Category: Croatia

Travel Guide and Why Go to Croatia articles

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Croatia travel guide

Croatia: Getting There is Half the Battle

Croatia has been on the tourist radar for some years, but despite the alluring pictures of stunning blue waters, beautiful beaches, and Roman ruins it still hasn’t been completely overrun by people visiting on a European tour. There’s every reason to include Croatia on your next trip to Europe – the great bargains being only one – that it’s frankly a little surprising that more travelers don’t visit Croatia each year.

Of course, European vacationers have been enjoying Croatia’s gorgeous coastline for longer than it’s been called Croatia – this part of the world has been extremely popular as a holiday destination since Roman times (note the proximity of those Roman ruins to great sea views), and now with all the travel deals you can find out there it’s even more appealing if you’re coming from further away.

As mentioned, Croatia is a pretty good bargain for budget travelers, with the many cheap hotels in Croatia and even cheaper hostels, and once you’re in the bigger tourist destinations you’re doing well. But getting around in Croatia is still a little bit of a challenge if you’re used to the great network of rail lines throughout most of Europe. Among the many options for how to get to Croatia from Italy, for instance, the train will only take you so far before you have to switch to a bus or rent yourself a car.

One of the cheaper options these days for getting to Croatia from elsewhere in Europe is simply to fly. If you’re already in Europe you can find excellent deals on cheap flights to cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik on carriers like Ryanair, Germanwings, and easyJet. And if you’re coming from outside Europe, your best course of action may be to find the best deal you can on cheap flights to Europe and then look for one of those budget carrier flights from there into Croatia.

Yes, it can be a little more challenging to get to Croatia than it is to get to places like France or Italy, but since the prices once you get there are still so great it’s worth the effort.

photo by Michael Caven

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Articles Croatia

Round The World via Europe

RTW vacations typically include many budget countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, India or Turkey. But if you manage to plan the vacation right, you can fit in some European countries as well, without breaking the budget.

Did you know that many European countries are very cheap to visit? You didn’t? Then read on. Countries such as Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Bulgaria are excellent places to visit during a RTW vacation. Both accommodation and food are cheap. You’ll probably have a bit of a headache with planning the transportation part, but that can also be solved with a bit of practice.

Look up flights to Istanbul and plan to visit the city for couple of days. It will allow you to experience both the Asian culture and the European culture, hence avoiding the cultural shock when you step onto the Old Continent. Cheap Istanbul hotels aren’t hard to find , either, especially if you plan ahead of time.

Then, book a flight to Sofia (Bulgaria). Direct flights start at €122 per person one way (in late September). You can then spend a day or two in the capital and then explore the coastal area, close to Varna, where you can visit some interesting sights and relax, as well. From Sofia, you can head to Zagreb (Croatia) via Budapest (Hungary). Although Budapest tends to be a bit expensive during the summer, if you plan your vacation in early to late fall, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find excellent prices. Room rates start at €45 per night in hotels but you can find cheaper accommodation in hostels. Do allow several days in the city because there is a lot to see.

Central, Eastern and the Balkans can be excellent stops on your RTW vacation. The trick is to plan ahead and be flexible.

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Croatia travel guide

Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina as Side Trip from Croatia

sarajevo-latin-bridgeCroatia is one of the very popular countries among the Europeans looking for a cheap beach getaway. But if you want to try something different, why not plan to explore one of the less visited countries in the area?

Bosnia and Herzegovina, although still bearing the scars from the 1990s wars in the Balkans, are starting to be appreciated by travelers. Add the fact that the area is cheap and you surely have a very interesting choice for a vacation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina border Croatia so getting from one country to another is cheap and easy. Airline tickets to Europe are not hard to find, especially if you know where to look for. And finding a cheap ticket between Zagreb and Sarajevo is just as easy. Croatia Airlines offers the cheapest connection (€77 one way per person in mid-June). The flight is direct and takes under an hour.

