What's it famous for?
It is the administrative, economic, diplomatic and cultural capital of the country, with a population of almost one million. This “city of million hearts” as locals call it, has always been attracting visitors’ attention. Zagreb is also the city of science and culture. Many excellent scientists and artists who have enriched Croatian and world heritage, work here.
The city has approximately fifty museums and galleries, as well as private art collections and about twenty theatres and musical venues. Not only is Zagreb renowned for its Gothic churches, Baroque palaces, Art Deco buildings, beautiful city parks, but is also famous for the fascinating atmosphere in the historic Upper Town and the numerous downtown outdoor cafes where the true pulse of the city becomes captivating.
Other main attractions include one of Europe’s most lively outdoor markets, Dolac, with its cheerful red parasols – it is here that the scents and the colourful diversity of fresh picked fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products make you remember those almost forgotten tastes of your childhood…
From spring to autumn many events and exhibitions take place outdoors. They are a real treat for the visitors and they largely contribute to Zagreb’s special atmosphere. Its numerous downtown open air cafés give Zagreb the image of the biggest European café. Thanks to its many influences, the city has a special charm and that unique hospitable feel generated by its proverbial open-hearted inhabitants.
In addition, Zagreb and its surroundings with its exceptionally preserved nature lure numerous visitors to explore the mysteries of the region: the castles, romantic legends, vineyards, spas, local gastronomic delicacies and traditionally hospitable hosts.
Zagreb has a thousand faces and each one is – professional yet relaxed, modern, with a dash of a thousand years of longevity, cultural and economic, urban and adventurous … in short, Zagreb is the city that simply has to be discovered and rediscovered over and over again.
Typical souvenirs are leather goods and crystal and glass ware, ceramics, pottery, hand made articles of wood, embroidered clothing, works of art (especially paintings and sculptures by naïve artists) gingerbread products, plum brandy, wines, cheeses and cured meat products.
Two typical business souvenirs are: The Penkala pencil and “kravata“ tie. From time immemorial, the tie has been a part of the Croatian national costume, which was preserved by the Croats to the more recent times, who moved to central Europe in the 16th century. It was later taken over by the Croatian soldiers who were fighting in Europe, and a part of their uniform was assumed by the French in the 17th century. Under the leadership of the French „God of Sun" Louis XIV there was a horsemen unit, the so-called Royal cravate, who wore mostly red collar ribbons. The custom of wearing ribbons from the Croats dates back to this time, which was later expanded around Europe and the world, and today is inevitably the most important detail in men's fashion, and also an original Croatian souvenir. The word «kravata» (tie) originates from the word «Kroate»...
1. Architecture
Both the Lower Town and Upper Town in Zagreb offer visitors an insight into the past. The 19th century style of architecture is prominent across the capital. From the bright yellow Croatian National Theatre building situated in the heart of the city to the white walls and colourful roofs, visitors will get a glimpse into the past of the historic city.
2. Parks and Gardens
Like London, Zagreb is a garden city, with many parks and Botanical Garden open for public recreation. The U-shaped system of city squares with parks in Zagreb Lower Town was designed by horticulturalist Lenuzzi and is often called the Zagreb horseshoe. Monuments, galleries and museums can be found nestled within the greenery and flowers. Maksimir is the biggest park in Zagreb and was the first public promenade in south east Europe and features zoological gardens, three lakes, and pavilions, gazebos and sculptures. The park also includes a mock Swiss chalet and belvedere with a café, and is an ideal place to visit during the week when it is less busy.
3. Coffee Culture
Zagreb’s streets are lined with both traditional style coffeehouses and cafés to the modern. Locals can often be found sitting in a café from morning to dusk enjoying a coffee or two with friends.
4. The Mirogoj Cemetery
Not your average cemetery, Mirogoj serves not only as a burial place but also as a beautiful park and something of an open-air art gallery of nature, and is one of the most exquisite cemeteries in Europe. Designed by renowned architect Herman Bollé, the cemetery features a composition of impressive arcades, cupolas, pavilions, and domes intertwined with flora and greenery as well as sculptures by Croatian sculptors.
