Europe > Mediterranean Europe > Croatia > Zagreb
Zagreb
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[edit] UnderstandZagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a vibrant city of around a million people. The city boasts a charming medieval 'old city' with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest, Prague and other Central-European capitals, though mixed with a strong Italian influence. In 2005 it was visited by over half a million tourists, mainly from Austria, Germany and Italy. [edit] Get in[edit] By planeZagreb International Airport (Template:IATA) (Template:ICAO), is located 17km south-east from the city center in the district of Pleso.
Neighboring airports in Rijeka, Ljubljana, Graz, Klagenfurt and Trieste are serviced by low-cost carriers and are often a viable alternative to travelling directly to Zagreb. EasyJet flies to Rijeka, Ljubljana and Ryan Air flies to Pula,Graz and Klagenfurt. There is a bus link between the airport (Zračna luka) and the bus station (Autobusni kolodvor) in Zagreb. A single (one-way) ticket costs 30 kuna (~ 4,2 Euro). The bus leaves the airport at 7AM and every thirty minutes between 8AM and 8PM. Between the last regular bus at 8PM and the first one at 7AM the next morning, there is a bus leaving for the bus station every time a Croatia Airlines plane lands. The bus line between the bus station and the airport is slightly more complicated. Full details are available in English from http://www.plesoprijevoz.hr/schedulezg.htm [edit] By train Zagreb is a railway hub which has direct services to major European cities such as Vienna (6 hours), Budapest, Zurich, Munich, Berlin, Salzburg, Venice, Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Thessalonika, Belgrade as well as domestic services to all major towns (except Dubrovnik). There is also an all-year-round overnight train (with sleeping compartments) between Zagreb and Split. Rail travel times within Croatia have been made competitive with car travel in many instances with new 160kph “tilting trains” connecting Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Varazdin, Osijek and Pozega. If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount. Tourists coming from or going to neighbouring capitals should note the following EuroCity and InterCity railway lines:
Most services are operated by the Croatian Railways, whose schedules are also available on the internet in English. [edit] By carAlmost all highways (autocesta) in Croatia start or end in Zagreb. Travellers from Vienna can take the A2 highway upon entering Croatia. Travellers from Budapest and Varaždin can use the A4. The Croatian part of the highway is finished, while the Hungarian portion is expected to be completed in 2007. Travellers heading from Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey can use the A3 highway to reach Zagreb. Travellers heading from Ljubljana can use the A3 or the A6 via the Istrian Y (B9, then B8). The Slovenian portion of the highway is still under construction and yet it is subjected to an exorbitant toll. Travellers heading from the Dalmatian coast or Montenegro can use the A1 highway. Those heading from Dubrovnik should note that the section between Šestanovac and Ploče is under construction and will be finished in 2009. Those travelling to or from Rijeka and Istria can use the A6 - whose last two-lane part is due to be upgraded to four lanes in 2008 - then the A1. To use highways in Croatia you must pay a toll either in Croatian national currency, the kuna, or in euros. One may also pay by credit card- American Express, Diners, Master Card, Maestro or Visa cards. A third option is to use the HAC Smart Card, which can reduce the cost of travelling on the Croatian highways. It is issued by Hrvatske Autoceste. [edit] By busThe central bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor) is located to the south-east of the railway station - approximately 10 minutes walk, or 3 stops by tram (lines 2 and 6). Timetable information and prices can be found on the AKZ website [2]. Numerous Croatian and International coach operators maintain scheduled lines covering all major domestic and European cities, as far as London, Paris, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, numerous cities in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, many destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia. [edit] Get around Zagreb has a well-developed and efficient public transport system that consists of trams, buses and trains. The tram network [route map] operates 24 hours a day - from 4AM to 12AM there are 15 "day-time lines" (tram lines 1-9, 11-15 and 17), and from 12AM to 4AM there are 4 "night" lines (tram lines 31-34) which cover most of the day-time lines on a reduced (around 30-40 minute) frequency. Occasionally buses replace trams on night lines. Tram lines 3 and 8 do not operate Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. The price of single-ticket is 8 Kuna (~ 1€) only paid in local currency KUNA. There is also a 24 hours ticket (dnevna karta) available at 25 Kuna (~ 3.5 €). Buy a tram ticket (from the nearby TISAK stands located near each stop) and punch it in the orange machine once you enter to validate. As it is likely you will be taking more than one ride on a tram during your stay in Zagreb buying a daily ticket is highly recommendable. As for the buses there are 113 day-time and 4 night lines. Buses cover the area outside the city center including neighboring towns that belong administratively to Zagreb county as well as some frequent inner-city routes. The buses use the same ticketing system as the trams. A historic furnicular (uspinjača in Croatian) railway (one of the steepest in the world) operates between the lower and upper towns. Periodical public transport ticket holders are entitled to free travel, otherwise there is a small fee for a ride. Trains operated