{"id":50162,"date":"2025-06-22T12:01:53","date_gmt":"2025-06-22T10:01:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/?p=50162"},"modified":"2025-06-22T12:01:53","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T10:01:53","slug":"zagreb-my-first-impression-of-the-croatian-capital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/?p=50162","title":{"rendered":"Zagreb, my first impression of the Croatian capital"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Zagreb,
Zagreb, photo credit by Joseph Delmotte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s been a month since I landed in Croatia, and I still feel like I\u2019ve only scratched the surface. Being here for the first time, I\u2019m taking things in slowly, getting to know the people, the culture, and everyday life one step at a time. It feels like the right moment to share some first impressions!<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb,
Zagreb, Sunset, Croatia, photo by Matko M.Svarc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Zagreb,
Zagreb, photo credit by Joseph Delmotte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A human-sized capital at the heart of a rich heritage<\/h2>\n

Zagreb strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the city\u2019s dual personality: the Upper Town, perched up high, old and almost medieval, with its narrow alleys and steep stairways; and the Lower Town, wider, more structured, full of long avenues, grand buildings, and crisscrossed by ever-present trams.<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb,
Zagreb, photo credit by Joseph Delmotte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What I love most about Zagreb is this constant feeling of being in a capital without the stress of a huge metropolis. The Opera District, with its cleanly aligned boulevards, elegant parks, and imposing Austro-Hungarian buildings, often makes me feel like I\u2019ve walked into a movie set. There\u2019s a subtle, almost Viennese refinement here that contrasts beautifully with the rustic charm of the old town. For this reason, I think Zagreb is one of the best places to visit in Croatia<\/strong>, and a must-see on any list of Croatian tourist attractions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb,
Zagreb, photo credit by Joseph Delmotte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Between parks, panoramic views and hidden heritage<\/h2>\n

I\u2019ve definitely found my favorite spots. At the top of the list is Zrinjevac Park, a real gem in the heart of the city. Its nostalgic carousel, sparkling fountains, and calm green spaces make it the perfect escape any time of day. For jaw-dropping views, nothing beats Bele IV Park, right next to the Lotr\u0161\u010dak Tower. The pathway that leads to another panoramic point, overlooking both the Cathedral and the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, offers some of the best places to see in Croatia<\/strong>\u2014truly unforgettable.<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb,
Zagreb, photo credit by Joseph Delmotte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One downside though, and it has to be mentioned, is the ongoing construction. Many landmarks, some no doubt stunning, are currently under renovation due to the 2020 earthquake. It\u2019s a bit frustrating when you can\u2019t explore a historic site, but it\u2019s also a clear sign that the city values and protects its heritage!<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb,
Zagreb, photo credit by Joseph Delmotte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A lively city and warm-hearted people<\/h2>\n
\"The
The Festival of Lights 2024., photo by M. Toma\u0161, photo credit by TB of City of Zagreb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But Zagreb isn\u2019t just about stone and parks. It\u2019s also about its people, who are warm, proud of their culture, and always happy to share a slice of their daily life\u2014something I clearly felt at Dolac Market<\/a>, right in the city center. One thing I noticed early on: Croatians love animals. Dogs are everywhere\u2014in parks, caf\u00e9s, and on sidewalks. As a dog lover myself, I 100% agree with this!<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb
Zagreb \u017duja photo by Matko M. \u0160varc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I rely on public transport daily to get to the city center. There seems to be a tram or bus to take you pretty much anywhere, and compared to France, it\u2019s surprisingly affordable. Sure, the schedules aren\u2019t always perfectly on time (which can be annoying), but as long as you plan ahead a little, it\u2019s manageable. That said, the app for trains isn\u2019t exactly user-friendly\u2014neither in terms of practicality nor translation for people like me\u2014though you do get used to it quickly.<\/p>\n

\"Photo
Photo by Matko M. \u0160varc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once in the center, though, everything is walkable, which is perfect for slow travel<\/strong>. You notice little things, charming corners and hidden Croatian attractions<\/strong> you\u2019d completely miss on a tram. That said, to reach Medvednica<\/a>, I still need public transport\u2014I\u2019m not quite brave enough to hike there from home\u2026 yet.<\/p>\n