Now that you’ve booked the flight, it’s time to look for cheap hotels in Sarajevo. Just like in any capital, the prices aren’t exactly seasonal and you can find anything from cheap places to expensive places. But you can also find excellent deals in hotels you never though you’d be able to afford a bed. Guest houses are great choices and you can book a night in one for as little as €40 and you’ll be staying in a charming neighborhood.

With the flight and hotel arranged, let’s take a look at some of the things you can see and do in Sarajevo. The Old Town is the heart and the city and comprises cobbled streets, mosques and Oriental style shops. You’ll feel a world away from Europe although you haven’t left the continent. You’ll definitely understand the multi-cultural feel of the city while walking by a Catholic church, a Orthodox church and a Synagogue but hear the Islamic call to prayer at the same time. The Latin Bridge (see photo above) is where the Archduke of the Austrian Hungarian empire Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking the beginning of the World War I. A variety of museums and churches will also catch you eye. Also plan a day trip outside the city. The surrounding hills offer excellent views of Sarajevo.

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Croatia

Dubrovnik Franciscan Monastery

 

Address: Placa 2

phone: +385 20 321 410


open: 9 am-6 pm

entrance fee: 6 kn, children 4 kn

 

Franciscan monastery

Be sure to explore Dubrovnik’s century’s old and still active Franciscan monastery, one of Dubrovnik’s most popular attractions. The large area surrounding and including the Franciscan monastery is located at the very beginning of Stradun (Placa), to the left of the Pile Gate. The side of the monastery church runs along the main street and continues north along the walls as far as the tower Minceta.

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What to know

            The monastery was first built in the 13th century in the Pile area. But as Dubrovnik became increasingly close to entering war, the friars were forced to move, and construction for the new monastery began in 1317, but was not finished for some time. Some parts were destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly.

What to notice

            The large Franciscan church, one of the richest churches in Dubrovnik at the time, was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1667. The portal on the south wall is the only remnant of the former building. The portal has all the marks of the Gothic style, but the figures exhibit the spirit of the Renaissance.  St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist are carved above the door-posts, while the Pietá in relief is shown in the central Gothic lunette. The Pietá symbolizes the Croatians’ compassion for the poor members of the community who sought refuge from the Franciscans anyhow, and the figure of the Creator near the top represents opposition to the humanist world-views that were then prevalent. 

It’s all in the details

            The church was reconstructed in the Baroque style, and the northern wall of the church displays one of the most beautiful cloisters of Dubrovnik. Master Mihoje Brajkov of Bar built this cloister in late Romanesque style in 1360. The Franciscan cloister is one of the most valuable late Romanesque creations on the Croatian shores of the Adriatic. The pulpit in the church was built in the 15th century and the main altar dates from 1713. Also remaining from before the destructive earthquake is the 15th-century chapel shaped like a winged cupboard with painted wood. Dubrovnik’s famous poet, Ivan Gundulic, is also buried in the church.

Refill prescriptions

            The third oldest pharmacy in the world was founded at the monastery in 1317, and it continues to function today, so if you need some medicine, why not grab it at an accredited place? The monastery also owns one of the oldest libraries in the Croatia, globally famous for its collections. The library has over 20,000 books, over 1200 of which are old manuscripts, and 7 books of old church corals.  Spend an hour or so wondering around this peaceful building and try to imagine how life outside of it may have looked in the 14th century!

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Croatia travel guide

Stradun

Dubrovnik’s Stradun

When you visit Dubrovnik, it is almost impossible to avoid the city’s main drag, the Stradun (Straw-DOON) or Placa. The Stradun itself one of Dubrovnik’s tourist attractions, and it’s the place to wander and window shop. The Stradun starts from the city bus stop outside Pile Gate and runs about 300 meters to the clock tower at the other end of town. It is a pedestrian zone, so visitors can walk with the comfort of knowing they won’t be bombarded by vehicles.

