Zagreb, the lively capital of Croatia, is rapidly becoming a top European travel destination. The city seamlessly combines modern innovation with historical charm, boasting walkable streets, hidden alleys, stunning architecture, and a sleek metropolitan vibe. It’s an ideal place to discover on your next trip.
Hotel
The prime location for accommodation in Zagreb is the city center. Canopy by Hilton, which opened its first European branch here in late 2018, features 151 rooms and 8 spacious suites. The hotel is housed in what was once Croatia’s first confectionery factory, Union, established in 1911. It retains its unique charm and draws inspiration from Croatian culture and industrial heritage. Guests can enjoy a distinctive travel experience with local artwork, regional textiles, and unique surprises such as hallways lined with posters of Croatian inventor Nikola Tesla.
The rooms are designed for both aesthetics and functionality, featuring free WiFi, a 49-inch TV, a Nespresso machine, and a refrigerator. Sustainability is emphasized with filtered spring water stations and in-room refillable glass bottles.
ReUnion Restaurant offers Southern-inspired dishes made with fresh local ingredients from the Dolac Market, served in an upscale-bistro setting. The restaurant also showcases artwork from famous Croatian labels, adding a playful twist to the space. The innovative menu includes Croatian chard pie, black cuttlefish risotto, local cheese, craft beer, and wines.
Dining
In the trendy design district, Noel attracts a stylish crowd that appreciates top-quality Croatian cuisine mixed with culinary experimentation in a refined atmosphere. Guests can choose from four or seven-course meals, featuring dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients. Notable items include Adriatic sashimi tuna with cucumber and wasabi, cheese risotto with white truffle, and Schneenockerl, a creamy dessert made with egg and milk.
Zagreb boasts approximately 4,500 cafes and restaurants, offering a diverse range of culinary influences from around the world. Local specialties to try include:
- Apple Strudel: A classic dessert with fresh grated apples, cinnamon, and a touch of rum.
- Paprenjak: A traditional peppery biscuit made with honey, walnuts, and pepper.
- Licitar: A sweet honey dough biscuit, heart-shaped and colorful, traditionally given as a symbol of love.
- Štrukli: A versatile dish made with filo pastry dough, eggs, cream, and cottage cheese, served in various ways such as sweet, savory, boiled, or baked.
Exploring
Zagreb’s city center is home to some of the best shops, restaurants, attractions, and cultural sites, all within walking distance from the hotel. A must-see is the Zagreb Cathedral, the tallest building in the city at 77 meters, dating back to the 13th century.
The Dolac Market, established in 1930, is the largest farmer’s market in Zagreb, selling vibrant flowers, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, and souvenirs. The fish and meat markets are located in surrounding buildings, featuring local specialties such as Neretva Valley mandarins, Istrian olive oil, Zagorje cottage cheese and cream, and cherries from Zadar. The market honors the tradition of village women selling goods with a statue of a “kumica” at the entrance.
The historic Upper Town offers attractions like St. Mark’s Square, Croatian Parliament, Croatian Government, medieval towers, and museums. The Lotrščak Tower fires a cannon daily at noon, and the Priest’s Tower once protected clergy during attacks. The area also features old palaces with beautiful courtyards and 214 gas lamps that have been illuminating the streets for 150 years.
Zagreb has the highest number of museums per capita in the world, with collections ranging from tender to contemporary to whimsical. The Museum of Broken Relationships is particularly popular, showcasing items donated from around the world with touching stories behind them.
Events
Zagreb hosts several events, including the Zagreb Classic, Inmusic Festival, and the Festival of Lights. One of the most popular events is the Advent Christmas Market, where twinkling lights adorn the streets and squares, with stalls selling international foods, handmade items, and local specialties. The market is perfect for a festive night out, with local food and wine vendors, DJ stages, and band performances. Specialty bites include “fritule” (deep-fried dough balls) and various sausages. Drinks include local craft brews, mulled wine, and Pelinkovac, a famous Croatian herbal liqueur. The ice rink in Tomislavov Square is a family favorite, glowing softly at night. Zagreb Advent starts when the first advent candle is lit and ends on January 6th.