5. Museums
Zagreb is home to a wealth of museums including the Archaeological Museum, the Croatian Natural History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. In addition, Zagreb is also the permanent home of the Museum of Broken Relationships. The quirky museum exhibits mementos and love tokens donated from broken-hearted lovers after a relationship has ended
6. Arts and Culture
Zagreb has a rich cultural life, with around 30 theatres, 30 museums and numerous art galleries dotted around the city. Housed within a neo-baroque building, the Croatian National Theatre is a key symbol of Zagreb, and is the national home of ballet, opera and drama.
7. Cuisine
Zagreb’s culinary scene features fresh seafood and modern European cuisine with traditional dishes including kotlovina (stewed meat), štrukli (a thin dough stuffed with cottage cheese) and traditional cakes such as Zagreb strudels and spiced biscuits sold in the city’s coffeehouses. Wine also plays a prominent part in Croatian cuisine and there are a number of exclusive wine bars in the city.
8. Shopping
All the major luxury brands can be found within the city as well as boutique shops such as local hat makers and shops dedicated to the necktie, a garment invented by the Croatians. From distinctively Croatian products, along with books, guidebooks and art paintings - we recommend wine, confectionery products and natural cosmetics, artefacts, handmade textile, glass and wooden products. There is also quality clothing, shoes and jewellery made by local designers - products based on international trends, as well as those for which the inspiration is drawn from the rich national heritage of the city with its surroundings and other Croatian regions. Food lovers can head to Dolac Market, a farmers market that has been the city’s trading area since 1926 and is open daily.
9. City Tours
One of the best ways to become acquainted with the city of Zagreb is to take part in a walking tour. Led by an expert local guide, the tours showcase the city’s top attractions including Zagreb Cathedral, Stone Gate and Strossmayer Promenade, as well as offering an insight into the city’s history and culture. There are many themed walking tours available to visitors, but you can also discover Zagreb by various means of transport including bus, balloon, Segway, rickshaw or electric car, which combine the city's past and present in a unique way.
10. Funicular
A short, but sweet attraction, Zagreb boasts the shortest Funicular in the world with a travel time of 64 seconds. Connecting the Lower Town with the Upper Town, Zagreb’s Funicular runs every 10 minutes between 6:30am to 10pm daily. If you travel up the Funicular around midday, you will be at the top of the hill in time for Zagreb’s cannon fire at 12pm from the Lotrščak Tower. Tickets cost 4 kuna (approximately £0.65).
Modern and impressive design of the New Passenger Terminal Franjo Tuđman is aimed to give a landmark to Zagreb and support the city to fully exploit its potential as an desirable European destination in terms of tourism and business. Strong and consistent consortium behind the project ensures the synergy of knowledge, international know-how and experience. Combined with the goal-oriented business approach it is expected further development and growth of the airport’s handling capacity, as well as the increase in the air travel demand and network of available routes.
In the past two years, nine new airlines were welcomed to Zagreb, which definitely increased the competition and improved the flights offer, regarding both new destinations and number of frequencies to existing destinations. These are reasons to look optimistically to the future with ambition to make Zagreb International Airport a reference in term of well managed and developed infrastructure, to be reliable partners of the stakeholders and essentially the airlines.
The most important hotels, many of which are members of international hotel chains, are conveniently located in the heart of the city, all within 20 minutes walking distance.
In Zagreb there are 57 hotels:
• 1540 beds in 5 star,
• 3198 beds in 4 star,
• 49 beds in 4/3 star,
• 2329 beds in 3 star
• 281 beds in 2 star hotels
THE WESTIN ZAGREB HOTEL Business and Convention Hotel
The Westin Zagreb is situated in the heart of Zagreb and is a member of the Starwood Hotels group.
ESPLANADE ZAGREB HOTEL *****
The famous Hotel Esplanade Zagreb with its long and glorious tradition was built in 1925.
SHERATON ZAGREB HOTEL Business and Convention Hotel
Hotel Sheraton Zagreb with its 5 stars is directly located in the city centre and is part of the Sheraton International Hotel chain.
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL ZAGREB ****
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zagreb 4* opened in 2012 is situated in business district at The Green Gold Centre
HOTEL ANTUNOVIĆ ZAGREB ****
The Hotel Antunović opened in 2006 is situated along the western entrance into the city.