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What you’ll see

            Right inside the Pile Gate sits the Franciscan Monastery, which houses one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, operating since 1391.  On the right is a rustic polygonal fountain, Onofrio’s Large Fountain. On the eastern end of the Stradun there is a second fountain, Onofrio’s Small Fountain, carved by the sculptor Pietro di Martino in 1442 according to designs made by the engineer Onofrio de la Cava of Naples.  St. Blaise’s Church, a quaint Italian baroque building, is also on the east end of Stradun.  Gothic Rector’s Palace, built in 1441 is there as well. The palace now serves as a museum with furnished rooms, baroque paintings and historical exhibits.  At the very end of the Placa on the east side, sits the most superb building, the Sponza palace, built in the period from 1516 to 1521. Across the street is a bustling morning market.

What to know 

            The cobbled surface surrounded by buildings’ façades on both sides was at one point in time completely underwater. Years ago, Stradun was a sea channel, which separated the two settlements that founded Dubrovnik in the early Middle Ages. After the channel was filled up, Stradun became a street. Though there are several theories about the way Stradun came to be, this is the established explanation.  Stradun suffered significant damage in the earthquake that shook Dubrovnik in 1667.  Stradun also suffered other damages during the Homeland war in 1991, when numerous missiles landed on the popular street.

Where to shop

            The pavement is made of limestone and shines bright after rainfall. The houses on each side date back to the 17th century, with their height and style all in uniform. For the most part, the shops have the characteristic “na koljeno”—combined door and counter. The “na koljeno” type consists of a door and window in a single frame spanned by a semicircular arch. In the past, the door was kept closed and goods handed over the sill, which acted as the counter.  Though it’s become a bit touristy over the years, shoppers can find authentic Croatian items along with the typical souvenir offerings.   Restaurants offering traditional Dubrovnik-style seafood can be found along Stradun, as well as Vinoteka, (the Croatian word for “Wine Shop”) which sells Croatian and Slovenian wines alongside olive oil and truffles. You can find the shop at the entrance of the Stradun. Other items to buy are Croatian spirits, such as grape-herb and plum based brandies like grappa, travarica and sljivovica, which are to be drunk as aperitifs. You might see bottles crammed with herbs and spices. These lovely packaged bottles make wonderful and unique gifts. 

Early bird gets the chair           

            There is definitely a cafe culture on the Stradun. As soon as the sun rises, cafe owners can be seen setting tables and chairs out for the day. You have to be early and quick to find a seat if you want to spend time people watching on the busy street. It is definitely first come first served.  Come back in the evening for a few drinks when things quiet down a bit, and just observe.  It’s the best place to be after a long day of sightseeing or playing in the water, and the best place to explore for shopping and eating in Dubrovnik.

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Croatia travel guide

Samobor day trip

Take it easy

If you’re looking for a break from the faster-paced (but still pleasant) activities in Zagreb, take the bus or drive about 30-40 minutes to the small town of Samobor.  There is a regular bus service every half-hour or so to and from Zagreb all day, and it is well worth the trip for the food and the walking paths. The town is situated in the middle of the mountainous Samoborsko Gorje. Because of this, Samobor offers visitors numerous hiking opportunities in lush forests and beautiful views at the top.

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What you’ll see

The town of Samobor recalls the Baroque period, and it has a long tradition of tourism.  Boasting several covered bridges, a trickling brook and red-roofed houses, this pleasant little town is a great day venture.  Samobor does become very popular and crowded in mid-February during its famous carnival, so if you’re planning on visiting then, make arrangements ahead of time.

What you’ll taste

While visiting, tourists should definitely taste some of the authentic dishes from the region. Order Rudorska greblica, which is a type of cheesecake prepared according to an ancient recipe. Another good option for a treat is Samoborske kremsnite, a flaky and custardy pastry cake. Traditional meals are also a good bet in Samobor. Try Pri Staroj Vuri near the main square and order Samobor’s famous sweet wine, Bermet, before your main course. Cafe U Prolazu and Café bar Ara are two establisments that come recommended.  If you’re in the mood to cool off, try an Kaffe Eis (Ice Coffee), which is more of a milkshake, with whipped crème and icecream over espresso. Not the healthiest of choices, but you can burn off those extra calories with some hiking.

