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Zagreb is a city in Central Croatia and the capital of Croatia.

Zagreb 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.

Zagreb International Airport [1] (IATA: ZAG) (ICAO: LDZA), is located 17km south-east from the city center in the district of Pleso.

• Croatia Airlines, [2], the national carrier and member of Star Alliance, flies to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gothenburg, London, Madrid, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Podgorica, Pristina, Tel Aviv, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje, Vienna, Zurich. Domestically, Croatia Airlines operates numerous flights to Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Osijek (seasonal) and Pula.
• THY-Turkish Air Lines [3] flies to/from Istanbul daily
• Lufthansa [4] flies several times a day to Munich and Frankfurt, and low-cost carrier German Wings [5] flies to and from Cologne, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Berlin (Schönefeld).
• Austrian [6] operates many flights to Vienna each day.
• CSA Czech Airlines [7] flies from Prague to Zagreb all year round.
• TAP Portugal [8] flies from Zagreb to Lisbon three times a week (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays) via Bologna in Italy.
• Wizz Air [9] flies between Zagreb and London (Luton Airport).
• Iberia [10] operates flights to Madrid from Summer 2009.
• SAS [11] operates flights to Stockholm. - but this service is currently suspended since mid-2009
• BH Airlines [12] connects Sarajevo and Mostar with Zagreb.
• Air France [13] operates flights to Paris (Charles de Galle)
• Aeroflot [14] flies to Moscow.
• MALEV [15], the Hungarian national carrier, flies 3 times daily to Budapest

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 [16] flies to Rijeka, Ljubljana and Ryan Air [17] 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 [18]. The busses are located at the edge (facing city center) of the bus station. You'll see "croatia airlines" and "eurolines" written on that part of the building.

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 Požega. 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:

• EC "Mimara": Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Stuttgart - Munich - Salzburg - Ljubljana - Zagreb
• EC "Croatia": Vienna - Maribor - Zagreb
• IC "Kvarner": Budapest - Zagreb
• EN "Venezia": Budapest - Zagreb - Ljubljana - Venice
• B "Lisinski": Munich - Salzburg - Ljubljana - Zagreb
• B "Zürichsee": Zurich - Innsbruck - Ljubljana - Zagreb - Belgrade
• EC "Sava": Munich - Salzburg - Ljubljana - Zagreb - Belgrade

Most services are operated by the Croatian Railways [19], whose schedules are also available on the internet in English.

Almost 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. The Slovenian portion of the highway is still under construction and yet it is subjected to an exorbitant toll. Travellers going through or from Italy can bypass Slovenia using state route SS21 through Trieste, route E61 through Slovenia (in a bad shape) and A7 south to Rijeka, then Rijeka bypass, then A6 east to Bosiljevo and A1 northeast to Zagreb

Travellers heading from the Dalmatian coast or Ravča 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 here (click Calculator on the left navigation bar).

The 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 [21].

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.

Zagreb has a well-developed and efficient public transport system that consists of trams, buses and trains. The tram network (route map [22]) 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 line 3 does not operate Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. There are maps of the tram lines on almost every stop, so if you know the nearest stop to your destination you can simply figure out the shortest trip while you're at the stop.

The price of a single-ticket valid for 1.5 hours is 10 Kunas (~ 1.5?) 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, or from the tram driver) and punch it (insert it) in the little orange machine once you enter to validate. If you plan on taking more than one ride on a tram during your stay in Zagreb, buy a daily ticket. If you're up to two tram stops from the Ban Jelačić Square (main city square) your ride will be free.

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 administratively belong to Zagreb county as well as some frequent inner-city routes. The buses use the same ticketing system as the trams.

A historic funicular (uspinjača in Croatian) railway (one of the steepest in the world) operates between the lower and upper towns. Valid monthly, daily as well as single tram/bus ticket can be used, otherwise there is a small fee for a ride.

Trains operated by Croatian Railways [23] (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 areas of Zagreb far from the railway station (Glavni kolodvor), or beyond the tram network.

Whether you arrive in Zagreb by airplane or train and you need transportation to your final destination (hotel, apartment or private accommodation) you can use taxi service by calling 970. Taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. When calling taxi service from a cellular phone you need to dial city area code 01 (Croatia area codes). You can also book online your transportation which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organized in advance. Zagreb airport transfer [24] has tariffs, service details and you can make bookings.