HOTEL DUBROVNIK ****
The Hotel Dubrovnik is located in the city’s central square named Ban Jelačić.
HOTEL INTERNATIONAL ****
Hotel International 4* is a modern business hotel located in the heart of Zagreb’s business district, within walking distance to the old town.
PANORAMA ZAGREB HOTEL ****
Panorama Zagreb Hotel is a refined hotel with easy access to the business district and the old town, offering spectacular view of the city.
HOTEL PALACE ZAGREB ****
Hotel Palace Zagreb is situated in the city centre, close to renowned Zagreb museums
and galleries as well as one of Zagreb’s most stunning parks - park Zrinjevac.
Other hotels, please find on www.meetinzagreb.hr
Concert and Congress Hall Vatroslav Lisinski
Concert and Congress Hall Vatroslav Lisinski was opened in 1973 and renovated in 1999. The Large Hall has 1851 seats whilst the Small Hall holds over 300.
Zagreb Fair Congress Center
Zagreb Fair Congress Centre, built in 1909, has also one of the oldest congress halls in this part of Europe. It offers numerous conference and exhibition halls and has the potential to cater for larger events with a capacity of 2000 seats.
Plaza Event Centar
Plaza Event Centar is part of a multifunctional business centre called City Plaza Zagreb. The main hall of the conference & event centre can host up to 1,000 guests which makes the facility unique in the city of Zagreb. The first floor of the Venue is the ideal infrastructure for small exhibitions, conferences and events for up to 550 guests, can be used for many purposes and satisfies many different client requirements.
Forum Zagreb
Congress Centre Forum Zagreb is a part of the Green Gold Business Centre. It holds 10 multifunctional halls which can be interconnected to hold up to 375 delegates in total, theatre style. All halls are equipped with top notch technical infrastructure. The venue has an exhibition and a snack area.
V.S.O.P. Very special old places
Mimara Museum
The Mimara Museum is situated in one of Zagreb’s most beautiful squares, in the city centre, the size of the building itself and its splendid interior is a perfect choice for organizing large and small exclusive meetings. Since 1987 an art collection donated to Croatia by Wiltrud and Ante Topić Mimara has been placed there.
Croatian State Archives
The Croatian State Archives building is one of the most beautiful art-deco buildings in Croatia, filled with rich works of art (paintings, reliefs, chandeliers and desk lamps, as well as decorative objects and furniture) is ideal for holding business meetings as well as top-class events where the beauty of the place itself will be an additional tool for success.
Museum of Arts and Crafts
The palace, built in the German renaissance style, was constructed primarily as a museum, and with its façade it still fulfills the scenography of one of Zagreb’s most beautiful squares. Thanks to its rich abundance of objects from abroad, the museum goes beyond national importance and is a part of European heritage. The modern role of the museum can be seen in its rich cultural and societal events: the museum and its open terraces are an ideal place for organizing symposia seminars, concerts, charity and promotional events.
Klovićevi Dvori Gallery
Klovićevi dvori Gallery is located inside a building that was built in the middle of the 17th century. A former Jesuit monastery that was used for offices and archives had been radically changed during the period between 1974 and 1983, when it was transformed into a centre for art exhibitions. Ever since then, the gallery has held many exhibits of paintings and sculptural works by accomplished artists from Croatia and abroad. The gallery and its very eloquent . Atrium are the perfect place for conducting meetings, receptions and banquets.
Illyrian Hall
There aren’t that many houses in Zagreb that can testify to big events as can the Illyrian Hall. It has a most beautiful interior made in the classicist style, and it is also one of the most important buildings in the modern day cultural and political history of Croatia. Reception capacity for 200 guests, theatre style 223 guests.
Golden Hall
When passing through the Upper Town streets, in the Opatička Street at number 10 you will find an old palace with Golden Hall and its spectacular interior. This is a neo-baroque hall with fresques and sculptures by the most famous Croatian artists of the time. It is for this reason that some call it an eternal gallery of Croatian painting. The Golden Hall is the right place for organizing exclusive meetings, banquets or cocktail parties. The hall seats theatre style 65 guests and for reception 100 guests.