Where to stay

One day is certainly enough time to explore Samobor, but there are a few hotels and private accommodations available, and the price is reasonable compared to hotels in Zagreb. Hotel Lavica is a famous 3 star hotel on the outskirts of the city, while Hotel Livadic is a pleasant hotel in the town center. Garni Hotel Samobor is a comfortable and well-furnished two-star hotel in town.

Where to go

Visit the tourist office in the town square for a map of the area, and get lost in the peaceful forests across from the square. While hiking, you might happen upon the baroque church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, with beautiful baroque altars.

Castle ruins

Visitors might want to check out the ruins of the Samobor Castle, easily accessible by hiking a short distance from the town square.  Supporters of Bohemian king Otokar Pøemisl II built the castle around 1271 on the hill above the town. In the year 1274, the castle was taken over by duke Ivan Okiæki. After that, the castle changed hands often, and the struggle for ownership and privileges lasted for three hundred years. The castle continued to deteriorate throughout this time, and in 1902, the town of Samobor bought the ruins.  It is definitely worth the hike not only to see the ruins but also for the stunning view of the town and surrounding area.  For those eager for even more information about Samobor’s history, the 
Museum of Samobor is located in the Livadic mansion.

Though it touts plenty of natural beauty, Samobor also has a significant amount of ruins and artifacts from ancient times. The oldest artifacts found originate from The Stone Age, while more was dug up from Bronze Age, Iron Age and from the age of the Roman Empire. The area of Samobor was populated by Illyrian tribe of Iapodes. There are several other archeological sites in Žumberak hills, near the villages of Budinjak, Bratelji and Gornja Vas.  

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Croatia travel guide

Ancient castle ruins

Castle ruins in Zagreb

Among the many things to do and see in Zagreb, visitors can have an enjoyable few hours exploring the crumbled ruins of ancient castles.  Hundreds of medieval castles are scattered across Croatia, and most are fairly decrepit. From Zagreb, you don’t have to travel far or pay a cent to find them—in fact, there are a few that are right beside the city. Most of the castles in this area were built to protect the city’s inhabitants from the Mongols.  Later, most were expanded and renovated in order to defend against the Ottoman Turks. However, technological advances made the castles mostly useless by the 17th century. Some were destroyed during battles, and others were abandoned, but the castle ruins still provide visitors with a chance to see a slice of Croatian history. Many of the castles sit high on hilltops, providing tourists with a nice forest hike and a rewarding view at the top.

Medvedgrad ruins

Just north of Zagreb on the slopes of the Medvednica mountain range, visitors can explore two castle ruins within the city limits. Medvedgrad is visible from downtown about a third of way up the slopes of Sljeme Mountain.

Getting there

Visitors can reach the castle by driving, but if private transportation isn’t available, it is just as easy to take a bus.  On bus number 102, visitors should get off at the “Blue Church” stop in Šestine. Walk along the paved road that runs up past the church cemetery towards the mountain.  If walking, you’ll pass a restaurant on the right and follow signs for trail number 12, which will take you up to the forest and right to the castle. The hike up from the bus stop takes 35 – 45 minutes and is moderately steep in places. You can also drive to the castle in about ten minutes on the paved road. There’s a café in the restored section of the castle if you get a bit thirsty or need a snack.  In the front, a monument dedicated to the fallen Croatian soldiers is worth a look.  Walk around, enjoy the woods and maybe try a Kaffe Eis (Ice coffee). 

