Are you thinking of visiting Zagreb – Croatia’s capital city and need some tips on how to spend your time there? Awesome, you have come to the right place and I’m hopeful my travel experience in Zagreb can help with planning your trip.

Now Zagreb is one of those less well known Western European city that can be overlooked by travelers. However if you are one of those travelers like myself who is fascinated by exploring and learning about new cultures then I highly recommend giving Zagreb a shot.

Is Zagreb safe to visit for a solo female traveler?

•  Absolutely, I’m a solo female traveler who traveled to Zagreb and enjoyed myself touring the city alone during the daytime and night. The locals were extremely nice and welcoming.

• Honestly the city lacks cultural diversity and I literally stood out as this brown skin Indian young lady, but folks did not make me feel uncomfortable rather they were so friendly and treated me as though I was one of them.

 

When did I visit Zagreb?

• September 21, 2019 thru September 23, 2019.

• Around this time the weather is on the cooler side yet comfortable. Let’s say during the day when and if the sun is out you can flex your muscle a bit by wearing short sleeves. However, I’d highly recommend carrying around a cardigan/ light jacket just in case. The evenings tend to be cooler as well.

Where to stay in Zagreb?

• There are so many great hotels in Zagreb, but since I wanted to be in the center of convenient. Hence I decided to stay at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel that’s literally in the heart of the city and walk-in distance from the lower and upper towns.

• The Sheraton is about 30 minutes bus ride from airport plus a 10 minute train ride.

 

Day 1 itinerary in Zagreb:

• I landed in Zagreb around 5PM and reached my hotel around 6:30PM. Honestly I was so exhausted, I decided to rest and enjoy the hotel that evening since the plan was to get up super early the following morning.
• After freshening up, I explored the bar and restaurant located in the lobby of the Sheraton and enjoyed a few of their local beer – Ozujsko and popular dish – Grilled king prawns served on potato Rosti. I was surprised how inexpensive my meal was considering I was staying at a very popular hotel.

Day 2 itinerary in Zagreb:

• Once a year they usually have Zagreb’s burger festival held in late September and lucky me was able to check it out. It was held at Strossmayer Square. They had about 20 plus international burger tents and they served all sort of craft and local beer. It was my first time trying a tuna/vegan burger at the burger festival. It worked out perfectly since I don’t eat beef. Oh my, the french fries in Zagreb must be on your list to try if you are a foodie. Seriously Zagreb have the best french fries in the world.

• After that I walked about 15 minutes and explored Zagreb’s Cathedral which happened to be the tallest building in the city. Such a beautiful and historical cathedral. I highly recommend taking a tour inside and explore a little and learn more about this landmark in Zagreb.

• Make sure you take in the history of the city of Zagreb at old town/lower town.

• Ride the World’s Shortest Funicular – the shortest cable ride from the lower town to the upper town. You can walk up the stairs if you like and ride the funicular when making your way back down.

• Get lost in the beauty of St. Marks Church. It’s colorful tiled roof will leave you mesmerized. If the weather is nice, stick around and watch the sunset.

• The museum of broken relationship must be on your list. The museum is dedicated to failed romantic relationships, where they house personal items left/donated to the museums by one of the former lovers. Get ready to read what these items signified and how their relationships ended. I really enjoyed my time here simply cause I was able to relate to a few of the stories.

• Before you make your way to the lower town, I’d recommend taking in the scenery of the city and appreciate/admire the colorful houses and beauty of Zagreb.

• Spent a few hours at the famous street Tkalciceva – this is where you want to be and partake in the people watching as you enjoy a cocktail or grab a bite.

• Had their delicious peach hookah and craft beer – Staropramen, Campari tunic and a yummy Indian dinner Croatian style.

Day 3 itinerary in Zagreb:

• Final hours in Zagreb was spent having an early and delicious seafood lunch with some white wine at the Sheraton hotel.

Zagreb is one of those laid back city that have its own cool and sense of style. I especially appreciate their museums and how I was slowly drawn to it’s culture and authenticity. Safe travel and please reach out to me if there are questions!