Museum of Contemporary Art
With the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art in December 2009, Zagreb's stock as an international tourist destination has risen considerably. It is the largest museum ever built in Croatia, comprising of 5,000 sq m of exhibition space, a library, a multi media room, a boutique and a children's workshop. In its dozens of successful independent spaces it holds around4,000 pieces in curatorial collectives and exhibits by inovative local and globally famous artists. It represents a popular venue for prestigious social events.
The wide range of accommodation and convention facilities in Zagreb combined with the old city core, rich historical heritage, vibrant cultural life, friendly people, relaxed atmosphere, exciting gastronomic adventures and fascinating surroundings make Zagreb the ideal destination for conventions, conferences, meetings and incentives.
The city houses a rich variety of venues for both small meetings and big congresses, and offers numerous exciting possibilities for setting up a memorable incentive or a fascinating event. High class congress hotels, halls in the very historical core of the city, numerous museums and galleries in addition to top quality PCOs and DMCs will make your congress an event talked about long after. Zagreb is a city where captivating city atmosphere and making business make a perfect match.
Zagreb Tourist Board & Convention Bureau, a non-profit organization focused on promotion of Zagreb as an ideal meetings and incentives destination for business travellers, will gladly supply you with all the information regarding successful organization of your event.
We take pride and pleasure in meeting your needs, answering your questions, suggesting a suitable venue, organizing and, if needed, hosting inspection visits.
We offer assistance to business travellers in all aspects of their efforts to bring events to Zagreb. Zagreb Convention Bureau is a member of ICCA and European Cities Marketing.
Contact
Zagreb Tourist Board and Convention Bureau
Kaptol 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Contact: Mr. Zlatan Muftić, Convention Bureau Director
Telephone: +385 1 48 98 555
info@meetinzagreb.hr
www.meetinzagreb.hr
Female side of Zagreb...
In the life of every city, there are many famous and less famous, but very interesting women responsible for its life, development and atmosphere. During a 1.5 hour thematic walk down city streets, you will meet the first female journalist, greet the bronze (but also a real!) peasant woman on Dolac market, and many other women of sharp minds, great courage, astonishing perseverance, interesting fates and unquestionable charm. Meet the female side of Zagreb!
Do you speak Croatian?
Fun and interactive city tour during which you learn some 20 Croatian words. Listen to the story of Zagreb told through the past and present oft he Croatian language. During a 1.5 hour walk through Zagreb, learn a few Croatian words, get acquainted with the first Croatian alphabet, listen to the story of bilingual street signs in the Upper Town and find out how the cravat got its name. This interesting walk will tell you a lot about the city, the Croatian language and history, but will also give you skills to communicate with your hosts. In Croatian, of course!
Zagreb titbits
Many stories about Zagreb can be found in official guides and are obligatory during city tours. But, many of them are known only to its inhabitants – and some not even to them. Get to know the mysterious, funny, interesting side of Zagreb and its past and present, and through them the city.
Romantic Zagreb
Zagreb also had its Romeo and Juliet, its public and secret love stories because of which people were burned at the stake or lived in contempt. There were passionate affairs, letters, and all these fatal love stories left permanent memories in the city. In the evening, under the light of lanterns, you will feel the romantic side of Zagreb and its big, tragic, but also happy love stories.
By bike through lower town and new Zagreb
If you want to combine recreation and a city tour with a professional guide, and also be more flexible in traffic, a tour of Zagreb by bike is ideal. From the starting point in the immediate vicinity of the Maršal Tito Square, which houses the Croatian National Theatre, you set out to see the numerous Lower Town landmarks including a somewhat more distant part of town – the “New Zagreb”, that “leapt” over the Sava river and now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Bundek park, Zagreb Fair and many more interesting sites.
By bike through historical Zagreb and upper town
A bike tour of historical building starts with a visit to an obligatory point in the city – the building of the Croatian National Theatre – and continues to many other significant buildings. Thanks to this practical mode of transport, you will visit parks, squares and historical buildings all the way to the Upper Town. And there’s no end to exploring its history and listening to interesting stories!
Segway city tour
Experience Zagreb in a very different way! SEGWAY CITY TOUR ZAGREB takes you on a tour of the city in your own personal transporter!