Importance in history

The Medvedgrad fortress was built in the 13th century.  The fortress was in a strategic location, and it was easily defendable during wartime. It took about 70 years to build, and over time, acquired several owners, including noble families.  Croatian king Béla IV, who ruled from 1235-1270 was also one of the many owners, and was in power when the Mongols first invaded the area. Though defeated, he retook the castle when Ghengis’s son, Ogodei, died soon after the battle.

Susedgrad ruins—getting there

Susedgrad is another castle ruin in the city of Zagreb. It is located on the western edge of Zagreb on a low hill, and is 12 km west of the main square, Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. Visitors can reach the stop, Podsused, by following Ilica, the main east-west avenue. Many city buses also take you there, as well as the trams 2, 6 and 11—just get off at the western-most stop. Once you reach Podsused turn right off the highway right before you approach a VW dealer. Behind the dealer is the trail, which climbs through a wooden park. To reach the top of the low hill with the ruins, hike about 10 minutes. These ruins are less spectacular than Medvedgrad, but their proximity to the town square and the pleasant hike makes it worth the little journey. And if you’re in the market for a Volkswagon, well, you now know where to find one in Croatia.

More information on>> things to do in Zagreb

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Things to do in Dubrovnik

Ah, Dubrovnik. Adored by people like John Malkovitch, the king of Jordan and the late Pope John Paul II, this “jewel of the Adriatic” is Eastern Europe’s Venice, minus the flooding. The southern-most city in Croatia, Dubrovnik was one of the centers of the development of language and literature and was home to many famous poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians and other scholars. Its gorgeous old town became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, and its charm has attracted tourists who want a taste of the Mediterranean without the crowds of Greece and Italy.

The city is perfect for the meandering sightseer, the beach-goer and those in search of a lively nightlife. Though many of the city buildings were damaged by the earthquake in 1667 and bombs during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990’s, most has been rebuilt and Dubrovnik is still considered Croatia’s best kept secret.

Wander along Stradun

Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry as you wonder through Dubrovnik’s main street, the Stradun. Once a swamp, the Stradun, is now a place for locals and visitors to gather throughout the day and into the evening. With numerous cafés and restaurants, the street is a great place to rest your tired body after touring the various sites of Dubrovnik.

Sponza Palace

Dubrovnik’s Sponza Palace was constructed in 1522 as a customs-house, where merchants would bring goods from all over the world and pay a customs fee before trading. The palace exemplifies the simplistic Croatian architecture, which is very visually appealing. Now used to house city archives, the Sponza Palace is free to visit and is a nice, shady recluse from the sun. Be sure to notice the Gothic stonework and Renaissance-style windows.

Onofrio’s Large Fountain (Great Onofrio Well)


Originally constructed in 1438 by Italian architect Onofrio della Cava, the 16-sided drinking fountain was partially damaged in the 1667 earthquake, but remains rustic representation of old Dubrovnik architecture. The fountain was part of the city’s water mains constructed in the 15th century, and was considered an architectural masterpiece at the time it was built. Have a seat and a sip from this giant fountain, which supplied Croatians with water during the war in 1992.

Cathedral

For another rest in the shade and the opportunity to view intriguing works of art, peek inside the cathedral. The current cathedral was built in 1673, by Roman architect Andrea Buffalini to replace the original 12th century cathedral, which was destroyed by the earthquake. The cathedral includes Titian’s polyptych, Assumption, as well as the skull of St Blaise encased in a jewel-encrusted crown. When another earthquake struck in 1979, excavations beneath the cathedral revealed a Romanesque cathedral beneath the current one. Further digging uncovered another church underneath this one, dating from about the 6th century.

Rector’s Palace


2770797982_256ab4810aDesigned by Onofrio della Cava –who also designed Onofrio’s fountain—the Rector’s palace has not had the smoothest of histories. The original building was completely destroyed in 1435 by a gunpowder explosion. The second floor of the rebuilt palace was again destroyed by another explosion in 1463, and the entire building suffered more damage from the earthquake. As a result, the building has acquired various styles and designers over the centuries.

