Zagreb can be described as a city with the biggest lounge. The moment the sun appears in the sky in spring, restaurant, café and coffeehouse terraces open for custom. Streets become promenades, places to get a cup of coffee, relax or have a business meeting. A combination of Mediterranean cordiality and northern business sense make any visitor feel welcome. The traditional International Folklore Festival, the global festival of street performers Cest is d’Best, outdoor summer concerts on Zrinjevac, St. Martin’s Day and many other open-air events increase the feeling of communality. Described as a little Vienna, Croatia’s capital Zagreb is a mishmash of elegant Austro-Hungarian buildings and cobbled medieval streets just waiting to be explored. Often overlooked by tourists who prefer to sun themselves on Croatia’s stunning beaches,

Zagreb is a great choice for a city break destination with a difference. Think beautiful squares packed with Art Noveau and Baroque buildings, parks full of locals soaking up the summer sun and an atmosphere that combines a mix of Balkan and Central European cultures. And even though it has all the beauty of Prague and Budapest, it doesn’t quite have the reputation – yet – meaning you’ll be able to explore to your heart’s content, minus the tourist crowds.

Lounging in cafés has been a long tradition in this city. The Zagreb Green Horseshoe and the main square of Ban Josip Jelačić have always been hubs of social life in Zagreb. Nowadays, this has spread across the whole city centre, around the pedestrianised zone and even further. People from all walks of life can find something of interest here. Cafés around Ban Jelačić, or simply ‘Square’ as it is often referred to, attract prominent figures. Preradović, also known as Flower Square, is loved by artists and young people, as well as an older crowd. Tkalčićeva, once the border between Gradec and Kaptol, used to be full of pubs and served as the red-light district, but nowadays it is a trendy destination for rendezvous and relaxation for the whole family. Check and taste superb Croatian cousine in every Zagreb’s restaurant.

Dolac, the city’s main market, sits right in the centre of Zagreb. Put together the perfect picnic with fresh fruit, vegetables and bread in a country where organic produce is the norm, or pick up a hand-crafted souvenir (Gornji Grad, Medvescak).
Croatia claims to have invented the tie, said to come from the name French troops gave to their nattily attired counterparts. They stock a superb range at Croata. Croatia’s food and drink larder is justly renowned around the world these days. Find out exactly why at foodie emporium Natura Croatica, which stocks a great range of organic produce. If your thoughts are already turning to Christmas, head to Croata boutique for a great selection of quality ties. You’re in the right place as the tie was invented in Croatia.
Take the funicular up and peel back the centuries on the cobbled streets of Upper Town, a particularly graceful quarter of Zagreb. Enjoy the lofty views from various vantage points, check out local museums and relax in some of the many cafes and restaurants.
Zagreb’s Lower Town is a stately grid-like oasis lined with grand, Austro-Hungarian-era buildings, green parks and gardens, making it ideal for a winter stroll, especially if there’s snow on the ground.
Trg Ban Jelacica Zagreb’s lifeblood main square is the ideal place to kick back in a cafe and watch the world and the local trams zip by, with plenty of shops around to explore afterwards.