Why you should visit ZAGREB?
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. This small city is rich in culture, gastronomic delights and medieval building inspired by Austro-Hungarian art nouveau. This city is awarded to have the best Christmas Market in all of Europe by the European Best Destinations Online poll. What makes Zagreb outstanding? I’ve listed a few reasons below:
Budget Friendly
Rich in culture
Great coffee culture
Contemporary Art
Food lover haven
OUR JOURNEY TO ZAGREB:
I and my Mom decided to stop by at Zagreb on our way to Budapest, Hungary coming from Ljubljana, Slovenia. We had a 5-hour free time before we hopped in our next bus. (Check out Flixbus)
As we packed 2 trolley hand luggage and one massive backpack, we decided to go around the bus station and ask for luggage storage for the day. We paid 50 Croatian Kunas (around £6.00) for 4hrs for one of our heavy carry-on and continued to carry the other two to avoid getting charged further.
TIP: Make sure to always pack light.
From Zagreb’s bus station we took a quick 5-7 mins bus/tram ride to the centre. The ticket for one day cost 30 Croatian Kuna per person, this is around £3.50 for the whole day. After the quick tram ride, we were welcomed by the small yet beautiful city centre. Make sure to visit all of the sights and landmarks listed below.
TOP 7 SIGHTS and LANDMARK
(Credits: Vengavalevamos.com)
ST MARKS CHURCH
The exterior alone is beautiful and mesmerizing as it feels like it came out from a Fairytale movie. There are 2 options to get to St. Marks Church. One of them is to take the funicular (around £1 or less), and the other is make your way up around it by foot. We took the footpath on our way up and did not realize the slope was quite steep. Having our luggage with us whilst going up the slope made it harder. But, the view at the top is beautiful. Don’t get fooled St. Marks church is not as big as Zagreb Cathedral but boasts a quirky character making it stand out from the rest. The colourful tiled roof of the church sticks out as if it came out of a children storybook. The infamous medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia, and Zagreb (credits to Lonely Planet) is the most photographed view of the roof.
(Credits: VisitZagreb.hr)
ZAGREB CATHEDRAL
This is known as the Cathedral of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary but let’s just call it Zagreb Cathedral for now. This stunning Cathedral is located near the Dolac Market (Upper Town). One of the biggest church/cathedral within the proximity. Make sure to drop by and make a wish. I have always done this ever since I can remember.
In front of the cathedral is the Kaptol Square, where a fountain with the Virgin Mary’s golden statue on top can be spotted. This statue is dwarfed by the gigantic structure of the Cathedral.
(Credits: robertpljuscec.com) – One of my favourite photo please check out Robert’s website by clicking the link or image.
CHURCH OF ST. CATHERINE
Unfortunately, the Church was closed when we visited Zagreb but this Church is within the premises of St. Marks Church so make sure to have a peep through. Beside the church is an overlooking viewing deck called Strossmayer Promenade.
DOLAC MARKET
Lower Town – We were lucky to have been able to see and experience going around Dolac Market. If you are a fan of the local market’s this one is for you. One thing that popped out in the market is the number of lavender products being sold during that time. If you have insomnia I suggest you check out lavender products such as pillow spray, linen sachets or essential oils. I bought a few dried lavenders in small bags whilst roaming around the Dolac market which cost 10 Croatians Kunas (£1.20) for 3 small bags. Another stall that grabbed my attention aside from the fresh produce was the souvenirs stand.
(Credits: Triprabbits.com)
KUMICA BARICA
This statue of a market woman will greet you on top of the stairs before reaching the Dolac Market. This is if you came from Ban Jelačić Square of the central square. Expect to see tourists taking selfies of Kumika Barica, as she exudes the quality of hard working women. This statue personifies the true local people of Zagreb.
(Credits: Croatiareviews.com)
BAN JELAčIć SQUARE
This is the central square of Zagreb. Similar to other European countries this square is surrounded by restaurants, food stalls, souvenir stalls, banks, and stores. If you are facing the Dolac Market, on your left is Zagreb’s main shopping street called Ilica. Make sure to plan your trip before submerging yourself in this street.
(Credits: VisitZagreb.hr)
STROSSMAYER PROMENADE
(Credits: Visitzagreb.hr)
TKALCICEVA STREET
Are you a coffee lover? or are you a fan of alcoholic beverage?. Are you a food lover? or do you love taking photos of food?. This place is definitely for you.
Unfortunately, we were not able to go around the whole street of Tkalciceva. But this street is one of the most popular streets boasting numerous bars and restaurant. Not only is this street a foodie haven, but also an Instagram worthy street full of colours and character.
CREDITS:
Google and Google Maps – Addresses and Location Name
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TRAVEL TOPICS:
Do you
Travelling on a budget? read my previous post about Wanderlust Fund – Savings Challenge.
Planning for your next destination? read this post Book your holiday through social media, How travel around 6 European countries in 10 days, How to plan your trip and Travel Essentials – Summer Holiday
BLOGGING TOPICS:
Are you considering blogging on the side? check out the 10 blogging lessons you need to know
PERSONAL FINANCE TOPICS:
Interested in personal finance topics? read 10 money saving tips and my top 5 money mistakes