The CC's Insider Guide to Zagreb
MEET ISABELLA
Isabella, A TCC Tastemaker in Croatia, is a Dominican-Canarian travel content creator that is passionate about immersive travel and discovering all that Croatia has to offer.
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is her stomping ground and she shares with The CC her top recommendations when it comes to visiting this underrated, charming city.
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What should we see while visiting?
In upper town (Zagreb’s old historical center), I would suggest seeing St Mark’s Church, Strossmayer Promenade and Lotrscak Tower.
In lower town, some great sights would be Zagreb Cathedral, Gric Tunnel, the Croatian National Theater, King Tomislav Square, Ban Jelacic Square, Tkalciceva Street, Radiceva Street, Ilica Street and Cvjetni Square. To get some time in nature, visit the Botanical Garden, Zrinjevac Park and Ribnjak Park
Favorite type of local food and place to get it?
Cheese burek! The best one is from Dubravica Bakery. Locals also love the burek stand in the central market called Dolac Market - it’s been there since 1967 and it’s super authentic!
What are your favorite hotels in Zagreb?
I love Esplanade Zagreb Hotel*, Canopy by Hilton, Amadria Park Hotel Capital.
Top brunch spots?
Broom44 - Located in front of Dolac Market, you’ll find amazing specialty coffee and seasonal vegetarian food, cold pressed juices, and sweets made from fresh ingredients from the market.
Figa Garden - This hidden gem is located in a beautiful courtyard and has the best Jerusalem bagels, sandwiches, baked goods and specialty coffee.
Cogito Urania - Cogito is the most renowned specialty coffee brand in Croatia. In this café, they serve a lovely selection of sandwiches, smoothies, granola bowls and sweets.
SALO - If you want to try traditional Croatian food with a modern twist made by two of Croatia’s most famous chefs, this is the place! Bonus points for serving specialty coffee.
Otto & Frank - Traditional Croatian breakfast with a modern twist.
Koncept Mlincek - Dutch and French inspired food with a lovely terrace, located outside of the city center in a cool neighborhood.
Where do you go for an amazing lunch?
If you’re looking for Croatian food, I would recommend:
La Struk (for štrukli, a traditional Croatian dish made of dough and cheese filling)
Nokturno for traditional Croatian food
Ficlek for traditional Croatian food with a modern twist
Stari Fijaker which is another traditional spot beloved by locals with lots of history
If you’re craving something more international:
All Saints for Asian foo (lots of vegan and vegetarian options available)
Al Dente for delicious Italian food
Submarine for burgers made with locally sourced meat and ingredients (lots of vegan options here as well)
Byblos for Lebanese food
Best museums or galleries?
Museum of Broken Relationships
Chocolate Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Croatian Association of Visual Artists
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
Best day trips?
My favorite day trips from Zagreb would be Plitvice Lakes & Rastoke Town, Samobor, Ljubljana & Lake Bled (Slovenia), Opatija and Varazdin & Cakovec
What is a local’s only spot The CC travelers should know about?
Martićeva neighborhood - hipster, designers and artists area with the best bakeries, specialty coffee shops, brunch places, bars, galleries, independent boutiques and so much more!
Favorite cocktail bars?
Figa Garden, Dezman and Cafe Bar A’e are all great choices.
How about a fantastic wine bar?
Bornstein Wine Bar
Favorite restaurants for dinner?
My top picks are SOI Fusion, Park Pizzeria, Boban, Fidel Gastro, Batak Grill
Best views of the city?
The most spectacular views are from Plato Gradec, Upper Town and Strossmayer Promenade.
Cool events that only happen once a year (or seasonally)?
The Zagreb Advent (Christmas markets) are magical and a truly unique thing to experience in the city. There is also the wine festival and other food festivals that happen in Zagreb every May-June, the Festival of Lights in March and Zagreb’s Courtyards Festival in July, which offers visitors a chance to listen to music and enjoy some of Croatia’s most beautiful courtyards that are closed to the public the rest of the year.
Favorite beach, park or outdoor space?
I personally love spending time in Maksimir Park, Sljeme Mountain (go to the top with cable car and have traditional lunch at one of the local restaurants), Mirogoj Cemetery, Jarun & Bundek Lakes
What is something authentic or local to do while visiting?
Join my specialty coffee and local bites walk, where we show you the best bakeries, artisinal coffee shops, have specialty coffee tasting and education, and show you the coolest neighborhoods and hidden gems that the city has to offer!
Tell us about your perfect Saturday in the city.
Brunch at Broom44, buying flowers and herbs from Dolac Market, and then sitting down for cup of coffee where I can catch up with a friend or just relax and people watch.
Any quintessential books or movies we should read or see before visiting Croatia?
Faraway, a movie about a woman who inherits a house on a Croatian island that sparks a new adventure.
Essentials on your packing list?
For Croatia, I highly suggest water shoes if going to the coast, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and comfortable walking shoes.
Best time to visit?
Summer has lots of cool activities going on in Zagreb and nice weather, December is spectacular for the Croatian Christmas markets and I highly recommend March as it’s low season so you can enjoy the country authentically, you’ll get relatively good weather and (more than anything) you can enjoy the festival of lights!
Any suggestions on where to listen to live music?
It depends on the time of the year, but generally speaking, you can hear music at Fidel Gastro, Bacchus Jazz Bar and Figa Garden.
*Espalanade Zagreb Hotel is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary breakfast for two each morning, hotel credit, early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, subject to availability. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
