Sightseeing in Zagreb

The nice thing about Zagreb is that you can explore this capital on foot. It is split into an ‘Upper Town’, which contains most of the cities landmarks and a ‘Lower Town’, which contains most of the cities art museums and finest examples of 19th century architecture. It is a classy city with a huge Austrian influence and has many must see attractions for any Zagreb city breaks visitor. Exclusively throughout the year, Vamos Travel can provide private guided Zagreb city tours, which can range from 2 – 5 hours. If you would like a private guide at your disposal, to gain a deeper insight into Zagreb and to guarantee a fabulous sightseeing short break adventure then we suggest you add this to your enquiry form and contact Vamos Travel today. “Let’s Go!” Book with the Croatia holidays specialists. Have a summer holiday in Croatia, Christmas break in Zagreb, luxury hotels, first class service throughout, short city break bargains and more.

The Archaelogical Museum, offers a glimpse into our past, present and future. The exhibits are enhanced by lighting and sound effects, making it an interactive museum to explore on your Zagreb city breaks and touring holiday of Croatia. It also homes a fabulous pre-historic gallery spanning the stoneage, bronze age, iron age and more. Its most prized piece is the famous ‘Zagreb Mummy’ otherwise known as Nesi-hensu the wife of a tailor called Paher-hensu. It is particularly valuable due to its bandages, which are in fact strips from a book which date back thousands of years. The book is the longest preserved works from the Etruscan language; probably something Zagreb breaks travelers would not expect to find.

The Botanical Gardens is always a good place to start during a holiday in Zagreb. It holds over 10,000 different plant species and is a joy to explore and relax in; especially after a day or two walking the cobbled foot paths of Zagreb’s Old Town. It might not be an essential place to see on your first city break in Zagreb, but nether the less, its worth noting for return holidays to Croatia.

There are a number of lovely churches to explore on your summer holidays in Croatia and weekend breaks in Zagreb. The first being Crkva Majke Bozje Sljemenske, which translates the Church of the Mother of God Sljeme. It is a pretty church built in the early 1930’s to commemorate the millennium anniversary of Christianity in Croatia. It is located on top of Sljeme hill and is a recommended attraction to visit on a short stay in Zagreb. Crkva sv. Franje Asiskog (the Church of St Franjo Asiski) is another exquisite attraction to visit during a luxury break in Zagreb. The marvelous stain glass windows and ornate interior are the icing on the cake. Crkva sv. Katarine (Church of St Katarina) is a sumptuous pink Baroque church. Zagreb short break travelers can enjoy visiting here free of charge. It can be found on Gornji Grad.

The Crkva sv Marka is a brightly coloured building in the upper old town, depicting beautifully the Croatian, Dalmatian and Slavonian coats-of-arm and also the Zagreb city emblem. This whole area is a delight to wander around and is a must see attraction for anyone on a Zagreb short breaks visit.

Discerning Zagreb city break travelers should find the Contemporary Art Gallery, that provides its guests with a flavour for modern art and ideas. Here you can enjoy collections from Croatian and International artists. It is a lovely museum which should be added to your holiday hit list.

The Ethnographic Museum focus’s on the changes in crafts, folklore and customs throughout the ages and gives you a good insight into Croatian heritage. The Museum is a carefully preserved historical exhibit that is one of the finest weekends breaks excursions one could wish for. If you love folklore, ancient traditions, history and culture, take a peek in the Ethnographic Museum on your Croatia holidays.

The Gallery of Mestrovic Atelier is another interesting place to visit when on Zagreb break and Croatia holidays. He is one of the best sculptors in Croatia and the gallery pays testament to his fine work. For art enthusiasts then you should also try Gallery Gradec and the Modern Gallery Josi Racic; both display exhibitions from artists across the globe in relaxed and well lit environments. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

Ilica street is the main street in Zagreb. It offers everything from shops to cafes and is always full of activity. Those on a romantic break in Zagreb can enjoy strolling down Ilica arm in arm and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. We’re sure you’ll find lots of interesting places to pick up Croatia summer holidays souvenirs and beautiful landmarks to take those vital Zagreb holiday snapshots.

For nature lovers wishing to do some walking and exploring outside of Zagreb then why not try the aptly nicknamed ‘Jungle’ located next to the Sava River. The area is quite a unique man made phenomena since the two interconnecting lakes which surround the ‘Jungle’ are supplied by turbines from a large central heating plant. As a result the area encourages growth of numerous plant, bird and fish species in its warm waters. If the Jungle has wet your appetite for more natural experiences and excursions then we would recommend taking a trip to Kuterevo nature reserve one of the few Bear Sanctuaries in Europe. Here the Brown Bear is treated with the utmost reverence and care. A city break in Zagreb or tour of Croatia can easily include a tour to Kuterevo for any bear enthusiasts amongst you.

Kamenita vrata (the Stone Gate) was one of the four entries to the walled Old Town area of Gornji Grad. In 1731 a fire devastated the area and legend has it that the Virgin Mary was seen in the ashes of this Stone Gate. It was rebuilt in 1760 and is now a place of worship with many people praying and burning candles. A definite must-see attraction for any Zagreb weekend break.