Zagreb's taxis are plentiful, as they are among the most expensive in the world (due to the monopolistic position of the taxi drivers' union[25]. Starting rates as of June 2005 are fixed at 19 kn (~2,5 ?), the price per kilometer is 7 kn/km (~0.95 ?/km), waiting by the hour is 50 kn/h (~6,8 ?/h) and an 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). Taxis are readily available at the Pleso international airport and offer a ride to the city center at a fixed rate of 150 kn (~21 ?). Taxis are obliged to have their taxi-meter on and you won't fare well if you try to bargain.

Try to avoid taxi services while staying in Zagreb because of the unfavorable quality over price ratio.

Travelers who are staying for several days should consider buying the Zagreb Card [26]. 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 of 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.

Gornji 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 historic Zagreb. Following this, the city expanded south of today's Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica (Jelacic Square) to the railway station and the Sava River.

• Visit the old town gate, at the top of Radićeva street (Upper Town) - now a shrine to virgin Mary - the "Kamenita vrata" where you can light a candle and, as the locals believe, your wish will be granted.
• In the Summer the Strossmayer šetalište becomes an outdoor scene for painters, musicians and other artists offering food, drinks, performances and concerts. Popular meeting place for all ages, with a great view of the

Lower Town.

• The city has many parks which locals like to use during the weekends. The biggest and most popular is the "Maksimir" an old english style park at the east part of the city. Great place to chill put, drink coffe, eat lunch (picnic or at the park's restaurant) or take nice long walks through the forrest or by the small lakes. Good for joggers, cyclists, also child and dog friendly. Offers lake rowing. Located inside the park Maksimir is also the Zagreb ZOO . Opened 85. years ago and still, in its small arrea, hosting a wonderfull collection of various animals. Recent new inhabitants - Red Pandas.
• Other city parks are connected in the "Lenucci Horseshoe", an unfinished project of combining small green squares and parks at the core of the center of the town. These include the Zrinjevac park (just south - east of the main square), the park of the Academy (connecting the Zrinjevac and Tomislav parks) the King Tomislav square (south of Zrinjevac, just outside the main Train Station), the Botanical Gardens (south of the K. Tomislav Square, near the Hotel Esplanade), Mažuranić square and the Square of Maršal Tito - the green square sorrounding the National Theatre. These are all great places to enjoy nature and take a rest from the busy life during the summer. Each is special in its own way and offers a different botanic and/or cultural view of the city. Connecting these on foot makes a lovely walk through the Lower City.
• Zagreb has two very popular lakes. The Jarun located at the south part of the city offers swimming during the summer and various clubs, bars and restaurants lined up its coast opened all year long and the Bundek lake hosts horticultural shows, firework festivals, workshops, concerts and mucis festivals (mostlyduring the summer).

• Muzej Mimara (Mimara Museum), Rooseveltov trg 5. Houses some 3,700 works of art donated by Ante Topić Mimara. The collection comprises more than 1,500 exhibits dating from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century. Some of the most famous exhibits include works by Lorenzetti, Raffaello, Giorgione, Veronese, Caravaggio, Canaletto, 60 paintings by the Dutch masters Rembrandt, Van Goyen, Ruisdael, 50 works by the Flemish masters Van der Weyden, Bosch, Rubens, Van Dyck, more than 30 by the Spanish masters Velasquez, Murillo, Goya, some 20 paintings by the German masters Holbein, Liebermann, Leibl, some 30 paintings by the English painters Gainsborough, Turner, Bonington and more than 120 paintings by the French masters Georges de la Tour, Boucher, Chardin, Delacroix, Corot, Manet, Renoir, Degas.

• Arheološki muzej, (Archaeological Museum), Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 19, [27]. Possesses over 400,000 objects, not all of them being exhibited. The holdings include evidence of Croatian presence in this area as well as rare samples which have made the museum known to the whole world. The most famous are the Egyptian collection, the Zagreb mummy and bandages with the oldest Etruscan inscription in the world (Liber Linteus Zagrabiensis), as well as the numismatic collection. A part of the museum is set aside for the collection of stone monuments dating back predominantly to the Roman period.