City tour of Zagreb with costumed guides
Step into history as our guides dressed as famous personalities of Croatian past lead you through the secrets of the capital city, Zagreb – a city where tradition meets contemporary thought and vision. Take the panoramic ride through the many parks that are strung throughout this city, stroll along the streets of the medieval Upper Town and listen to stories of the past, have your photo taken in front of the colourful St. Mark's Church and catch the best view of Zagreb from under the Lotrščak Tower.
Zagreb green
Did you know that, in the Lower Town of Zagreb, there are eight squares- parks connected in the shape of the letter U? This green „horseshoe“ connects many of the Zagreb landmarks, so a tour of city parks and squares is also an opportunity to see them. From St. Mary's column with angels in frontof f the Zagreb cathedral and the central JosipJelačić square, you start the walking/tram tour of the green city areas that will surprise you by their beauty, richness of vegetation and size. Then take a tram to the Park Forest Maksimir, one of the largest green areas in this part of Europe with a total of five lakes. This tour also includes a tour of the Zagreb Zoo.
Zagreb gastro
The culinary offer of Zagreb will truly tell you a lot about the city. The first destination is a true tourist attraction, the Dolac market that offers fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and dairy products from all over the country, as well as Zagreb souvenirs. The tour continues in Tkalčićeva street, the street of cafes that simply invites you to copy the habits of Zagreb’s inhabitants – we will sit down and have some coffee and cake. Downtown Zagreb is called the largest European coffee house in the open. The tour continues in the oldest Zagreb coffee house, Palainovka, followed by lunch at one of the city’s restaurant and a tasting of local wines.
All other Zagreb incentives you can find here: www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr/brosura/razgled_grada.pdf
Secret Zagreb Walks
ZAGREBARIUM
Zagrebarium is a steampunk-inspired walking tour that offers you a taste of Zagreb’s fantastic history in the company of a storytelling tour guide. It reveals traces of the city’s great expansion in the 19th and early 20th centuries, shares stories of amazing minds and incredible events. It is a chance to discover both the best sights and hidden gems, and learn about the city’s traditional crafts and impressive industrial heritage.
This tour follows the footsteps of Nikola Tesla in Zagreb, reveals the connection between great 20th century rock stars and Croatian scientists, searches for links between superstition and science and gives insight into earth-shaking and sky-breaking events.
SLEEPING DRAGON
Inspired by the legends and vivid folk costumes of north-western Croatia, this dragon-themed walking tour gives you the chance to see Zagreb’s famous sights and learn about Croatia’s fascinating folklore. Familiarise yourself with ancient “reptilian” folk stories, see sculpted snakes and dragons and hear a few interesting facts about the strangest society around on our Sleeping Dragon Walking Tour.Learn some esoteric mysteries, and all about flaming and tectonic catastrophes, and remain in hope that the sleeping dragon will not wake up during your stay in Zagreb.
ZAGREB GHOST TOUR
If you're interested in Zagreb’s mysterious side, join this evening walking tour and discover the city’s haunted mansions, forgotten graveyards, unique residents and eerie apparitions. Hear chilling ghost stories, dark poems and strange historical facts and, last but not least, visit places in the heart of the city that the guidebooks don't mention.
WITCH HUNT
This activity is inspired by actual historical events. Zagreb is in fact known as the city that continued the infamous witch trials deep into 18th century, when the rest of the world had long abandoned that craze.
Before the game starts, the participants are introduced to the history of witchcraft and witch hunts in Zagreb. The participants are then divided in two teams. The first one that resolves all the riddles wins the game. The entire event lasts around 1,30 hrs, but the very quest is limited to 60 minutes. The entire game takes place within the area of what used to be a medieval town called Gradec.
ZAGREB CHRISTMAS CAROL
When you're in the mood for winter sightseeing in Zagreb, join this wintry city tour and enjoy all the peculiar facts, for example why did the locals keep their turkeys on their balconies before giving them a full makeover and central position at the Christmas table… Hear our advice on how to foretell the following year Croatian way... Learn all about Croatia’s strangest gift-bringers, starting from the nicest lady who carries her eyes on a silver plate... Find out all the fun facts about winter sports and troubles with snow in the old Zagreb.
