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30 things to do in Zagreb, Croatia’s underrated capital

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Here are some of my favourite things to do in Zagreb, Croatia. I recently spent 3 weeks in this brilliant and underrated city so I’ve been excited to write about everything I enjoy getting up to there. Zagreb is a charming city full of interesting history, good restaurants and an amazing craft beer scene. It has a chic café culture, beautiful architecture and the best selection of unusual museums in Europe. There’s a modern lower town with nice shops and bars, which is linked to a quaint and cobbled hilltop old town by a tiny funicular. Lush green parks surround the centre and it has a laid-back atmosphere with the feel of a smaller town rather than a capital.

Having visited Zagreb a couple of times over the years, I adore the city and could easily live there. It does my head in that people overlook it for other places in Croatia and don’t think of it as a good place for a European city break. Some people I’ve spoken to back home hadn’t even heard of it. Zagreb just doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

If this all sounds up your street, read on for more detail on some lovely things to do in Zagreb that I personally recommend…

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A perfect one-day itinerary for Zagreb, Croatia

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One day in Zagreb: a perfect itinerary | PACKTHESUITCASES

Here’s my itinerary for spending one day in Zagreb, Croatia’s underrated capital. I love Zagreb and have spent plenty of time there, including a recent stay for 3 weeks, so I know it quite well. To be honest, I’d recommend doing more than one day in Zagreb if you really want to get to know the city and appreciate how good it really is (after 3 weeks there, I didn’t want to leave!). But the reality is that a lot of people visit on a time limit, so I wanted to put this itinerary together so that my readers can make the most of a short time there. And there’s plenty you can cram into just a day. 

Zagreb is a charming city. The modern lower town with nice shops and bars is is linked to the hilltop old town by the world’s shortest funicular railway. It’s got fantastic restaurants and cafés, an interesting history, lots of parks and green spaces, one of the best craft beer scenes in Europe, beautiful architecture and some really cool and unusual museums. Although it’s not as popular as other cities in Croatia, like Dubrovnik and Split, or the islands like Hvar and Korcula, the capital has a lot going for it. I adore Zagreb and could easily live there. It does my head in that people overlook it! If you fall in love with it and want to stay longer than just a day, I do have a big guide to 30 things to do in Zagreb as well.

Anyway, pour a craft beer and have a wee read of this itinerary for spending a beautiful one day in Zagreb…

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22 things to do in Korcula, Croatia’s most beautiful island

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Here are some of my favourite things to do in Korcula, Croatia. After falling in love with this beautiful island earlier this year, I thought I’d put a travel guide together to give you some tips on making the most out of your time there. Korcula is basically a dream: everywhere you look is breathtaking. It’s got a medieval old town full of flower-lined alleyways, the countryside is dotted with old stone houses and lush green forests, and the whole island is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

There are some excellent Korcula restaurants and wineries, the latter being famous for the uniquely Korculan ‘Grk’ wine. The countryside is full of quaint villages, vineyards and olive groves, while the coast is peppered with quiet beaches and idyllic coves. Korcula Town, which is where most people will base themselves for a visit, is known as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. I think that’s doing it a disservice. It does have the same architecture and charm but it’s far less touristy and crowded, and thus much more enjoyable. It’s also a bit kinder on the old bank balance. I mean, like all of Croatia, Korcula is not super cheap. But it’s quality and you don’t feel ripped off. I ate some of the best seafood I’ve ever had and it was worth every kuna. 

Anyway, if this all sounds up your street and you’d like to plan a visit, pour yourself a Croatian wine and read on for the best things to do in Korcula…

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3 days in Split, Croatia: a perfect itinerary

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Here’s a perfect itinerary for spending 3 days in Split, Croatia’s second-biggest city. Split is located on the Dalmatian coast and is very popular with anyone wanting to fly into somewhere handy to get to some of the most beautiful Croatian islands. But it’s more than just a stopover to get the ferry to the islands. Split itself is worth staying in for a few days. The city is full of beautiful buildings and winding little streets, and its iconic palm-tree-lined promenade can be found on most Croatian postcards. As well as being so aesthetically pleasing, Split also has a thriving foodie scene, especially if you like seafood restaurants and Croatian wine, and a rich and interesting history going back to Roman times.

I’ve put together this itinerary for anyone wanting to make the most of a short break or a long weekend in Split. Despite having a lot going on, the city is relatively small. So I’d only advise doing longer if you want to do a few day trips. Otherwise, 3 days is a perfect length of time to spend there. 

So settle down with a glass of Croatian rakija and enjoy picking what you like the look of for 3 days in Split…

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