• Muzej suvremene umjetnosti, (Museum of Contemporary Art), Avenija Dubrovnik 17, [28]. Follows and presents contemporary trends in fine arts. Klovićevi dvori (Jezuitski trg 4) introduces Croatian and foreign cultural and artistic heritage. Umjetnički paviljon[29] (Art Pavilion), Trg Kralja Tomislava 22, by famous Viennese designers of theatres in Central Europe Hellmer and Fellmer is a neo-classical exhibition complex and one of the landmarks of the city center. The exhibitions are also held in the impressive Meštrović pavillion on Trg žrtava fašizma. Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti[30] (Croatian Museum of Na?ve Art), Sv. Ćirila i Metoda 3, houses more than one thousand works belonging to Croatian na?ve art. The World Centre "Wonder of Croatian Na?ve Art" (Trg Bana Jelačića 2) exhibits masterpieces of Croatian na?ve art as well as the works of a new generation of artists. Moderna galerija (Modern Gallery) Hebrangova 1, comprises all relevant fine artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Most museums and historical sights close at 1PM on Sundays and do not reopen until Tuesday.

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. Here stand the tombs of notable personalities (including that of basketball hero Drazen Petrovic) who are relevant to Croatian history. To arrive from the central square, go to the near-by Cathedral and take bus number 106 (Kaptol - Mirogoj - Krematorij). The ride takes approximately 10 minutes. Note: Avoid going on the Croatian Day of the Dead (November 1st) as it may be difficult to catch a bus, however buses to the cemetery are free on this day and the sight of hundreds of thousands of candles after nightfall is very impressive and certainly worth seeing.

The imposing mountain overlooking Zagreb (Medvenica) contains a preserved fortress (Medvedgrad) and fascinating views of the city. Being respectful in the fort is a good idea, since it is the site of the Altar of the Homeland memorial, dedicated to Croatian soldiers who died in the Homeland war. There are several historical festivals during the year, including knights tournaments.

The gree jewel of a mountain Medvenica is over 1000m high covers a large area with many excellent hiking and biking routes. Since Zagreb is at roughly 200m, it is quite a climb.

There are many small restaurants, mountain grills and cafes at the top of the mountain, open until early evening. In the early and late summer it can be crowded in places, especially on weekends.

It is possible to take the bus up to the top, Sljeme, from the end of the Tram system at Mihajlevac. This bus replaces the gondola, although there are allegations that this will eventually be rebuilt. The bus takes a circular route and comes back to the same place. It take about 30 minutes up, less coming down. Many other buses serve small villages at the foot of the mountain where the mountain paths start/stop.

• Snow Queen Trophy: Ladies Night Slalom [31]: Zagreb is the only capital in the world that hosts a Ski World Cup race. The slalom event - known as the "Snow Queen Trophy" (Snjezna kraljica) - usually takes place in January. It is the most expensive race on the women's world cup tour and an exceptionally popular sporting event in Croatia that attracts a crowd of around 25 thousand people. As of 2007 best skiers in men's competition are also expected to compete on Mount Sljeme that overlooks the city. If you fail to secure your ticket, you can watch the whole event on a giant screen in the Ban Jelacic Square.

• A ticket will cost you 20-30 HRK (3-4?)
• About 30 HRK is the combined price of a medium popcorn and cola.

• CineStar Zagreb, Branimirova 29; ticket reservation +385 1 46-86-600, [32]. A multiplex cinema (13 screens) in the vicinity of the Sheraton Hotel. The website is in Croatian, but can be understood using a Croatian-English online dictionary.
• CineStar Novi Zagreb, Avenue Mall, Avenija Dubrovnik 16. [33]. A multiplex cinema (9 screens) in the vicinity of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Movieplex, Nova Ves 11; +385 1 48 60 777, [34]. A multiplex cinema (5 screens) within the Kaptol Shopping Center situated to the north of the Cathedral.
• Kino Europa, Varšavska 3. - this cinema is located in the city center.
• Kino Croatia, Katančićeva 3; +385 1 48-13-711.
• Kino Jadran, Ilica 42; 062-100-100 (within Croatia).
• Kino Central, Petrinjska 4; 062-100-100 (within Croatia).

• Kino Tuškanac, [35]. Showing more than just european filmography, alternative and older films, sometimes for free, usually costs about 10 HRK (1.5?)

The University of Zagreb combined with the Croatian Heritage Foundation Matica Hrvatska offers comprehensive Croatian language courses for foreigners. The courses occur in the fall and spring semesters along with an intensive one month course in July. All courses cost around 600 euro. More information can be found by visiting the University's website.

Many universities in Croatia accept a small group as international students every year, who stay in dorms and learn Croatian.

FER (Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva, trans. Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing) is a globally-appreciated school of mechanical and computer related learning. It is part of the University of Zagreb and accepts around ten international students a year.

