Zagreb is the perfect destination for a long weekend city break. Offering a selection of quirky museums, delicious eateries, fun summer festivals, and a new museum dedicated to all things 80’s, Zagreb really is the ‘Capital of Cool’, for families, friends and couples looking for something a little different this summer- here's why...
Zagreb, Croatia
The food…
Zagreb has everything from street food, Croatian wine bars serving tapas style food, traditional restaurants and fine dining eateries. Visitors to Zagreb can make their own picnic by visiting Zagreb’s iconic open air Dolac Market, covered in a canopy of scarlet parasols, often referred to as ‘the stomach of Zagreb’. The choice of fresh ingredients on sale at the market includes cheeses, meats, fruit and vegetables, traditional local snacks. Whilst wandering around, visitors may catch a glimpse of famous celebrity chefs. During September the Zagreb Burger Festival offers high quality organic meat and some creative twists for vegetarians. www.tjednarestorana.com / www.burgerfestival.hr
The drink…
One of the first things visitors to Zagreb will notice is the endless rows of bars and cafes with large open terraces that line the streets. During the day, the coffee houses are filled with people enjoying a cup of coffee with friends, families or colleagues, and at night the streets come alive with the buzz of people enjoying the evenings of live music provided by many of the boutique bars that Zagreb has to offer.
The coffee culture in Zagreb plays a large part in daily life, so those looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon can sit with outside a coffee house and watch as the local go about their daily life. Eli’s Café is particularly popular among locals and tourist alike and offers a selection of freshly ground coffee choices in a cool, contemporary setting. www.eliscaffe.com/
The festivals…
Zagreb is home to a number of festivals throughout the year that celebrate music, film, culture and history. ‘Summer on Stross’ is a 100 day celebration that takes place between May and September each year. The Strossmayer Promenade in Zagreb’s Upper Town comes alive with art installations, live music and an open air cinema - the perfect place to spend an evening with family and friends www.ljetonastrosu.com.
For something slightly more upbeat, ‘INmusic Festival’, Croatia’s version of Glastonbury and one of the top 10 music festivals in the world, is taking place on Zagreb’s very own beach, on the shores of Jarun Lake on 25 - 27 June 2018. www.inmusicfestival.com.
The culture….
With over 40 museums dotted around the city, culture vultures won’t have a moment to spare! Whether you’re looking to broaden your knowledge of history or delve into the contemporary culture, Zagreb has something for everyone.
The newest addition to the interesting mix of museums available for visitors to peruse whilst in the city is ‘Zagreb 80’s Museum’, which opened in December 2017. The museum is an interactive area where visitors can learn how it was to live in the 80’s – the golden era of music, technology and fashion. Visitors to the museum can try on clothes, sit in cars, play old games and take selfies with the memorabilia. www.zagreb80.com/
From late April until early October ‘Zagreb Time Machine’ presents the best of the past, and the streets fill with nostalgia as street performers, promenade concerts and dancers fill the streets. Zagreb is also home to one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe, Miragoj cemetery - designed by architect Hermann Bolle and dating back to 1876. The impressive domes and vine-clad cloisters sit nestled in the outskirts of Zagreb amongst the trees. www.infozagreb.hr/events/concerts-and-musical-events/zagreb-time-machine-2017-58bead518cd7a
Those looking for something more contemporary should pay a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships. Located in a former palace in the Upper Town, the museum tells personal stories of failed relationships, displayed through exhibitions of discarded belongings, personal anecdotes and photos, all donated by individuals who have been involved in a break-up. www.brokenships.com/
The hotels…
The Esplanade is one of the most famous buildings in Zagreb, dating back to 1925, boasting beautifully designed rooms blended with the delicate combination of Art Deco heritage and contemporary touches. Long-established as a haven for A-List movie stars, singers and artists, the hotel’s fairy-tale exterior is iconic and situated in the heart of the capital. Superior double rooms start from £143 per night. www.esplanade.hr/