What to see in Zagreb

Zagreb is a city of open squares, summer terraces and historic cafés. Probably the most authentic experience that one can have is the idle coffee drinking on one of the terraces in the Petra Preradovića Square (1), which, by the way, is known among the locals as the Flower Square because of the many flower-selling stands that are traditionally found there.

Zagreb’s historical Upper Town houses the Museum of Broken Relationships (2), probably one of the most original, but also the saddest museums that you will ever visit. It exhibits mementos and relics of past relationships belonging to people around the world and telling some of the saddest stories that you will ever hear.

Sljeme (3) is the peak of Mount Medvednica at the northern edge of the city, a popular outing spot and probably one of Zagreb’s most popular toponyms. In winter, one goes to Sljeme for snow and skiing, and in summer, to get away from the heat and the hustle and bustle of the city.

Less than 30 kilometers from Zagreb lies Samobor (4), a picturesque little town and one of Croatia’s oldest excursion sites, well-known for its carnival celebrations and its confectionery tradition.

If you are staying in Zagreb, it will be well worth your time to stop by the Trakošćan Castle (5), the biggest and most impressive castles in northern Croatia. Trakošćan truly looks like something from a fairytale or a film about princes and knights. Its construction started back in the 13th century, and it is surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful park. Trakošćan is just over an hour’s drive from Zagreb.