The Legendary Stop of the Orient Express
This year, Zagreb’s Esplanade Hotel celebrates a century of elegance and history, marking 100 years since its inauguration in 1925. Originally built to host passengers of the legendary Orient Express, this iconic establishment has become more than just a luxury hotel. Through modern renovations, it has weathered the eras, from the Roaring Twenties to the upheavals of World War II, while remaining a cornerstone of Zagreb’s social and cultural life.
A timeless architecture
Designed by German architect Otto Rehnig and beautifully adapted by Croatian Dionis Sunko, the Esplanade embodies Belle Époque style with a touch of Art Deco. Over the decades, it has hosted celebrities, heads of state, and renowned artists, while adapting to modern needs without losing its timeless charm. Today, the Esplanade continues to shine as a symbol of Croatian sophistication and hospitality, blending tradition and innovation to captivate future generations. It has become one of the best places to see in Croatia and in Zagreb.
A cosmopolitan hub
The Esplanade Lounge & Cocktail Bar is a timeless symbol of Zagreb’s heritage. Since its opening in 1925, the bar has been a cosmopolitan hub, hosting luminaries, celebrities, and intellectuals, including Croatian writer Miroslav Krleža, who famously described the Oleander terrace as “the border of Europe with the Balkans.”
Celebrating the hotel’s centenary, the bar introduces a new collection of cocktails, each inspired by a decade of its storied past, ensuring that every visit is a journey through history and taste.
Where History Meets Elegance
Its classic Art Deco interiors and impeccable service create an intimate atmosphere. Upon entering, the grand lobby impresses with its high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and marble staircases adorned with intricately crafted brass railings, reflecting the hotel’s timeless elegance. At the hotel’s heart, the Emerald Ballroom features a domed ceiling and ornate windows. Surrounding this central hall are several salons named after iconic Orient Express destinations, such as Paris, Venice, or Istanbul, offering versatile spaces for conferences or private receptions.
These venues and the Oleander Terrace are available for privatization, providing an ideal setting for exclusive events, lavish weddings, or prestigious business meetings—everything you need to have the best Croatian experience in the heart of Zagreb.
A high-end culinary journey
Finally, how can we not talk about restaurants?
Le Bistro, blending Parisian charm with Croatian soul, showcases a seasonal “à la carte” menu celebrating local ingredients and international flair. But its true highlight remains the iconic “štrukli” a warm, indulgent masterpiece that has become a must-try for locals and international visitors alike.
Zinfandel’s, the pinnacle of fine dining in Zagreb, is where tradition meets innovation. Under the expert direction of Chef Ana Grgić Tomić, the first woman to lead the Esplanade’s kitchen, the restaurant offers an elevated gastronomic experience. Each dish is a sophisticated composition of flavors, where Croatian classics are reinvented with modern finesse.
I was truly captivated by the beauty and soul of the Esplanade Zagreb, now it’s your turn to let yourself be surprised by one of the top Croatian tourist attractions.