Zagreb Space Walk - planet hunt trough the streets of Zagreb
Rumour has it there are curious sculptures of Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, hidden in the Zagreb´s street puzzle, and yet many fail to find them all! Yes, Zagreb has its own grounded solar system, cool, ha? Croatia´s capital has always been fond of astronomy, and puzzles!
The Central sculpture - the Grounded Sun (the replica of the original from 1971), artwork of Ivan Kozaric, the Croatian artist internationally famous for his sculptures, has been permanently placed in the heart of city center, amongst flowers and the commotion of the popular Bogoviceva Street, since 1994. In the year 2004, nine planets -stainless steel rounded sculptures, called Nine Views (Pluto was still considered a planet at the time), were "grounded" in Zagreb´s metropolitan area reflecting the scale of real astronomical bodies by another artist - Davor Preis. Intervals and dimensions of the "grounded" planets are proportional to actual distances of planets from the Sun, considering the diameter of the Grounded Sun sculpture.
Almost a decade after its first ground control spin, we invite you to accompany us for a serendipitous experience of Zagreb streetpuzzle solving with Zagreb Space Walk. It is time for a Great Planet Hunt trough the city!
The Medvednica mountain
Zagreb leans along the Medvednica Mountain which is covered with forest. You can climb to its highest mountain peak called Sljeme (1033 m) using the pedestrian walkway that begins in the city’s central square. The western mountainside of Medvednica that covers 228 km and is a Park of Nature.Within Medvednica you can find hotel accommodation, mountain paths and an alpine centre which offers refreshments and over-night stays. Amongst its natural highlights is one of the largest caves in Croatia called Veternica; it holds many tunnels and is a home to numerous colonies of bats.
There is a medieval fortified town on Medvednica, Medvedgrad, about 30 minute drive from the centre of Zagreb. Built in 1250, it is one of the largest and most impressive hilltop fortress towns in Croatia. The fortress itself is uniquely impressive and commands breathtaking views of the city of Zagreb below. Here you can take part in a spectacular re-enactment of a medieval battle with swords, bows and arrows. Become a brave medieval knight while the old defence walls of Medvedgrad relive their glory; rattling of the weapons, quarrels of the knights, love sorrows of the maidens....you might even learn how to be a bow archer.
During winter, the Medvednica Mountain is a popular ski and sleigh resort where ski events are organized, whereas during the summer season it becomes an area of refreshment.It was here that the most famous Croatian skiers of all time and the Olympic winners JanicaKostelić along with her brother Ivica made their first ski steps to becoming world champions! Thanks to them, Zagreb and Medvednica host the world famous VIP Snow Queen Trophy Ski Cup!
On the banks of river Sava
A great value to modern Zagreb is certainly Jarun, the so called “Zagreb’s sea”, a large recreational and sports center, situated on the left bank of the river Sava in the immediate proximity of the metropolis.
The 2 lakes and 5 islets are interconnected by bridgesand pebble beachesand accommodate swimmers. Jarun also consists of kilometres of winding paths, cycling trails, green meadows, shady groves and the impressive 2,250 metres long regatta lane upon which numerous international and world championships are organized.
Throughout the year Jarun attracts many citizens and their guests, but the liveliest season is summer when due to the pleasant weather a stage is set up at the Lake – hosting many theatre performances, open-air concerts, featuring famous DJs, fashion shows, firework shows and other events.
Golf & Country Club is also lacated along the Sava river and is a popolar meeting place for golfers and their colleagues or partners.
The green necklace
Additionally, some 40 minutes away by road, Zagreb's picturesque hilly surroundings abides in green hills dotted with churches, tales and legends, wine trails as well as many impressive medieval castles. The past has been preserved in the ethno-village of Kumrovec, the birth place of former Yugoslav president Tito, where one can make their own gingerbread hearts, prepare some typical dishes of the region, learn a local dance or simply get to know how locals lived in the past.
Additionally, only 2 hours driving time from Zagreb, a unique experience awaits you – the Plitvice Lakes National Park– where 16 lakes linked by more than 90 waterfalls, a natural marvel under the protection of UNESCO, invites you to take a stroll under the slopes or enjoy a boat ride across a lake.
If you prefer a visit to the coast, you can either reach Opatija in 2hours time by road or fly down south (50 min) to the Pearl of Adriatic – Dubrovnik.