For creative types, Croatia is occupied by some street performers and many stands selling jewelery or other hand-crafted products, so the populace has an open mind to casually buying things from an interesting stand near the main square or dropping a few coins into a musician's case.

If 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. In Radićeva Street at No. 35 you'll find GEA Gallery offering a wide range of souvenirs that are made in Croatia and are very reasonably priced. Also, check out the two shops on your right as you are walking from the central square to the Cathedral (Bakačeva Street).

Is it only a cake?!

Croaterra[36]- 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.- Etnobutik "Mara"[37] (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. I-gle Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols 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".

Millennium Radiceva 9 (upper left street from Jelacic square). There you can find pottery, crystal, costume jewelery, and other gifts.

For foreign books, as well as films and video games, the best shops are Algoritam (Gajeva 1) and Profil Megastore (Bogovićeva 7). The two shops are within 200 metres of each other. They also sell foreign magazines (at very high prices).

Tobacco smoking is now banned in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and some (but not all) bars and cafes. The smaller bars/ cafes could opt (and some did) to be "smoking".

There are many take out, pizza-cut, sandwich bars and fast foods arround the city. Most are located in the city center (main square - Ban Jelačić and sorrounding blocks).

• Sandwich Bar Pingvin, Nikole Tesle 10, 10000, Zagreb, Hrvatska, 01 48 11 446.

Classic sandwich bar with a wide menu and reasonably good mix of languages, on one of the central streets, close to the Flower Square and Trg Ban Jelcica. One of the most popular dishes is the "toplo/hladno" ("hot/cold") a grilled chicken and vegetables sandwich.

• Close to it, also in the Teslina street are "American Doughnut" a sanwdich bar that also serves salads and deserts, and "Pizza cut Duck" a pizza-slice bar that also serves fresh tortillas with veggie and/or meat filling. Another popular sandwich bar that also serves pancakes and hot wine in the winter is "Bonita" located at the Flower Square. *"MOCA" Newly open at the main square serves great and cheap (10kn) fried, deep fried and baked potatoes with a large variety of dipps for takeout.
• There are also food chains such as the international "McDonalds" and "Daily Fresh" located arround the city. Cheap food/sandwiches can also be bought at most bakery chains like "Mlinar", "Pan Pek" and the preferred "Dubravica" also located arround the city. (Sandwich price arround the city varies from 10 to 20 kn). You can also find many kebabs and pancake to go places.
• "Manzoku" An excellent Japanese take-out located in Gajeva street.
• Žirafa (Maksimirska cesta 64) cheap mexican food and drinks. Nice summer terrace.

• Restaurant Kvatric, Maksimirska 9; ++ 385 1 2330 070, [38]. Croatian restaurant with very nice food for a reasonable price. Has a nice terrance in the back garden. Close to tramstop 'Kvaternikov Trg'.

• Mali Medo, Tkalčićeva 36; +385 1 4929 613. Another traditional Croatian restaurant. Lively atmosphere, youthful clientele, and all very affordable (mains 20-40 kuna). Excellent ćevapčići and gulaš, not to mention superb beer.

• Le Bistro, Mihanovićeva 1; ++ 385 1 45 66 666. A French restaurant within the Regent Esplanade Hotel

• Ivica i Marica, Tkalčićeva 70, Tel: +385 1 481 7321 or +385 1 482 8999, [39]. Wonderful food made only from natural ingredients, many sourced locally. Open every day except Mon 12PM-11PM.

• Pivnica Medvedgrad Samoborska cesta 217, Božidara Adžije 16, Tkalčićeva 36, [40]. Great food and beer for reasonable prices (10 HRK for 0.5l). Make sure to try 'čvarkuša' (4 HRK).

• Srčeko, Vinogradska 135, ++ 385 1 373 10 07, [41]. M-Sa 12AM - 11PM, Su 12AM-6PM, a very romantic little restaurant.

• Velika Klet obitelji Bunčić ++385 1/ 2781-132 | 01/ 2781-133 | fax: 01/ 2781-140. although technically not in Zagreb, but in Dugo Selo - a town 20 km far from Zagreb center, which is part of the metropolitan area - this is a very popular place that offers Croatian cuisine, live music on weekends, a stable, fish pond and basketball courtyard.

• Takenoko, Nova Ves 11 (Centar Kaptol); ++ 385 1 48 60 530, [42]. Zagreb may not be synonymous with sushi restaurants, but this is one is superb. It is located in the Kaptol Centar Shopping Center. It is not cheap, but sushi they make is incredible.

