy D’s, it’s nice to have some guidance when it comes to a different cuisine. We suggest trying Cuspajz – meat and vegetable stew, Knedli – sweet potato dumplings and 505 s crtom – typical Croatian candy. You may not like them all but if you’re travelling about, it’s great to immerse yourself in the culture, right? Zagreb is alight with places to eat across the city. Prasac in the Upper Town is worth a visit, and Takenoko.
Flower Square
Perhaps named this because it’s blossoming with bars, cake shops, restaurants and more. It’s just a lovely little spot for sun-trapping, chatting and taking that well-deserved break after a peruse of the shops.