The K Crnom orlu is the oldest pharmacy in Zagreb. It is a fascinating attraction ideal for discerning short breaks Zagreb travelers. It is a protected building that dates back to the 17th century. Take note of this landmark and make it part of your Croatia holidays explorations.

The Maksimir park is also a lovely place to visit in Zagreb. Its perfectly manicured gardens are a joy to explore and take you away from the hustle and bustle of a hard days shopping or city break sightseeing. Undoubtedly, Maksimir park is one of the most impressive parks in Croatia and is a major Zagreb landmark to visit on a luxury holiday, romantic breaks or budget city break.

The Marijina Uznesenja Cathedral is a wonder of neo-gothic artistry. The impressive and sharp looking towers stand out from nearly anywhere you are in the city. Inside there is some amazing scripture written in Glagoric text dating backs thousands of years. We highly recommend you make the time on your Zagreb breaks to see these historic scriptures. Close to the Cathedral is the Dolac market square, here you will find farmers from all over the Croatian countryside selling their fresh produce. It is a great place to experience and to pick up some delightful food produces. It will also help you understand why everything tastes so good in Zagreb’s restaurants; everything is just so fresh and healthy.

In regards to Museums then the Mimara is the city's pride and joy. It houses more than 3,750 works of art from all over the world, including sculptures, paintings, crafts and more. It spans an amazing three millennia and is so worth the visit during your holiday in Zagreb. Contact Vamos Travel, about including a guided tour excursion to the Mimara as part of your amazing city break stay in Zagreb. Have the ultimate Croatia holiday experience with the best city breaks company on the internet. Whether you want a cheap city break, luxury hotel or romantic Zagreb short break package, we can provide it, to the highest of standards.

For a slightly morbid bit of sightseeing on your Zagreb city breaks you may wish to visit Mirogoj Cemetery where the lime green cupolas stand proud above the surrounding walls. The Cemetery was designed by Herman Bolle and as well as being a cemetery it is also a park with a variety of pavilions, arcades and sculptures for Croatia holiday break clients to enjoy.

Zagreb like many East European capitals has an extremely high standard of Theatres and Concert Halls. The Croatian National Theatre is the most famous and stages both opera and ballet performances from al over the world. For musicals and other alternative programmes then the Komedija Theatre is a good choice of venue, as well as the Croatian Music Institute and the Puppet Theatre. We have a dedicated department that specialises in Opera, ballet, theatre city breaks and many other luxury & cultural holiday breaks, based around theatre performances. Speak to our opera & ballet specialist today, to arrange the most memorable city break to Croatia and experience the imperial Zagreb Opera and ballet.

The Observatory or Zvjezdarnica as it is Croatian is another interesting attraction for those visiting Zagreb on a short break or a summer holiday in Croatia. It is located in Gornji Grad in the upper town. Lucky Zagreb city break visitors can get access to the Observatory sometimes and get a glimpse at our surrounding star systems.

Outside of the city then there are some wonderful natural places, which are worth the visit. The first place to put on the list without a shadow of a doubt is the Plitvice Lakes. There are 36 Lakes linked by waterfalls and streams and it is a wondrous and spectacular feat of nature. You can take all sorts of different tours from serious walking, to electric train rides, through to electric boat rides. The Trg Nikole Subiea Zrinskog is a picturesque park made up of outdoor gazebos, patiently manicured gardens, enormous trees and a variety of interesting statues. You can find useful information on transportation from the tourist bureaus in Zagreb who will be more than happy to help you. The Medvednica Nature Park is another lovely place to explore on a city break in Zagreb. If you take a trip to the small village of Donja Stubica just north of Zagreb you will find a new tourist centre which can advise on walks and treks in the nature park. It's worth making the trip for the attractive little town itself, and also for the countryside around.

Zagreb is also a fantastic place for spectator sports. Basketball is one of the most popular sports and it is possible to see matches every Saturday at the Cibona Centre between October and April. Excellent idea for lads holidays, stag weekends in Eastern in Europe and maybe a corporate day out. If you prefer football, then matches can be watched on Sundays at the Maksimir Stadium. For water sports, Jarun Lake hosts competitions in summer in rowing, kayaking and canoeing!

For those who are inspired by historical attractions then only 1 hours drive from Zagreb is Trakoscan castle. It is a superb castle and it is also surrounded by lakes, hills and walking trails. A romantic Zagreb city break, Opera holiday in Croatia or Luxury break in Zagreb can all be designed to take in a day at Trakoscan.

If you like 'people watching' then you have to visit Trg bana Josipa Jelacica. This is an Austro-Hungarian style square brimming with outdoor cafes and shops. It is known as the true heart of Zagreb and in the centre there is a statue of the count Jelačieć, who was actually dismantled in 1947 but he has now been restored along with his mighty steed to watch over and protect Zagreb. There is also Tkalcieeva Street, which is always full of people walking, shopping, posing and chatting until the late evening hours. Visitors on a romantic getaway in Zagreb or an Opera break in Zagreb will enjoy the uplifting atmosphere.

Veliki Tabor is another superb castle outside of Zagreb. It is now a UNESCO listed museum showing off collections of knights armour, weapons and clothing from the 10th century.

The Zagreb Architecture Museum follows the architectural changes and influences through history. It is a visible history lesson, which gives city break visitors to Zagreb a good understanding of Croatia’s past.