by Croatian Railways (Hrvatske Željeznice) run every 15 minutes from east to west, connecting the suburbs of Zagreb with the central railway station. They are usually the quickest form of transport for those coming from the portions of Zagreb far from the railway station (Glavni kolodvor), or beyond the tram network. Zagreb's taxis are plentiful as they are amongst the most expensive in the world (due to monopolistic position of the taxi company[3]). Starting rates from June 2005 are fixed at 19 kn (~2,5 €), price per kilometre is 7 kn/km (~0.95 €/km), waiting hour is 50 kn/h (~6,8 €/h) and additional fee for luggage is charged (3 kn per piece (0,4 € per piece of luggage)). Bear in mind that all the rates go up 20% from 10 PM to 5 AM (Mon-Sat) and during Sundays and national holidays (the whole day). [edit] Zagreb CardTravelers who are staying for several days should consider buying the Zagreb Card. The card offers unlimited travel on public transport in Zagreb, discounts at virtually all of the city’s museums, reduced prices at many restaurants, shops, and service providers and many other concessions. It costs 90 kuna (approx. 12 euros) and is valid for 72 hours from the date and time entered on the card. Holders of the card also receive a special booklet with a list of all the establishments and the discounts available to them. The card can be purchased at any of Zagreb's Tourist Information Centers and at the reception desks of the majority of Zagreb’s hotels. [edit] See[edit] The Upper and Lower TownsGornji grad, or the Upper Town and Donji grad or Lower Town are the cultural, religious and commercial hub of Zagreb. This is where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located. The Upper Town which is the medieval core of the city developed as two separate (and often warring) towns - Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop (where the imposing Cathedral now stands), and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived (proclaimed by King Bela of Hungary in the 12th century) merged in the 1770s to form the northern section of the historic Zagreb. Following this the city expanded south of todays Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica (Jelacic Square) to the railway station and the Sava River. [edit] Museums 
NOTE: Most museums and historical sights close at 1PM on Sundays and do not reopen until Tuesday. [edit] Mirogoj Mirogoj is the central cemetery of Zagreb. It was opened in 1876 north of the city center. The mortuary, the impressive and picturesque arcades with the church of Christ the King (architect H. Bollé, 1883-1914) make it one of the most impressive cemeteries in the world. You can find there the tombs of notable personalities (including that of basketball hero Drazen Petrovic) who are relevant to Croatian history. To get there from the central square go to the near-by Cathedral and take the bus number 106 (Kaptol - Mirogoj - Krematorij). The ride takes around 10 minutes. [edit] MedvedgradThe imposing mountain overlooking Zagreb contains a preserved fortress (Medvednica) and fascinating views of the city. There is no public transport to Medvednica, but it is possible to walk downhill from the top of the mountain-gondola, and then continue your journey to the public bus system back into Zagreb. [edit] Do
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[edit] LearnIf there are opportunities for travellers to study in this city -- from language to cooking classes up to full university courses -- add that here. [edit] WorkWhat possibilities are there for travellers to earn money in this city? Note that this is kind of long-range and probably won't be appropriate for most destinations. [edit] BuyIf you are looking for a souvenir, perhaps the best place to visit is the Turistički informativni centar located in the central square in Zagreb (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 11). There you can find everything ranging from postcards and books to pottery and crystal. Also, check out the two shops on your right as you are walking from the central square to the Cathedral.
Is it only a cake?! Croaterra- an original Croatian treat. A cake that combines Croatia’s finest products with the harmonious flavors of Slavonia, the coast, Istria, the Dalmatian hinterland and the Velebit Mountains. All of the ingredients are organic, whole grain and of high quality. But Croaterra is not just healthy and delicious, it's also an exclusive product as it's packaged in a stylized earthenware container in a specially designed gift-box. Natural cosmetics Croatian natural cosmetics are as the title suggests- natural. Completely! The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for the money. -Ulola offers: soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like: orange and cinnamon, goats milk and almond oil, etc. www.ulola.com/flash.htm; -Elements offers: soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of their main ingredients. www.atea.hr/index.php; -Brac fini sapuni (Brac quality soaps) has a wide range of natural soaps, the lastest addition to their bath line is Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold!!! www.bracfinisapuni.com/bfs_eng/index.html Croatian designers There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. I-gle Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey&Nicks in Knightsbridge (London).; -Nebo ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes.; -Nit ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". - Etnobutik "Mara" designs by Vesna Milković sells clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). [edit] Eat[edit] Budget[edit] Mid-range
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[edit] PizzeriasDespite pizza being a famous Italian dish, numerous people claim that in Zagreb you can eat pizzas which are better than in Italy! Here is only a small list of some pizza restaurant.