Other sites worth noticing

While walking the streets of Dubrovnik, these other monuments are worth noticing as you pass. Roland’s Column is a narrow stone flagstaff named after the legendary knight. Take an afternoon stroll around the Old City Walls, which boast great views of the town. Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery is a Baroque-style Church, housing a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.

Beaches

Slews of public beaches offer Dubrovnik travelers plenty of options for swimming, tanning and boating. Banje Beach is the most convenient beach because of it’s proximity to Old Town. It also offers the best view of Dubrovnik’s walls. If you really want to lounge around, you can rent chairs and umbrellas from the nearby EastWest club, or just throw down your towel and enjoy the Mediterranean rays. 
Copacabana Beach is a perfectly pleasant and family-friendly beach on the Babin Kuk peninsula. With relatively shallow water, kids will enjoy the toboggan, and adults will enjoy the waterskiing, windsurfing and other watersports. On the Lapad peninsula, beach-goers might enjoy the pebble beaches that sit in front of the large hotels—but unlike other areas where hotels have private ownership, these beaches are open to the public. Sv Jakov Beach is known to few tourists and loved by the locals. To reach this lesser-known beach, travel east from Ploce gate and go past the Hotel Argentina and the former monastery, and take the long stairway leading down to this secluded, peaceful beach.

Nightlife

While not the raucous, out-of-control environment of Barcelona or Mykanos, Dubrovnik’s nightlife will completely satisfy those who enjoy lively outdoor bars and live music and shows, much like Venice. Clubs and discotecs open and close frequently, but you will never be short on friendly bars along Old Town’s Stradun, which do not allow traffic. Sidewalk cafes, like Café Festival near the Franciscan monastery, are perfect spots people watching and sipping wine. The narrow streets of Old Town also offer a welcoming atmosphere. For those who want to see something different, climb through the hole in the city to Buza bar (Ispod Mira) around sunset, a bar dangling right above the cliffs. Hemingway (Pred Dvoram) is a cocktail bar with comfy chairs and a 30-page cocktail menu. 
And for your fix of an Irish pub, check out Karaka in Od Polaca street, just of off Stradun for a refreshing pint of Guinness. 
Fuego (near Pile Gate, just outside the old town), also known as Latino club, is one of the best and busiest nightclubs in Dubrovnik. It hosts several different types of musical events, and has a cool interior, friendly staff and surprisingly affordable prices. Bikers’ Café, located just above the Old Town, has a more rock and roll vibe, while the more relaxed Troubadur Jazz cafe (near Gundulic square) is open until late in the night.

Photos by Jimmyharris on Flickr

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Croatia travel guide

Things to do in Zagreb

While most travelers head straight for the Dalmatian coast, capital city Zagreb has a lot to offer for those who want to experience authentic Croatian culture. With several museums, parks, and arguably Europe’s most beautiful cemetery, Zagreb is well worth a few days of exploring. The city is situated between the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain and both the northern and southern bank of the Sava river. Wander through the open-air market with a coffee in hand and take in the beauty of Zagreb’s medieval architecture and rich history.

Maksimir Park

Zagreb is full of wonderful wooded enclaves to explore. One such location is Maksimir Park, which was opened in 1794 and is landscaped similar to an English garden park, complete with artificial lakes and alleys. The park’s most popular attractions are the Bellevue Pavilion, which was constructed in 1843, and the Echo Pavilion, which resembles a rustic Swiss cottage.

Zagreb’s Botanical Garden

For a nice change of pace, wander through Zagreb’s botanical garden, which was created in 1890. With 10,000 species of plants and little bodies of water, you can easily spend a few hours walking in the shade.

Mirogoj historical cemetery

Though not quite a park, Mirogoj is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. Designed by Herman Bollé, one of Croatia’s finest architects, the cemetery features several cupolas and paths mingled with sculptures and impressive tombs. Inside, the cemetery is lush, green and eerily quiet. It’s definitely worth the ten-minute bus ride.