• Asia, A. Šenoe 1; ++ 385 1 48 41 218. Chinese restaurant open 12AM-12PM

• Restaurant Suhina, Dr. F. Tuđmana 1, Orešje near the Podsused bridge, ++ 385 44 1 33 71 562. An old family-run restaurant on the old Samobor road that offers a variety of roasted food.

• Panino, Nova Ves 11 (Centar Kaptol); ++ 385 1 46 69 013, [43]. Nice little restaurant with great service and wonderful food. If you are into French and Istrian style food you will probably love this place.

• Mex Cantina, Savska cesta 154, +385 1 6192-156, [44]; Mexican food. Good service, great food, on Mondays (starting at 9PM) they offer live music by the best Croatian mariachi band, Los Caballeros.

• Caramba, Frankopanska 6, Mexican food.

• "Feniks" - mexican food, 5 minutes walk from the Zagreb's main square. Address: Jurisiceva 19. Tel: 01/481 44 11

• Boban, Gajeva 9, Italian food.

• Opium, Branimirova 29, Thai food.

• 100% juice bar, Tkalčićeva 5, down some stairs (look for the small sign)[45]. Pricey but a good place to get a healthy snack or fruit smoothie in the center of Zagreb.

• Nova, Ilica 72/1, [46]

• Pyr, Teslina 13/1, [47]

• Robin Food Catering, Derenčinova 1, [48]

• VegeHop, Vlaška 79, [49]

Despite 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 restaurants.

• Stara Sava, Savska cesta 208, +385 1 3634-322. Close to "rotor" and Mladost sports center. Arguably the best pizzeria in Zagreb.
• Karijola, Kranjčevićeva 7, ++ 385 1 3667-044.
• Dvojka, Nova Ves 2, tel. +385 1 4817-462, +385 1 4666-111. On Kaptol close to Centar Kaptol
• Mamma Mia, Ilica 63, tel. +385 1 4846-093
• Colonia, Božidara Magovca 21, +385 1 6698-153. In New Zagreb, in "Mamutica".
• Nocturno, Skalinska 4, +385 1 4813-394. On Kaptol, between Tkalčićeva street and Cathedral
• Baschiera 2, Selska cesta 215, +385 1 3698-999. On the end of Savska street and beginning of "Horvaćanski zavoj"
• Gigi, Petrovaradinska 39, +385 1 3885-092. Be sure to visit this pizzeria if you're going to the Jarun lake.
• Šestica, Medulićeva 6, +385 1 4846-248, + 385 1 4846-562

For deserts and sweet snacks visit

• Ivica and Marica (Tkaličićeva) offers traditional and diet, diabetic and organic cakes, ice creams and such.
• SladoMazo (Zelinska 7) a pancake restaurant with a wide range of crazy both sweet and satly filling ideas.
• Torte i To (Nova Ves 11) is a great little caffe offering the best cheese cake in town (and other great cakes). Located at the second floor of the popular Kaptol Centar.
• Vincek (Ilica) the local, best known ice cream and cake palace in town center (main street). Closed on Sundays. Offers diet foods.

Zagreb offers a large number of barrs arround the city, but one of the local traditions is sittin in numerous bars and caffes in the city center, any time of day, the whole year. Most of these are located arround Flover square (Cvjetni trg) and the main square (Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića), in Preradovićeva, Tkalčićeva, Radićeva, Bogovićeva, Gajeva streets and various other arround the area.