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[edit] Mid-range
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[edit] ContactInternet cafes:
[edit] Stay safeZagreb is a safe city, but just as anywhere else dark alleys, parks etc. should generally be avoided. The chance of getting in trouble is low, especially in the center where most of the hotels are located. Ribnjak Park, while generally viewed as dangerous is in fact only a meeting place of alternative youngsters. It is safe during daytime, but gang and subculture violence often erupts during night. Novi Zagreb should also be avoided except in high-traffic areas such as near Zagrebački Velesajam or Avenue Mall; not because of crime, but because there are very few people in the streets and an unprepared traveler will have a hard time finding his way through the vast network of roads, sidewalks andpedestrian underpasses. Also avoid clubs which play what is known in Croatia as "Turbo-folk" music. These clubs are often featured in the local newspapers as violence erupts in them quite easily. Also, AVOID STRIP CLUBS AT ALL COSTS. The are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Recent cases include foreigners that were charged 2000 euros for a bottle of champaign. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you are unable to pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. This not only applies to strip clubs in Zagreb, but also all over Croatia. Boobs will also be very plentiful and you will want them very much [edit] CopeThis section is for all those little items that people need to know when they're in a city. Where can you do laundry? Go to a gym? Get computers repaired? Anything that has to do with the practicalities of daily life should go here. Don't put something here when it could fit in one of the other sections. If there's nothing to put in this section, leave it out. [edit] Get out There are a number of interesting places in Zagreb's vicinity. Travelers should certainly check Samobor, which is a picturesque medieval town with well preserved old lore and long tourist tradition. The prevailing architecture is that of the Baroque period. The town is also reputed to be the place where the best "kremšnite" - one of Croatia's best known cakes - are made. Samobor is a short 20 minute drive from the Zagreb city center. You can get there by bus or take the A3 towards the Slovenian border (a train link will be reconnected to Samobor in 2010). Another town, which travelers should check is Vrbovec east of Zagreb. Famous by own traditional festival of cooking of old specialities from the past "Kaj Su Jeli Nasi Stari?", Vrbovec is a born place of Ban Petar Zrinski, a Croatian hero from middle-age. For all who would like to meet with typical way of Croatian life, Vrbovec offers peaceful staying and feeling like at home. Well connected by the A4 highway, then by D28 expressway, it needs only 25 minutes by car, or 35 minutes by train from main train station in Zagreb, or 45 minutes by bus from main bus-station in Zagreb to reach Vrbovec. Once you come here, you'll feel like at your home. You should also take time to have a walk through Maksimir. That's Zagreb's biggest park located at the east side of the town. You can have coffee at the "Vidikovac" or the "Swiss house" or you can visit the Zoo. To get to Maksimir you should take the tram No.7 if you are coming from the Central Bus Station or trams No.11 and 12 from the main square or the No.4 of your coming from the railway station. Karlovac is located at the junction of 4 rivers and is a stunning little town. The town plan is unique as the historic town center is in the shape of a 6-point star and was constructed in the 16th century as a fortification against the invading Turks double of the back cush pink centre pocket. There are a few museums and a fortress on Dubovac hill with great views of the town. Karlovac is also the home of Croatia's most famous beer factory, Karlovacko. Buses and trains depart frequently for the town, 50 minutes from Zagreb, and a trip by car on the A1/A6 takes only about 30 minutes. Great swimming in summer months in Karlovac rivers Korana,http://www.hotelkorana.hr/index.php?&lang=eng and near by Mrežnica http://www.kanuking-avantura.hr/raf-colorado-mreznica.htm with rafting and kayaking. Also worth a visit is Jarun Lake. Jarun Lake is a recreational area based around a large lake where locals go to relax, exercise - and party! The centerpiece of the area is the actual lake itself, which is used for windsurfing and has a large rowing section with spectator stands. There are also shingle beaches surrounding the water, alongside which are several bars that get very busy during the weekends but are also nice for a sunny lunchtime snack. All the bars there are considered 'fancy' places and usually play commercial music. You can get to Lake Jarun by catching Tram number 5 or 17 or, alternatively, a taxi or a car will take 10 minutes (traffic dependent) from the downtown. Jarun Lake website (Croatian language only)
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