Zagreb © Croatian National Tourist Board
Why? Some top-flight art museums and, believe it or not,
one of the world's most impressive cemeteries, are among the sights
to explore on a holiday in Zagreb, the lively riverside capital of
Croatia. The city also has an atmospheric medieval centre, plenty
of good souvenir shopping and an increasing number of bustling
nightclubs.
When? Summer is the favourite time for a Zagreb
holiday when the weather is warm and dry. Surprisingly temperatures
reach a peak early in the season with hot spells in late May
sometimes hitting 86°F (30°C) and beyond. Winters are very
cold and snowy, and autumn is marred with plenty of rain and
fog.
Who for? Cheap flights to Zagreb from Britain and other
European cities have made a short holiday in Zagreb a popular
option for a city break. Others opt to travel to Zagreb for a
look-see en route to Croatia's popular coastal resorts.
More Info: Discover the attractions and excursions
to be enjoyed on a Zagreb holiday in our full Zagreb travel guide,
which also offers a Basics section covering all the required
information for travel to Zagreb.
Overview
Zagreb, capital of Croatia, is the country's economic centre and
gateway to Western Europe. The city is sited on the slopes of
Medvednica Mountain along the banks of the Sava River, in the
northern part of Croatia. The core of the city consists of the
preserved medieval city, known as Gradec and Kaptol, while the
residential area covers the southern slopes of the Medvednica
Mountains. Since the 1950s the city has grown appreciably to the
south of the Sava River, and the main industrial area is in the
southeast. Besides being a commercial hub Zagreb is a tourist
centre, and a popular international conference venue, with a
history dating back nearly a thousand years. It is rich in
historical monuments, museums and galleries, has modern shops,
restaurants, sport and recreation facilities and a good transport
infrastructure. Its attractions are largely historical, dating from
the Palaeolithic Veternica Cave, through Roman culture and the
fascinating medieval old town.