• CICA (Tkalčićeva) bar mostly known for its great and varied choice of the local schnappses (rakija). Interresting always changing, gallery-like interior. The whole bar is small but offers outdoor seating. Very popular and crowdy, brimming with young bussiness and student clientelle.
• Funk (Tkalčićeva) caffe/ bar that offers various music night programmes in the basement (moslty alternative, dj-s, world music) and spacial backpacker evenings.
• Mali Medo (Tkalčićeva) offers a good choice of local beer and food. Indoors smoking prohibited. Has a terrace in Tkalčićeva street.
• Melin (Tkalčićeva) is a cheap bar brimming with young people and students. Offers indoors, a roofed terraced leveled seating and an open terrace facing the Tkalčićeva street. Known for crowds of people often drinking even arround the bar, in the park and playgroung in front of it.
• Portal (Tkalčićeva) next to the Melin, offers same service, the Portal and Melin crowds often mix at the outdoors terraces.
• Oliver Twist (Tkalčićeva) A choice of good Irish beer with a great atmosphere. Big summer terrace in front.
• Tolkien's (Opatovina) a small fantasy caffe/bar for Tolkien lovers. Offers a variety of beers, cider and hot drinks.
• Golf (Preradovićeva) popular Golf themed caffe/bar. Open till 2 a.m.
• KIC (Preradovićeva) offers free internet and cheap international call center. Hosts a cinema wtih various alternative movies.
• Kino Grič (Jurišićeva) newly re-decorated old cinema. Hosts movies, festivals and misic nights.
• Krivi put (Runjaninova 3) is a favourite place for local students and members of various alternative ranges to hang out, every night of the week and esp. on weekends. Large place located in a secluded area between the Botanical Garden and the railroad to the south it offers cheap drinks and recently added fast food bar (offering fries, saussages, clamari, breads etc.) served indoors or at the large crowdy terrace. May look a bit shabby but its always lively and sometimes hosts djs,concerts and various exibitions.
• Purgeraj (Park Ribnjak) is a bar/club located in the Ribnjak park in the city center. Offers mostly rock, blues and alternative music. Daily happy hour when you get two drinks (selection) for a price of one. Sometimes hosts concerts. Popular with student crowd esp on Thursdays when it hosts the newly popular "take me out" evening offering a mix of indie and alternative music. In the summer, outside Purgeraj, in the Ribnjak park there are live concerts and various workshops offering summer fun under the name "Park In Zagreb".
• Pivnica Medvedgrad( (see at 'Eat')
• BOOKSA (Martićeva 14d) a caffe/bookshop/library famous with the local young intelectuals.

• KSET (Unska 3) is a popular student club. Offers various indie and alternative programmes every night of the week. Indoors smoking prohibited. Serves only beer and non alcoholic drinks. Entrance prices from 10kn (students) to 45/60kn for concerts.

• Močvara (Prisavlje) is a local alternative club (rock, punk, metal, indie)with various concerts and theme nights/programmes. Sometimes hosts festivals, young indie talent concerts, movie nights, exibitions etc.

• B.P. Club, Nikole Tesle 7, (+385-1) 481 44 44, [50]. Jazz and blues lovers should check it out. Open daily from 10 PM to 2AM.

• The Jazz Club is a small club located in Gunduliceva street. Open daily, and has always jazz/blues/funk bands playing, very often from other countries.

• SAX! - Klub hrvatskih glazbenika, Palmotićeva 22/2, (+385-1) 48 72 836, [51] is a great place to enjoy live music of a wide array of styles including blues, jazz, rock and pop.

• The Best, Jarunska 5, +385 1 3011 943, [52] Largest club in Zagreb, out near the Jarun Lake complex. Mainly dance style music.

• Hopdevil [53]. A new bar, featuring live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus a DJ on Saturday nights, it has 101 different types of Belgian beer. The unique interior features a waterfall that runs along entire wall, and stone archways. The water from the waterfall flows beneath a glass floor, which you can sit on.

• Aquarius, Aleja Matije Ljubeka bb (Jarun Lake), [54]-Saturday night is drum'n'bass & dancehall music, Friday is hip-hop/r'n'b night. Good concerts.

• Boogaloo, Ulica Grada Vukovara 68, Tel: 385 1 6313 022. Good electronic music. A bit expensive but worth seeing. Bar, restaurant and disco.

• Jabuka, Jabukovac 28 Tel: 01/48 34 397 Cult club for alternative, punk music. Cheap drinks opened on weekends,o ften concerts of alternative bands. Mostly visited on weekends esp Fridays.

• Sirup (Donje Svetice 40) Interresting interiour/atmosphere. Good electronic music. A bit expensive entrance fees but worth seeing.

Nokturno Hostel, Skalinska 2a, [55]. Free internet access, free linens and towels. 130 kn (?18) pp for rooms with up to six beds; 200 kn (?28) for single-bed room.

• Ravnice Youth Hostel [56] (I. Ravnice 38d).
• Hostel Lika [57] (Pašmanska 17). Small and cozy hostel a bit out of the city center. Beds starting at 100 HRK (around ? 13,50) a night.
• Fulir Hostel Zagreb [58] Fairly decent hostel
• Dizzy Daisy Hostel Zagreb [59] Holiday hostel. Prices range from 100 to 150 HRK.

