Nestled at the foot of the Medvednica Mountains sits the cozy, bustling city of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.
Despite the rising popularity of Croatia as a tourist destination, Zagreb is considerably less known and traveled to as many tourists book flights to spend their summer on the turquoise shores of southern Croatian coasts.
Contrary to the notion of Croatia being a summer holiday stop, the winter season could be the perfect time to plan your vacation for Zagreb, as the streets bloom with lights and ornaments, vendors offering warm drinks and local snacks, and festive holiday music from street performances.
The city being relatively small gives the benefits of being able to take a walking tour in the span of a day. So here are things you can do for 24 hours in the capital city of Croatia during the winter months.
You can begin your tour at Ban Jelačić Square, located in the center of the city. This is a busy plaza lined with boutiques and shops, perfect for holiday shopping. Right beside the square is Dolac Market, the city's largest outdoor market, where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as locally produced meats, cheese, and handmade souvenirs.
Now, if you head up the wide, stone stairs from the square, you will end up in one of the many cobblestone streets leading uphill towards the Upper Town.
The Old Town, also known as the Upper Town or Gornji Grad in Croatian, holds many of Zagreb’s most popular attractions.
First up is Markov Trg, or Saint Mark’s Square, with the Saint Mark’s Church in its center. The church is well-known for its iconic red-white- and-blue patterned roofs reminiscent of the Croatian flag, along with the huge crests of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, the three different regions of the ancient Tripartite Kingdom.
If you are a fan of modern art, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art may be right up your alley. Also located in the Upper Town of Zagreb, it holds many artworks of 20th century naïve artists, mostly of Croatian nationality.
Right around the block from the Museum of Naïve Art is another tourist hotspot, namely the Museum of Broken Relationships. A bit of a unique name for a museum located in an old Baroque building, but this funny little nook is definitely worth your time. Here you can find personal objects that belonged to former lovers in a long-gone relationship with each its description, donated from across the world and the collection still being expanded to this day.
If you’re visiting during the months of December and January, be sure to check out the Advent Market while touring the Upper Town. You can roam through the streets strung with colorful lights and blasting holiday carols, teeming with people and the delectable wafting scents of various local street foods. There are freshly roasted chestnuts, homemade sausages, mulled wine, and Knödel, a type of sweet bread dumpling filled with compote and drizzled with chocolate and vanilla on top.
Once the sun has set and you’ve made your way out of the Upper Town, do stop by Donji Grad, or Lower Town, starting with Tkalciceva Street, a pedestrian-only street full of cafes, bars, and restaurants. It's an excellent spot to enjoy a hearty meal or have a drink with friends.
Next, take a long stroll through Zrinjevac Park located in the heart of the city, featuring fountains, statues, and greenery. You can relax on a bench to rest your tired legs and listen to street musicians while enjoying the Christmas decoorations lighting up the crisp night air.
On your way out of Zagreb, be sure to purchase some local souvenirs, such as Rakija, Croatian liquor made from various fruits and honey, or a traditional Cravat, the Croatian necktie, made by local tailors.
Next time you plan a trip to Europe, consider exploring Zagreb, a small but vibrant city made for strolling, pulsing with life and cheer.