Most Americans don’t think about visiting Croatia at all. And when we do, we think about the picturesque coast on the Adriatic sea.
The two cites of Split and Dubrovnik on Croatia’s western coast are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
But, I spent five days in the capital city Zagreb, and I can’t imagine the coasts being better than this amazing city.
This article is the first in a three-part series giving you tips and ideas about Zagreb if you’re thinking about going there for a vacation. Some of the information in this article you can find on the internet, but mainly these are my personal tips from being there.
Zagreb Croatia
Zagreb is the Capital city of the country of Croatia. Croatia is one of the six or seven countries that made up former Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia broke up in 1991.
For orientation purposes, Croatia is across the sea from Italy, and north of Greece.
Zagreb is the Capital city, with about 1.2 million people.
While I did not travel outside the main city center and surrounding suburbs, Zagreb felt bigger than it’s a relatively small size.
Croatian People
The best thing about Zagreb is that the Croatian people are some of the nicest people in the world. I don’t know why they are so nice, but one reason I can think of is that they don’t get a lot of tourists. Unlike the beautiful Croatian coast, Zagreb, which is 4 hours by train inland, doesn’t get overrun by tourists.
Ironically, in my experience, there is an inverse relationship between how many tourists a place gets and how nice the locals are.
Do Croatians Speak English?
Yes – About 75%
From what I heard, and who I spoke to, about 75% of Croatians speak perfect English. I met a few girls who did not speak much English at all, but they were the exception.
Croatians learn English in school, but so do a lot of people in the world, and like I said in my What is Russia Really Like article, that doesn’t mean anything. Before I went to Sweden in 2017, I was told Swedes were fluent in English, but when I got there, I was shocked by how few people knew English.
Where To Stay in Zagreb
The main square of Zagreb is called Ban Jelačić Square.
There is a street called Ilica Street that runs horizontal, east/west next to the square.
If you can, stay somewhere near this square.
All of the major sights, restaurants, and bars will be within walking distance.
There is the metro line that runs along Ilica. (The blue tram in photo), and this center area of Zagreb is very walkable.
Tip: Everyone calls Ban Jelačić Square “downtown.” If you’re from the U.S., this may be a little confusing because in Zagreb, there is a part of town with tall buildings that looks like a “downtown.” That is not what they are talking about.
Tip: If you come into Zagreb by train from say, Hungary, (I left Zagreb by train to Hungary) or Slovenia, the train station is about 2 or 3 miles from the square. It took me 20 minutes to walk to the train station.
Tip: There are many affordable Airbnbs in the center of Zagreb.
I stayed in an apartment right off the square and it was perfect.
Here is what my Airbnb looked like:
This Airbnb cost me $75 USD per night, and it was great. If you are interested;
go here: Most Intagramable view in Zagreb-Apartment Omnia
Here is the review I left regarding the Airbnb,
“If you’re coming to Zagreb, Ivana’s place is excellent. The best part is the location. You are staying on Ban Jelacic Square that is the heart of Zagreb. Most tourist destinations are within walking distance from this apartment. The apartment is very big and clean, with modern touches. The check-in and check out process was very easy, even for checking in late (9:00 pm). I definitely recommend this place if you are coming to Zagreb, Croatia.”
What to See in Zagreb
In my opinion, there are at least seven (7) sights that you must see when you visit Zagreb.
#1 Ban Jelačić Statue
This statue is located in the middle of Ban Jelačić Square. The statue is dedicated to Count Jelacic Josip. He is most known for leading Croatians in a revolt against Hungary in 1848.
#2 St. Mark’s Church and Parliament Building
St. Mark’s Church is in what’s called old town Zagreb. The church is about a 20-minute walk from the center square.
Note: I know of two ways to get up there.
You can take the tram (called a funicular) up the hill to the old town and Church. Or, you can walk up the stairs right next to the tram. (pictured below).
#3 Cathedral of Zagreb
About a 5-minute walk from the main square, there is a beautiful Cathedral called the Cathedral of Zagreb.
Note: If you want to go inside, you can not wear shorts.
So those are three (3) of the must-see sights in Zagreb, Croatia. As always, if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments
Next article:
Sights four to seven
#4 Dolac Farmers Market
#5 360 Zagreb
#6 Zagreb View and Locks
#7 Museum of Broken Relationships
