❤️ Zagreb – A City of Quiet Romance and Cafés Under the Stars

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, blends the charm of Central Europe with the warmth of the Mediterranean. There’s no roaring sea here, but there are cobblestone streets, church bells, and the scent of freshly baked pastries.

🌆 What to See

1. Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

The historic heart of Zagreb — narrow streets, colorful facades, and views over the whole city. Don’t miss St. Mark’s Church with its vibrant tiled roof, a mosaic under the open sky.

2. The Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata)

A mystical spot where people light candles and whisper prayers. In the evening, with the flicker of candles and the glow of old lanterns, it feels truly romantic.

3. Zagreb Cathedral

The majestic Gothic cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose spires can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Inside, it’s calm and cool — perfect for a moment of stillness.

4. Tkalčićeva Street

Colorful houses, terraces filled with cafés, and live music in the evenings. A place to stop for a glass of wine and watch the city pass you by.

5. Zrinjevac Park

An elegant park with fountains and century-old trees. In spring it’s carpeted with flowers, in winter it glows with Christmas lights.

🌳 Maksimir Park — the oldest and one of the largest urban parks in Zagreb

History and Architecture

• Founded in 1787, and opened to the public in 1794 at the initiative of Bishop Maximilian Vrhovac of Zagreb — hence its name “Maximilian’s Peace” or “Maksimir.”
• Originally designed in a Baroque style, the park was transformed in 1839 into a romantic English landscape park by architect Michael Sebastian Riedl and his team, featuring pathways, meadows, lakes, and decorative pavilions.
• Today the park is a protected monument of both cultural and landscape heritage in Croatia.

Location and Size

• Covering 316 hectares (around 3.15 km²), the park is nearly as large as Central Park in New York — only 24 hectares smaller.
• Located in the eastern part of Zagreb, it is easily accessible by trams 4, 5, 7, 11, and 12, with a stop at Bukovačka.

Nature and Highlights

• The park features five lakes, perfect for peaceful walks, photography, or boating — especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
• It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna — over 100 bird species, including the endangered Middle Spotted Woodpecker.
• Notable architectural landmarks include:
  • Echo Pavilion (Paviljon Jeka) — creates acoustic effects when clapping or speaking.
  • Kiosk Pavilion (Vidikovac) — a two-story stone structure with a terrace and scenic views, built in the 1840s.
  • The Mound (Mogila) — a memorial hill dedicated to the Croatian statehood millennium, built with soil brought from various regions of Croatia.

Family and Educational Activities

• The park is home to the Zagreb Zoo, founded in 1925, housing numerous animal species with daily feeding demonstrations.
• There are children’s playgrounds and walking paths, ideal for family outings, yoga, picnics, and games.
• Throughout the year, Maksimir hosts cultural and educational events such as guided tours, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. Example: the 225th anniversary celebration with films, concerts, and children’s programs.

Quick Overview

In summary — Maksimir Park is the green heartbeat of Zagreb: a place for peace, nature, history, and shared city moments.

🍽 What to Taste

• Štrukli – a local dish of pastry and cheese, baked or boiled. Warm, soft, and wonderfully comforting.
• Purica s mlincima – roasted turkey with thin flatbread soaked in its juices.
• Kremšnita – a fluffy cream cake that tastes like childhood.
• Hrvatsko vino – Croatian wines, especially the white Graševina, pair beautifully with dinner.
• Kava na suncu – coffee in the sunshine at one of Tkalčićeva’s cafés or on the main square Ban Jelačić.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Zagreb offering traditional Croatian cuisine.

 🍲🇭🇷Vinodol

📍 Nikole Tesle 10, 10000 Zagreb

Classic traditional cuisine in the heart of the city — štrukli, lamb, kulen, gibanica and more.

Okrugljak

📍 Mlinovi 28, 10000 Zagreb

Rustic countryside atmosphere with traditional dishes like veal under peka, roast duck, and strukli.

Tač

📍 Jakova Gotovovca bb, 10000 Zagreb

Seasonal traditional cuisine with fresh local ingredients and precise techniques.

Stari Fijaker

📍 Mesnička 6, 10000 Zagreb

Authentic zagrebačko-zagorska cuisine since 1848 — štrukli, sausages, čobanac, and more.

Pri Zvoncu

📍 XII. Vrbik 1, 10000 Zagreb

A local favorite for peka, Zagreb steak, and mezo z Tiblice.

Gostionica Ficlek

📍 5 Pod Zidom, 10000 Zagreb

Historic atmosphere with zagrebački odrezak, štrukli, strudels, and local wines.

🍴 Restoran Kvatrić – Cozy Tradition in the Heart of Zagreb

📍 Maksimirska cesta 9

A true culinary gem, deeply connected to old traditions and new memories. Once known as Koralji and Orljava, today it offers comforting dishes such as štrukli, zagrebački odrezak, veal shank, zagorska soup, meals under peka, and homemade bread — all served in a rustic and warm setting.

💰 Prices are surprisingly affordable compared to other restaurants, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Here, every bite carries care and tradition.

✨ At Restoran Kvatrić, you don’t just eat — you become part of the story of Zagreb: authentic, generous, and cozy.

🍰 Slastičarnica Orijent – A Taste of Tradition with Love

📍 Maksimirska 34

Founded in 1936 by Zulfi Tahiri, this iconic pastry shop remains in the same family, now run by her daughters Šeherezada and Ildeza. Known as the “Blue Pastry Shop”, it blends history, elegance, and sweet creativity.

✨ Highlights

• Unbroken tradition since 1936 – one of the oldest pastry shops in Zagreb.
• Family-owned, passing recipes and spirit through generations.
• A mix of classic and modern — keeping tradition alive while introducing new flavors.

🍭 Menu Magic

• Classics: kremšnita, šaumšnita, baklava, macarons.
• Retro favorites: Boem kocke, Medovik, Jelačić šnite, Doboš torta, Esterhazy torta.
• Creative seasonal flavors: Red Velvet, Halva, matcha, beetroot & cardamom, winter ice cream.

🌟 Why Visit

Because Orijent is not just a pastry shop. It’s time folded into cream, tradition spiced with modernity, and flavor woven with memory. If you’re in Zagreb — even just for dessert — this is the place to go! 🍮💙

💫 Little Romantic Secrets

• Climb Lotrščak Tower at sunset and hear the bell ring.
• Stroll through Botanički vrt – the botanical garden is a peaceful haven for a quiet afternoon date.
• Sip hot chocolate in a cozy café on a cold day and watch snow fall over the old town.
• For something unique, visit the Museum of Broken Relationships — quirky, moving, and unforgettable.

From Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) to the city center of Zagreb, you have several convenient options:

🚍 Official Shuttle (Pleso prijevoz)

• 🚏 Runs every ~30 minutes.
• 🚌 Destination: Autobusni kolodvor (Main Bus Station).
• ⏱ Duration: 30–40 minutes.
• 🚋 From there, take tram no. 6 or 8 to Trg bana Jelačića (5–10 minutes).

🚌 Public Bus – Line 290

• 🚏 Airport → Kvaternikov trg.
• 💰 Cheaper, but slower.
• ⏱ Around 35–40 minutes.

🚖 Taxi / Uber / Bolt

• 💶 Price: ~25–30 €.
• ⏱ Duration: 20–25 minutes (without traffic).

🚗 Car Rental

• 🚙 Wide choice of rental companies at the airport.
• 👍 Convenient if you plan to travel outside Zagreb.

✨ Tip: For a first visit, the easiest option is the shuttle → bus station → tram to the city center.