The city is always buzzing with life. No matter the time, there\u2019s always something going on: an exhibition, a museum, or just a lively bar to wind down the day. It\u2019s exactly what you hope for in a capital\u2014movement, animation, and real neighborhood life. Zagreb offers a glimpse into the authentic rhythm of Croatian life, and it\u2019s the ideal start to Croatia itineraries<\/strong><\/a> for those seeking a local experience.<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb
Zagreb Flower square by Matko M. \u0160varc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Discovering Croatian cuisine through a French lens<\/h2>\n
\"Photo
Photo credit by Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coming from France, where food is almost a national religion, I wasn\u2019t sure what to expect from Croatian cuisine. Let\u2019s just say those doubts didn\u2019t last long. Even though I haven\u2019t had the chance to try that many things yet (it\u2019s only been a month), a few discoveries already stand out. My first real one? Truffle \u0161trukli. I\u2019d been told about them at least ten times before finally giving in, and now I totally get the hype. Then came the \u010devapi, which I tried at the top of Zagreb, up in the Medvednica mountains. Great view, great food. And of course, some local wine\u2014like Gra\u0161evina, a crisp white that pairs beautifully with many Croatian travel packages<\/strong><\/a> that include wine tours.<\/p>\n

\"Zagreb
Zagreb cathedral photo by Matko M. \u0160varc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Zagreb has been a wonderful introduction, but Croatia has so much more to offer<\/strong>. From the Dalmatian coast to the Istrian hills, every region promises different flavors, landscapes, and people. So far, helpful resources like Croatian Attractions<\/strong> and Croatia2Go<\/strong> have guided me through the best spots in Zagreb and provided valuable tips for exploring the city.<\/p>\n

\"Sava
Sava River in Zagreb-Croatia photo by Matko M.Svarc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As I look ahead, I\u2019m starting to explore Croatia vacation packages<\/strong><\/a>, from custom-made Croatia tours<\/strong> to luxury travel Croatia experiences<\/strong> that offer a deep dive into local culture. Whether you’re planning to go to Croatia<\/strong> for nature, cuisine, or history, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n

\"MaksimirFor those dreaming of the best Croatia experiences<\/strong>, from charming cities to hidden beaches, the country\u2019s growing list of Adriatic tours<\/strong>, Croatia trip packages<\/strong>, and Croatia tour packages<\/strong> offers something for every kind of traveler\u2014from those seeking culture and cuisine to those chasing the sun.<\/p>\n

\"ZagrebZagreb may have been my first stop, but this is just the beginning. Stay tuned as I continue to explore the best tours of Croatia<\/strong><\/a>, uncover more best places to go in Croatia<\/strong>, and embrace a style of Croatia custom made<\/strong> travel\u2014one that\u2019s a little slower, a little deeper, and a lot more fulfilling.<\/p>\n

\"Kings<\/p>\n

\"Kamenita
Kamenita vrata, Stone Gate, photo by Matko M. Svarc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s been a month since I landed in Croatia, and I still feel like I\u2019ve only scratched the surface. Being here for the first time, I\u2019m taking things in slowly, getting to know the people, the culture, and everyday life one step at a time. It feels like the right moment to share some first […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,50],"tags":[1734,1451,4161,4156,4159,2968,3998,431,4158,2558,4157,4160,55],"class_list":["post-50162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-croatia2day","category-zagreb","tag-all-around-zagreb","tag-architecture-in-zagreb","tag-best-croatia-experiences","tag-best-places-to-see-in-croatia","tag-croatia-itineraries","tag-croatian-tourist-attractions","tag-dolac-market","tag-go-to-croatia","tag-hidden-croatian-attractions","tag-medvednica","tag-slow-travel","tag-travel-to-croatia","tag-zagreb"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=50162"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50170,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50162\/revisions\/50170"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=50162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=50162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=50162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}