The Medieval fortress of Medvedgrad

Another site worth checking out is the Medvedgrad fortress, on the southern side of Mt Medvednica. Zagreb’s most treasured medieval monument, Medvedgrad was built from 1249 to 1254 to protect the city from Tartar invasions.

Zagreb Cathedral

Not to be missed is Zageb’s most famous building, the Cathedral. First built in the 11th century, Zagreb Cathedral was destroyed by the Tatars in 1242 and subsequently rebuilt by Hermann Bollé, the same architect who designed the Mirogoj cemetery. You can easily wander over the cathedral from the Dolac market.

Museums

Zagreb is home to a variety of historical, cultural and art museums. Not to miss is the Mimara Museum, which was founded with a donation from Ante “Mimara” Topić. Comprising more than 1500 exhibits, the museum features works by Lorenzetti, Cravaggio, Raffaello and Rembrandt. Other museums worth a visit include the Archeological Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art.

Market

Zagreb’s impressive fruit and vegetable market is found in the Dolac quarter. The farmers’ market is the most visited and the best-known farmer’s market in Zagreb, famous for its combination of traditional open market with stalls and a sheltered market below. Located only steps away from the main city square, Ban Jelačić Square, and in the middle between the oldest parts of Zagreb, Dolac is a great place to grab breakfast or coffee and to satisfy cravings for fresh produce. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a Croaterra, an authentic Croatian cake made of organic and whole grain ingredients.

Nightlife

Much like in Italy, outdoor restaurants are good places to start the evening’s entertainment. Tkalcicev Street in Gornji Grad boasts the city’s highest concentration of bars and cafes, which are perfect for people-watching and dining. The Gradska Kavana and Lisna Kavana are both relaxing café bars and are perfect for the night’s first few drinks and to sit and talk.

Along the same street is Oliver Twist, “the place to see and be seen” in Zagreb. This trendy bar offers a wide selection of local and imported beers served on two levels and on an outdoor terrace. The Bulldog Belgian Beer Café is popular with both tourists and locals. It has a huge outdoor area, which is always packed practically any night of the week. The Belgian beer is excellent and as a result, the Bulldog is the destination of choice for many Stag parties. Middle Earth fans will especially appreciate Tolkien’s pub, one of the quirkier places in Zagreb. Decorated with images from the author’s famous books, the pub is a cozy establishment and offers a talking point for strangers to get to know each other. Who doesn’t love LOTR?

In the warmer months, the liveliest parties are found at Jarun Lake, a recreational area where people go to drink and dance (some of the clubs shut down for the summer, as many locals go and visit the Islands). Two of the most popular nightclubs in Zagreb, Aquarius and Piranha, can be found here. A tram ride away, Jarun Lake also has cafes, restaurants, a nude beach, sailing, rowing, windsurfing and bike rentals, so it may be a great place to spend the day (as well as the night

Day trips

Zagreb’s central location offers travelers several options for daily excursions. Samobor is a charming medieval town with well preserved old stores, beautiful parks and hiking trails. The Baroque architecture is picturesque against the wooded hills. Samobor is accessible by car or bus, and be sure to try the ice coffee, which is more like a milkshake.                                                                                                 

Vrbovec, east of Zagreb, is another town travelers might want to explore. Vrbovec is famous for cooking old Croatian specialties and a quaint example of authentic Croatian culture. Travelers say that once you come to Vrbovec, you’ll feel like you’re at home.

Lastly, visitors might want to wander around ancient castle ruins, which are situated surprisingly close to the city itself. Escape for a few hours into medieval history.

photo by phillipshannon on Flickr

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Croatia in Pictures: Danger Children

I’m quite used to signs warning about school crossings and whatnot, but these signs in Croatia always gave me a giggle when I saw them:

See, apparently kids in Croatia are so unpredictable – so dangerous – that they might even be so bold as leap outside the danger symbol itself. You never know. Drivers in Croatia, beware.