Top Experiences in Zagreb

Dive deep into Croatian cuisine with this foodie tour of Zagreb. Hit the streets of the country's capital, learning about its history and culture through your taste buds. Zagreb's food scene is an essential part of its culture. From its lively open-air markets to hidden local favorites, you can learn a lot about the city's essence from its flavors and gastronomic traditions. You'll start with a visit to the famous Dolac Market, locally known as "Plac," right off the main city square of Ban Jelačić. Historically, women and others from the countryside would bring their produce and goods to the market to sell to the city dwellers, often carrying baskets of specialties on their heads. You can find this treasured memory locked in time with a statue of one of these basket-balancing women. Today, the market is a vibrant place where locals truly do their shopping. First, enjoy meeting the food producers, learning how to select the finest products as you taste some of the regional specialties, including cheeses, cream, and charcuterie. Then, head downstairs to find some of the city's best herb shops and bakeries, or hang out at the cafes lining the stalls. You can try dishes such as štrukli (small squares of dough layered with soft cheese, boiled and baked simultaneously) as you enjoy the colorful atmosphere. Polish off your samples with a gemišt, a refreshing Croatian spritzer made with white wine and sparkling water. If you're feeling brave, join the locals for rakija, a potent...

Enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb's buzzing historical city center, complete with a ride on the funicular and visits to all the famous sites and buildings the Croatian capital has to offer!Zagreb is roughly divided into two separate parts: Upper Town and Lower Town. Expanded from two medieval settlements, Kaptol and Gradec, these two districts create an authentic Central European city. The Upper Town sits atop a hill overlooking the city and features medieval architecture. The Lower Town sits at the base of the hill, mostly expanded by the Austro-Hungarian Empire to create a southern hub of art, education, and industry. Here is where you'll find the main train station, established to connect Zagreb to other regional cities.As you stroll through both areas of Zagreb, you'll learn interesting facts and stories about local history and culture. Some highlights include the Gothic cathedral, Dolac market beloved by local shoppers, the medieval St. Mark’s Church, and the House of Parliament. You'll also enjoy the Stone Doors, Croatian National Theater, Zrinjevac Park, and, of course, Ban Jelacic Square, the heart of the city. For a break from sightseeing, stop at the popular restaurant La Struk for traditional strukli. It's a one-of-a-kind cafe that only serves this traditional Croatian specialty.Read more about unique experiences in Zagreb.

Many European cities have castles, but not all sit atop a forested hill surrounded by hiking trails and a dense nature park. Well, Zagreb is one of them! For lovers of hiking, mountain biking, or the outdoors, you can enjoy a moderate trek through the Medvednica Nature Park to Medvedgrad, one of the best-kept secrets of Zagreb.The name Medvednica roughly translates to "bear mountain," and it's set just north of Zagreb. Medvednica is the mountain range and park, whereas Medvedgrad is the castle. The range's highest peak is Sljeme, which stands over 3,000 feet (1,033 m). The area is a unique example of an almost fully preserved natural environment just out the back door of a large city!Follow a picturesque 2-mile (3.2-km) hiking trail called Miroslavec. This path takes you through the woods and alongside a babbling stream, ending at Kraljičin zdenac (Queen's Well). Rest along Kraljevec Stream next to its small pond, and then continue just a few more minutes to the castle.The 13th-century fortress was built after the Tartar invasion. Medieval Medvedgrad was arranged for nobility and heavily fortified with double walls, moats, and guard towers. It also had water tanks, a chapel, and two palaces. While walking through the castle ruins, you'll listen to the story of the legendary Black Queen, as told by your guide. Then, see the eternal flames of the Homeland Altar and take beautiful panoramic photographs of Zagreb.Discover other interesting excursions in and around Zagreb.

One perk of Zagreb's relatively small size (at least for a European capital) is the peaceful countryside making up its surroundings. With rolling hills and valleys, you can explore some of the rural villages just outside the capital and get a taste of traditional life. Along the way, stop to visit a family-owned farm and eatery. Here, you can indulge in some of the area’s beloved local specialties, such as roasted duck with mlinci, a traditional flatbread, or wild boar ragu. Before or after your meal, enjoy a wine tasting with the owner of the restaurant and sample some unique varietals from the area. The entire country of Croatia is covered in wine regions, and Zagreb County alone hosts three distinct ones: Samobor, Plešivica, and Sveti Ivan Zelina. Thanks to the area's gentle slopes, you can taste favorite indigenous grapes like Graševina and Škrlet, or other popular choices like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.If you're traveling with your family, kids love learning about traditional farming techniques, sipping on juice, and seeing the animals!Discover more interesting family experiences in Croatia and excursions in and around Zagreb.

Just a few miles northwest of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a bucolic hilly region dotted with Renaissance and medieval fortresses, numerous baroque castles, and family-run vineyards and farms. It's a memorable, romantic landscape that will take you back in time to a sense of both the aristocratic past and the rural traditional way of life that still exists in Croatia today. A quick day trip from Zagreb allows you to immerse yourself in this beautiful region.First, find your way to Trakošćan Castle, an excellent example of one of a storybook locale, as it sits perched on a hill adjacent to a glassy lake. The castle, a historic landmark, was built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress but was later used as a home for aristocratic Croatian families. Enjoy exploring the castle grounds and interiors, including four floors that function as a museum with permanent exhibitions. Afterward, visit Veliki Tabor Castle, located just southwest of Trakošćan. This gothic-renaissance castle dates to the 16th century and sits atop a green hill overlooking the fertile countryside. It was originally built for a noble Hungarian family, its fortifications designed to defend against Turkish invaders. A tour of Veliki includes visits to the towers, guardhouses, inner courtyard, and a small museum featuring exhibitions of medieval artifacts like armor, weapons, and paintings. Apart from castles, explore nearby villages, like Kumrovec, where you'll find restored peasants' houses from the 19th...