Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and the most popular tourist destination in continental Croatia. It is often called a city with a million hearts, referring to its very hospitable citizens. It is also a city with a long history, as the first mention of Zagreb dates back to 1094. Here, every visitor will enjoy the interesting Central European architecture, numerous museums, green parks and local gastronomic specialties. Wondering how to best use three days in Zagreb? To find out the answer, read the guide below.

Day 1

1. Ban Josip Jelacic Square - Ban Josip Jelacic Square is the main city square and the central gathering place for citizens and a place where various events take place such as concerts, ethno festivals, fairs of local products and the like. In the middle of the square is a statue of Josip Jelacic, the work of sculptor Dominik Fernkorn. Not far from the statue is the Mandusevac fountain, which legend says will fulfill your wish if you throw a coin in it. In addition to the statue and fountain, beautiful historic facades capture the attention of every visitor.

2. Dolac - Dolac is the main market in the city. Apart from being architecturally interesting, it is also an ideal place to experience the life of local residents. People from Zagreb like to go to the market, and after shopping, they always sit in one of the surrounding cafes and talk about all the current topics in their lives. There is also a statue of "Kumica", dedicated to hardworking women from the Zagreb area who traditionally grew their products and arrived at Dolac early every morning to offer homemade fruits, vegetables and milk to the people of Zagreb. Even today, the market has an excellent selection of products: from fruits and vegetables to dairy products, homemade pasta and various cooking spices.

3. Funicular - Zagreb's funicular is a special experience for visitors. For a small fee you can ride to the Upper Town and enjoy the romantic view of the city in the smallest and shortest cable car of its kind in the world, which is also a cultural monument.

4. Church of St. Mark - Church of St. Mark was built in the 13th century. The south portal of the church is one of the best Gothic sculptural achievements in this part of Europe. It is also known for its colorful roof tiles that form the coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia on the left side, and the coat of arms of the city of Zagreb on the right.

5. Klovicevi dvori Gallery - Klovicevi dvori Gallery is located in a former Jesuit monastery from the 17th century. A rich program of exhibitions and other events make this gallery one of the most important cultural institutions in the city. The gallery is named after Juraj Julije Klovic, a Croatian painter and miniaturist. Klovic was born in 1498, and for most of his life, he worked and worked in Italy, where he met leading artists of the time, such as Michelangelo.

6. Tkalciceva Street - Tkalciceva Street is the main center of Zagreb's cafes, restaurants and leisurely nightlife. Also known as Tkalca, it contains dozens of places where you will find something to your liking. A stream used to flow down the street, dividing Zagreb's two oldest settlements, Gradec and Kaptol. In the period from 1899 to 1941, almost every house in Tkalciceva Street was a brothel. Being in the center, all the windows had to have opaque glass and red lanterns. For this reason, Zagreb was the first city in Europe with a corresponding red light district.

7. Agava Restaurant - Agava is a famous Zagreb fish restaurant located in the heart of the city of Zagreb on the most attractive street - Tkalca. The interior is elegant and modern, with a touch of classic luxury. The menu is based on modern Croatian-Mediterranean dishes using world trends in food preparation techniques.

Day 2

8. Zagreb Cathedral - Zagreb Cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. The Zagreb diocese and cathedral were founded in 1094 by King Ladislav. Today's appearance of the cathedral is due to the neo-Gothic restoration after the earthquake of 1880. In the interior and the treasury, there are numerous relics, works of art and graves of important personalities from Croatian history.

9. Ribnjak Park - Ribnjak Park stretches along the stone eastern walls of Kaptol, behind the magnificent Zagreb Cathedral. It was arranged in 1830 by the Bishop of Zagreb, Aleksandar Alagovic. The park was named after the fishponds that once existed here. The park provides an excellent opportunity to escape to nature in the city center.

10. Stone Gate - The Stone Gate was one of the gates surrounding the historic old town of Gradec and is the only preserved city gate. When the great Zagreb fire broke out back in 1731, all objects burned, except for the portrait of the Virgin Mary from the room above the Stone Gate, which was a miracle that is still worshiped today, especially on May 31 on Zagreb City Day and the holiday Mother of God of the Stone Gate.

11. Atelier Mestrovic - Atelier Mestrovic is an art museum that preserves the works of the world-famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. The museum is located in the space that was once his home, and Mestrovic bequeathed it to the city of Zagreb together with more than 300 of his sculptures. Even some piecec of furniture from the time when the famous artist lived here has been preserved, which adds to the special atmosphere of this interesting museum.

12. Croatian National Theater - This magnificent theater was inaugurated on October 14, 1895. The authors of this neo-Baroque architectural masterpiece are the famous architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer. In front of the theater is the fountain Well of Life, designed in 1905 by the famous Croatian artist and sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.

13. Dezman Bar - Dezman bar is a very popular place on the Zagreb gastro and bar scene. Protected from traffic within a pleasant passage leading to the Tuskanac Forest Park, this modern bar is a chic but relaxed place to sip a few delicious cocktails on the terrace or in the cozy interior. They also offer delicious sandwiches with gluten-free bread and daily fresh cakes and cakes made from top-quality fresh ingredients. When wandering through Zagreb's center, Dezman bar is definitely a place you must stop by.

Day 3

After discovering all the charms of the center of Zagreb during the first two days, the third day is the time for an active vacation in green oases on the outskirts of the city.

14. Medvednica - Medvednica is a protected nature park located in the immediate vicinity of the city intertwined with 70 marked hiking trails and 70 streams, and is home to many plant species. For active vacation and exploring the secrets of Medvednica such as caves, fortresses, abandoned mines and bunkers, there are hotels and restaurants where you can refresh and relax.

15. Maksimir Park - Maksimir Park is the largest masterpiece of garden architecture in Croatia, and one of the oldest in Europe, opened in the 18th century. It is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition to centuries-old oak forests, the park also consists of beautiful meadows, lakes and streams. The English-style park is also home to more than 100 species of birds. This is a favorite place of the people of Zagreb for walking, cycling or running on many trails.

16. Jarun - The eponymous district and lake near the Sava River is an everyday oasis for walking and recreation for many Zagreb residents and visitors who come here to run, walk, rollerblade, ride a bike, row, and even swim, when the weather is warmer. The lake is surrounded with promenades, places for rest and barbecuing. There are several restaurants and bars that attract guests to the lake both day and night.