Backpacking Through Zagreb

Zagreb might be small in size, but it definitely has a big heart – when I say it offers something for everyone, I do mean that. Whether you prefer spending your time in nature or walking around admiring monuments and visiting the usual attractions, Zagreb’s got you covered. All you need is a bottle of water, a good pair of shoes and a camera to capture the moments you’re about to experience. Backpacking is a great way to meet this city any time of the year and it really doesn’t matter if you’re staying longer or if you are here just for a weekend. To really see how locals live and experience a unique feeling Zagreb offers to anyone who visits it, just take your essentials with you and you’re good to go.

Adventure on foot

Starting from Zagreb’s very own version of Central Park – Zrinjevac, I promise you won’t be able to stay cold hearted in this fairytale-like park in the middle of the city. Just walk among the trees, listen to local musicians who often perform in Zrinjevac’s arbour, or better yet, have a picnic on the grass admiring beautiful old buildings surrounding this peaceful park. After you’ve stopped and smelled the roses, I suggest you continue along the street. Upon reaching the main city square - Ban Josip Jelacic  Square, continue your adventure in Tkalciceva street, but first, a selfie with the statue of Josip Jelacic is a must do. You can’t miss him – he is the big guy on a horse with quite memorable moustache.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Tkalciceva street, or “Tkalca” as locals call it, is one of the most popular places in Zagreb because it's packed with charming cafes, delightful restaurants and interesting galleries. Grab a bite, drink a smoothie or educate yourself about city's history in one of the museums along the way. If you reach the end of the street, you’ll notice an almost hidden stairway leading to the Upper Town of Zagreb where you’ll get an amazing panoramic view of the entire city. The Upper Town is also one of the oldest parts of Zagreb and it has houses and buildings with well-preserved, centuries-old architecture. This will allow you to see how Zagrebians once lived, where they walked and in which taverns they enjoyed the local wine.

And off we go

If you’re feeling even more adventures, then hop on one of the blue trams going to the eastern part of the town and exit once you've reached Maksimir. Literally every Croatian knows about Maksimir – it’s not only the most popular park in Zagreb but in the whole country. Actually, to be honest, Maksimir is a forest which is conveniently set in the middle of the city. Once it was on the outskirts of Zagreb, but as the city grew, people started populating parts around the park. So today, it’s one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in town. Aside from enjoying calm and quaint vibe that Maksimir offers, you can also visit city zoo which is located inside the park. You won’t find many exotic animals like elephants or giraffes, but the zoo provides an interactive experience for its visitors which allows you to pet a friendly goat or any other farm animal.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

The Maksimir area also has some great places to eat so be sure to check those, as well. After the zoo experience, just follow Maksimirska Street back towards the centre of the town and roam around to discover amazing shops, bakeries and pubs that many locals love.

Basically, there’s so much to do so you’ll just have to come back again until Zagreb completely consumes you with its special aura and you’ll find yourself daydreaming about living here.

Header Image Credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Author: Paula Bracko