• Apartment AS Zagreb [60] (Tel: +385 98 669 660) Two affordable and cozy apartments in a very quiet neighborhood Maksimir near city center
• Apartment "Rupa pod oblacima" [61] (Tel: +385 99 5622 485) Lovely and cozy aprtment near centre of Zagreb, with beautiful view of to the whole city.
• Apartment "Penthouse Zagreb" [62] (Tel: +385 99 5622 485) Luxurious and spacious two floor (120m2) apartment in the centre of Zagreb with two private parking spaces. Ideal for businessmen and families.

• Hotel Central [63] (+385 1 48-41-122) 3-star hotel situated 150 meters from the railway station (Glavni kolodvor) (Branimirova 3). The hotel was refurbished in 1996.

• Astoria Best Western Premier Hotel (+385 1 48-08-900) 3-star hotel in Petrinjska 71 not far from the central square of Ban Jelačić.

• Hotel Dora [64] (+385 1 63-11-900) 3 star hotel behind the Lisinski Music Hall (south of the main railway station - Glavni kolodvor). The hotel's website is in Croatian

• Hotel Golden Tulip Holiday [65] (+385 1 34-96-621) 3-star hotel situated at the western entrance to Zagreb not far from the Zagreb Fair.

• Hotel I [66] (+385 1 65-42-238) 3-star hotel situated near the southern entrance into Zagreb (Remetinečka cesta 106). This hotel is located south of the Sava and in the vicinity of Zagreb Fair.

• Hotel International [67] (+385 1 61-08-800) 3-star hotel located several hundred meters south of the central railway station (Miramarska 24).

• Hotel Jadran[68] (+385 1 45-53-777) 3-star hotel (Vlaška 50) is situated in the city center some 500 meters east of the Cathedral. There is a big shopping center near-by - the Importanne Gallery.

• Hotel Laguna [69] (+385 1 30-47-000) 3-star hotel (Kranjčevićeva 29) located near the Cibona Business Tower. The hotel's website offers information in Croatian.

• Hotel Phoenix [70] (+385 1 20-06-333) 3-star hotel (Sesvetska cesta 29, 10 360 Sesvete) situated in an eastern suburb of Zagreb - Sesvete. It is located some 500 meters from the motorway on the main road that leads from Zagreb to Dugo Selo. The hotel's website contains more information in Croatian.

• Hotel Palace [71] (+385 1 48-14-611) 4-star hotel located in the very heart of Zagreb on J.J. Strossmayer Square. It was built in the Secession style in 1891 and converted into a hotel in 1905. The Arts Pavillion is 50 metres away.

• Hotel Dubrovnik [72] (+385 1 48-63-500) 4-star hotel (Gajeva 1) overlooking Zagreb's main square - Ban Jelačić Square.

• Arcotel Allegra [73](+385 1 46-96-000) 4-star hotel (Branimirova 29) which is Zagreb's first "lifestyle" hotel. It is situated within five minute walking distance (300 meters) from the central railway station (Glavni kolodvor). All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and feature mini bar, safe, internet connection, bigscreen TV and DVD player. A very cool touch are the free apples supplied in your room in a very funky holder !

• Four Points by Sheraton Panorama Hotel Zagreb [74] (+385 1 36-58-333) 4-star hotel (Trg Kresimira Ćosića 9) is located in the business district of Zagreb some 2.5 kilometers away from the central railway station (Glavni kolodvor).

• Hotel Aristos [75] (+385 1 66-95-900) 4-star hotel located in the vicinity of the Zagreb airport at the southern gates of Zagreb, in the Buzin commercial center (Cebini 33, Buzin, 10010 Zagreb)

• Hotel As [76] (+385 1 46-09-111) 4-star hotel located in Zelengaj (Zelengaj 2A), some 2,5 kilometers to the north-west of the railway station (Glavni kolodvor). The hotel's website contains a map on how to get to the hotel.

• The Westin Zagreb [77] (+385 1 48-92-000). Luxury hotel (Kršnjavoga 1) next to the Mimara Museum and the Croatian National Theatre. The hotel was renovated in 2004. It features the legendary Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Shower and probably offers the best view in the city.

• Sheraton Zagreb Hotel [78] (+385 1 45-53-535). Luxury hotel situated in Kneza Borne 2 that features air-conditioned rooms and suites with classic furniture and marbled bathrooms. It also includes King Tomislav Restaurant, Fontana Restaurant, Piano Bar, Café Imperial, 17 meeting rooms and an 800-square-meter Grand Ballroom.

