MUSEUMS
Zagreb City Museum (Muzej grada Zagreba)
The Zagreb City Museum is located in the renovated convent of St. Clare and gives us a way to approach Zagreb’s city life from medieval times to the present. This is done in the form of scale models that depict the development of the city over time. There are numerous objects of weaponry, religious items, furniture, ethnic costumes and photographs reflecting Zagreb’s ups and downs. There is a nice little restaurant on the premises too.
Archaeological Museum (Arheološki muzej)
The Archaeological Museum in Zagreb contains some of the best preserved archaeological remains in the world, giving us an insight into the lost world of the ancient times. The museum is divided into three floors of permanent collections.
Croatian Naïve Art Museum (Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti)
The Croatian Museum of Naive Art includes the most beautiful paintings by talented Croatian Artists such as Ivan Generalic and Ivan Lackovic. Most of the 1,500 paintings belong to the Hlebine School and are extremely charming with beautiful of use of colour.
Museum of Broken Relationships
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is dedicated to all broken or failed love relationships. Initially, what was started as a travelling collection of donated items, it has now been converted to a museum with exhibits that include personal objects from former lovers with brief written descriptions. With interesting stories behind each object, you are sure to find it entertaining to see the mindset of people in love.
PARKS
Leafy Zagreb – Urban Wilderness Rediscovered
Zagreb is among Europe’s nicest walkable cities. Slip into comfortable walking shoes and join the urban wilderness adventure.
Maksimir 14
Locals often spend their free time enjoying the walks down the pathways of the late 18th century park Maksimir. It’s a great place for recreational activities, such as jogging and cycling. In spring and summertime, there are all sorts of events going on inside the park.
Botanical Gardens 12
A walk through this serene oasis in the very city center, makes a perfect break from the busy everyday life. 120 years old trees are true witnesses of this city’s history and development. Just sitting on a bench beside the windy pathways and reading a chapter or two of your favorite book, takes you far away from the stressful day at work.
Kresimirac 6
Kresimirac is the last example of protected park architecture here in Zagreb. It contains lovely pathways, a strange old fountain representing the water cycles, and first public children’s playground in Croatia. Locals love it because its tree tops can’t cease to whisper the city’s memories.
Park Ribnjak 6
Ribnjak is a very popular park for it contains a children playground, it’s a perfect place to take your dog out, and there’s also a popular night-club and a cultural center offering a wide range of activities inside the park.
Rokovac – St Roch’s Park 4
Rokovac or “Rokov perivoj” bears certain nostalgia. Probably because many locals have some childhood or teenage memories attached to it. It is also a real romantic spot since many of early 20th century artists used to live in the houses that surround the park.
Park of the Newlyweds 3
It’s a big park between two neighbourhoods of Novi Zagreb called Trnsko and Siget. It’s great for relaxation and recreation. It is equipped with two children playgrounds, one huge playground for dogs and an outdoor gym. It’s a family spot during the day, and teenagers and lovers hideout in the nights.
MARKETS
Dolac
The real delight of this market, without a doubt, are “kumice”. Often wearing a scarf around their heads, these ladies are a symbol of trading in Zagreb. And trust us when we say that their unique approach and the ingredients they sell will not leave you indifferent.
So if you’re looking to avoid shops and excited to try home-grown fruits and vegetables, this is the place. The fish market is an excellent place to get familiar with delicious Adriatic fish, having in mind that Mondays should usually be avoided when looking for fresh fish.
British Square
Flea market on the British square takes place on Sundays, and features a broad range of antiquities offered. This place is perfect for enthusiasts searching for unique items from different period of times, with some of the items ranging from time before the WWI. Event like this also gives you a glimpse of the past, as interesting and turbulent as Croatian history is.
Extraordinary vases, cutlery, plates and even distinguished clothing can be found here. Prices are negotiable. And on Thursdays, this picturesque square transforms into a book market.
What can be crucial on markets like this is timing. Many on the offering side are first-time sellers, and as such, they tend to come earlier than others.
Flower Square
Want to meet some people, or grab a coffee in a crowded place full of stories? Look no further, this is the Flower Square on weekends. As a market, it features only a few stands with flowers, with no food options. Although it would hardly qualify for a market, it is definitely worth a visit, because it is yet another glimpse of history, where some time ago stood a real farmer’s market. Buy some home-grown flowers and continue exploring the city, as it will add some spice on top of it all.
