Zagreb: Central European Charm
This eagerness for order is very comfortable when you discover it for the first time. In the culture mile you will enjoy its best museums (don't miss the fantastic collection of Mimara, Naive Art, Contemporary Art or Broken Hearts, the most practiced art by human beings since the world was world) .
If you don't want to give up running on your getaways or you simply like to appreciate the spontaneous serenity that a good park gives, take a long walk along the green mile. You will discover a capital obsessed with nature . In the mile of flavors is where Zagreb best reflects its Mediterranean spirit, especially refined in the dollar, a fantastic outdoor market specializing in organic products and wooden toys . Don't miss out on a tour of its Flower Market, especially if you like appetizers with a view. And so that the night does not confuse you, the party is well defined. Bars and cafes in the center, trendy nightclubs on the shores of Lake Jarun.
add to the mix that indisputable post-Soviet point so characteristic and morbidity is served . You have at your feet -because it is perfect for walking- a vibrant and welcoming city, capable of surprising you in 6 steps.
1) GET ON THE FUNICULAR
Croats really like to have an overview, so whenever they can, they plant a good cable car in their cities. Perfect to get a global idea of what you are going to have to walk, and to discover at a stroke that in this city the grid rules. In addition, the funicular, affectionately Known as the “Old Lady”, it is an attraction in itself: It has been linking the Upper and Lower parts of the city for over 100 years and is much more comfortable than climbing stairs, although if you want to discover one of Zagreb's most celebrated oddities you will have to stretch your legs at some point. Halfway there is the Stone Gate, which according to legend is the only entrance to the city that remained intact during the fire of 1713. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary -Croatia is an eminently Catholic country- the hole in the wall is filled of wishing candles and thank you plaques.
The funicular that connects the upper part with the lower part
2)JET ON A BLUE TRAM AT BAN JOSIP JELACIC SQUARE
Known as the heart of the city and crossed by a thousand tram lines, all the street hustle and bustle takes place here, at the point that delimits the upper area with the lower area. All of Zagreb passes through here, gives its opinion here and stays here. Full of bars and cafes, it offers the perfect excuse to watch people go by, observe how they behave and organize our next line of steps on the map.
The mythical blue trams
3)VISIT THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN HEARTS
We agree. If you've ever had your heart broken, you already know how damn funny the experience is, but if you've already overcome it or are about to, this curious, modern and, above all, surprising museum can help you a lot. Also if you are looking for inspiration, if you want to bask in your sorrow, here you will see that there are many who have gone through the same thing as you and, precisely, it is those many who make the existence of the Museum possible with their donations. From the bride who donated her dress -because she was left standing at the altar- to the nice man who gave away his mobile -so they wouldn't call him again-. In addition, the museum has a room with a microphone so that in the most absolute privacy you can let off steam telling your story and exaggerate it as much as you want without anyone bothering you. Before you leave, stop by the store and get yourself an eraser to erase bad memories, put it on your bedside table and pray it a lot so you don't have to use it. Oh, and so you can see that Croatians do have a sense of humor, keep in mind that the beautiful Church with a colorful roof that you will come across as you leave the Museum, the Church of San Miguel, is their favorite to get married.
A collection of stubble, painful memories, vinegar wounds
4) DISCOVER HIS DESIRE TO DESIGN
After many years of Soviet aesthetics, monotonous, uniform and with a marked fondness for grey, it is not surprising that all the young people of Zagreb carry in their hearts a colorful and daring designer . As the crisis has also caught up with them, they cannot hit the center of sumptuous ateliers, but time after time because they have been going strong. At the moment there are many fairs for young talents where you can appreciate the ingenuity of their creations and many more Facebook pages that will make you fall in love and where you will want to get hold of the most surprising creations.
Look out for names like BeeBit, Lolina Kucna Manufaktura, Ursha Shoes or Sexy Plexy . The already consecrated ones distribute their art around the city, so going shopping is a very good idea, especially if you want to get away from the highly monitored western aesthetic. If you like vintage, do not forget to browse the fantastic proposals of Ulicni Ormar , if you want to attract attention, bet on jewelery from Jewelery Junk and if minimalist design is your thing, look for Di-Rama and take a walk through the Prostor Gallery.
5) ENJOY ITS GREEN SPACES
They are worth it. Above all Maksimir Park, the most famous and complete park in the city , which is suitable for everything and in winter it even has a track to slide on a sled. It will take ten minutes by tram and from there you can visit two other very interesting places: the Zoo, which even has piranhas, and the wonderful Mirogoj Cemetery, an architectural gem from the end of the 19th century that will force you to travel in nostalgia. Domes, arcades and gardens in a harmonious and quiet environment perfect for taking a break.
Mirogoj Cemetery: nineteenth-century beauty
6) ENJOY ITS CAFES, BARS AND RESTAURANTS
A university city, full of designers and with a keen sense of hipster had to be a paradise for leisure. Do not miss the pedestrian area of Zagreb where you will find the best cafes and restaurants, many built on terraces for the glory of those who enjoy the views. Pod Grickim Topom salads are memorable , and yes, the most difficult thing is to detect the name and pronounce it!
In any case, and in case you feel like experimenting with typical dishes, remember that you are in Central Europe, and that also has to do with gastronomy. Attentive if you don't like cooked vegetables – they have a special predilection for cabbage - you better bet on everything that is blatantly Mediterranean. You'll be pleased to know that the quality is high, the prices affordable, and that everyone speaks English. If you're wondering what to do at night, don't hesitate, start with a good cocktail or rakija liqueur – we warn you that it's strong – at Cica or Melin and then hit the clubs. The Funk Club is one of the funniest. If you like jazz, don't forget to spend an evening at the legendary BP Club. And if your heart beats to the rhythm of artistic bohemia Do not miss under any circumstances the Sedmica will complete your experience.
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