Whether you're planning a trip to Croatia or are just passing through, you'll find that Zagreb has a lot to offer. Known as the "northwestern capital," it's home to both Gothic architecture and 18th-century Austro-Hungarian influences. The city is divided into two distinct areas, the Lower Town and the Upper Town. Each contains museums, shops and restaurants, and is home to the main square Ban Jelai.
Dolac Market
Located in the heart of Zagreb, the Dolac Market is one of the most popular markets in the country. The market is one of the best places to shop for fresh produce and locally made crafts. It is also a great place to grab some street food for a cheap price.
It has two sections: an indoor market and an outdoor vegetable market. It is also known for the dollhouse-like buildings that line the market. There are also several different types of eateries and bars to choose from.
The main market has butcher and dairy stalls on the lower level. There is also an indoor market that contains handmade lace products and other local handicrafts. There are also flower and cake stalls, as well as a fish market.
The covered market is open until 3pm on Saturdays and until 1pm on Sundays. The outdoor fruit and vegetable market is the most popular part of the Dolac Market. There are a number of stands selling fruit, vegetables, and dried fruit.
The best time to visit Dolac is in the morning, when the market is at its apex. The market is especially busy on Saturdays. It is also a good place to pick up cheap lunches.
In addition to being a good place to eat, Dolac Market is also a popular place to buy local handicrafts and crafts. Here, you can find wooden toys, handicrafts, flower boxes, and other items.
Park Maksimir
Originally located on the outskirts of Zagreb, Park Maksimir is now located in the heart of the city. It is a beautiful and historic park that offers a variety of activities, including walking and running paths. It also features five lakes and a zoo.
During the summer, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Zagreb. It is a wonderful place to spend the day with the family. The park is also home to many animals, including the endangered middle spotted woodpecker.
The area around the lake is a popular location for outdoor activities, including rowing. There are also many cafe bars. In the winter, a large Christmas festival is held at the park.
The zoo is home to more than 275 animals. The park is surrounded by trees, creeks, and meadows. It is a perfect spot for a picnic. It is also a great place for children to run and play.
The Archaeological Museum is nearby. It is home to Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts. This museum is very popular with locals and tourists alike. There are numerous events and activities that take place here throughout the year.
The cathedral park is adjacent to the park. The park contains benches and fountains. It is the perfect place to watch people strolling by. It is also home to Zagreb's most important sacred building, St. Mark's Church. It has a colourful tiled roof and features 15 sculptured figures.
Jelacica Square
Whether you're looking for a romantic walk through the city, a day trip, or a fun night out with friends, one of the best places to visit in Zagreb is Ban Josip Jelacic Square. This is a central meeting point for people in the Croatian capital. It's the main tram intersection and the center of the pedestrian zone. It's also home to a large bronze statue of Ban Josip Jelacic, a military leader from the 19th century who led Croatia to independence.
It's a huge paved piazza in the center of the capital. It's surrounded by beautiful facades and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
There are many historical sights in the area, including the Stone Gate, which is a passageway to the Upper Town. There's also the Lotrscak Tower, a 13th century structure that protects the southern entrance to the city. It provides commanding views of the city.
Another place to visit is the Museum of Broken Relationships, which features a collection of donated items from all over the world. Some of the exhibits are sad, while others are funny. Visitors can find out more about how relationships break up, and the memories we have of our broken ones.
Another place to visit is the Archaeological Museum, which is a great way to spend a day. It houses a wide array of Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts. It's one of the most visited museums in the country and is particularly popular with tourists.
Upper Town
Located high above the city, Zagreb's Upper Town is one of the city's oldest and most beautiful districts. It is also a place of great historical significance. In fact, the area is considered to be the most scenic part of the city.
The Upper Town is known for its medieval squares and cobblestone streets. It is also home to the Croatian Parliament Building and the city's famous cathedral. It is easy to explore on foot.
There are several interesting museums in the area. You can find out about the history of Zagreb at the Zagreb City Museum. You can also go to the Gallery of Naive Art. The Naive art is a long tradition in Croatia. It features works of many of the greats.
The Strossmayer Promenade is a leafy walkway. It leads to a stube with panoramic views of Lower Town. You can also visit the Mestrovic Studio, where you can see works of Croatia's most famous sculptor.
The Lotrscak Tower is the only surviving tower from the 13th century fortification. It was originally built to fire cannons every noon to announce the arrival of the townspeople. This is done to commemorate the victory of Zagreb over the Turks.
The stone gate is another historic site in the Upper Town. It was originally used to connect the Lower Town to the Upper Town. It is believed to have magical powers. The chapel inside the gate holds a painting of the Virgin Mary.
Medvednica Mountain
Located just 20 minutes outside of the city center, Medvednica Mountain is a popular hiking destination in Croatia. This mountain is a nature park that has a variety of hiking trails.
Visitors can also take the cable car to the top of the mountain. This will allow them to enjoy scenic views of Zagreb. During the winter months, skiing is a popular activity in the area. The mountain's slopes are covered with artificial snow when necessary.
The Medvednica Nature Park is known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife. The area features many common species of trees, as well as rare linden and yew trees. The park has more than 60 registered cultural properties. The park covers nearly 70 kilometers.
The area is divided into Upper Town and Lower Town. The upper town is situated on a hill and has a number of tourist attractions. The lower town is a lush green zone with gardens and buildings that are rich in historic architecture. Several museums and a music pavilion are located here.
The local market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local food. The best time to go is early in the day when the market is less crowded.
The area is popular with cyclists and hikers. There are numerous mountain lodges that offer cabins where you can stop for refreshments. Most have space for your own food.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Known for its unique earth structure, stunning lakes, and history, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is one of the oldest national parks in Croatia.
The park is home to over 90 waterfalls. It also features rare bird species, bears, and deer.
There are several ways to reach the park. You can drive, take a panoramic train, or hike. You can also book a tour that includes round-trip transportation from Split or Zagreb. The price of a ticket is dependent on the number of days you plan to visit. It's best to book your trip early.
During the summer, the park can be extremely busy. In order to avoid this, visit in spring or autumn. The falls are at their most vibrant during the late spring or autumn.
There are eight well-known hiking routes within the park. Each route is relatively short, and you can expect to spend two to five hours on your tour. Depending on your skill level, you may decide to do more than one hike. Regardless, you should wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Another option is to stay at a guesthouse or hotel within the park. These hotels are clean, affordable, and provide easy access to the park. You can find a range of accommodations, from treehouses to apartments.