• The Regent Esplanade Zagreb {http://www.theregentzagreb.com] (+385 1 45-66-666). Luxury hotel in the heart of Zagreb (Mihanovićeva 1, just across the central railway station) that offers everything that you would expect from one of the world's finest hotels. It was built in 1925 for passengers of the famous Orient Express train, which connected Paris and Istanbul. If you can, check the Emerald Ballroom with its soaring dome shaped roof. The hotel also includes the Zinfandel's Restaurant, Le Bistro and the Esplanade 1925, the hotel's lounge and cocktail bar.

Internet cafes:

• Art Internet Caffee [79], Tkalčićeva 18, "Art" is an internet cafe bar, situated in the very center of Zagreb (Tkalčićeva 18), just a few steps from the Ban Jelačić square. In this modern and comfortable bar you can enjoy a fine selection of beverages as well as a large variety of computer services. Tel:+385 1 48 11 050. Open M-Su 08.00 - 23-00.
• Aquarius net, Kralja Držislava 4.
• Art Net Club, Preradovićeva 25.
• KIC, Preradovićeva 5/1.
• Klub SC,Savska 25.
• Mama, Preradovićeva 18, is one of the coolest and cheapest cyber cafes in the city. They charge 10kn (1.36E) per hour or you can pay by the minute. Wireless connection, Skype, cool juices and coffee are available. The place is run by Multimedia institute [80], a nonprofit organization working in the fields of new media culture and digital technology, so there's chance of meeting some of the local and international cutting-edge artists or attending some interesting program.
• MMC Zagreb [81], Gajeva 17, "MMC" is an internet point (Gaming & Surfing & Call & Fax), situated in the very center of Zagreb (Gajeva 17), just a few steps from the Ban Jelačić square. Tel:+385 1 48 72 671. Open Mon-Sun 09.00 - 23-00.
• Sublink, Teslina 12.
• Vip, Preradović square 5.
• Vip, Ibler square.

Zagreb 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. Many youth gangs are based on nationalism, which means that they may behave hostilely towards obvious foreigners. One sign of nationalism is Doc Martens with white laces. 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 and pedestrian 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. They 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 champagne. 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.

This 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.

There are many small grocery stores around Croatia such as Konzum and Diona. There you can buy most necessary foods, hygiene products and items like cigarettes and alcohol. If you have a more specific need (like appliances, cutlery) or wish to go bulk shopping then try one of the larger Konzums, Kaufland or Mercator. Bread in Croatia is sold unsliced and is generally inedible after the second day of life, so if you don't eat bread much then ask for half a loaf "pola". Most brands that you likely know from home, like Nutella or M&M's, can be found in the larger stores but are rather expensive. Trying a domestic alternative or knock-off is not a bad idea.

Zagreb also has designated areas, the singular being a "platz", where you can buy and barter for clothes and shoes as well as perfume, chocolate and souvenirs. Illegally imported cigarettes are also often sold for cheap there (because of high importation taxes).

Many young Croatians learn some rudimentary English in school, and many older people know some.

• Listening

The Croatian language has some variations in accent and a few dialects which can lead to confusion. However, generally most Croatians understand every version of a word.

• Reading

These letters are read: š - "sh"; č - "ch"; ć - "ch", softened; đ - "j"; j - "y"; nj - "ny"; lj - "ly"; ž - "zh".

The letters q, w, x and y are not in the Croatian alphabet.

• Canada, Prilaz Gjure Dezelica 4 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, ? (385) 1 488 1200 (zagrb@international.gc.ca, fax: (385) 1 488 1230), [82]. Monday to Thursday: 10:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00 Friday: 10:00 - 13:00.  edit
• United States, [83].  edit
• United Kingdom, Ivana Lučića 4 10000 Zagreb Zagreb, ? (385)(1) 6009 100 (fax: (385)(1) 6009 111), [84]. Mon-Thurs: 0830-1700; Fri: 0830-1400.  edit

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 about 45 km southwest of Zagreb, 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, Karlovačko. Buses and trains depart frequently for the town, 50 minutes from Zagreb, and a trip by car on the A1/A6 takes only about 20 minutes from Jadranski Bridge. Great swimming in summer months in Karlovac rivers Korana [85] and near by Mrežnica [86] with rafting and kayaking.

Also worth a visit is Jarun Lake [87] (website only in Croatian). 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.