Çok fazla zaman ayırmadan Hırvat başkentine mi gidiyorsunuz? İşte seyahatinizden en iyi şekilde yararlanmanıza yardımcı olmak için Zagreb’de bir günü nasıl geçireceğinize dair adım adım kılavuzum.
Bir günde Zagreb’de ne göreceğinize karar vermek zor bir iş olabilir.
Hırvatistan’ın başkenti nispeten küçük olsa da, ilk bakışta görülecek ve yapılacak o kadar çok şey var ki, Zagreb’i bir günde görmek imkansız görünüyor.
İşte burada yanılıyorsunuz. Dar bir zaman ölçeğinde seyahat etmek, bir günlük gezide şehrin en iyi yerlerini göremeyeceğiniz anlamına gelmez.
Bir günde Zagreb’de ne yapacağınızı mı merak ediyorsunuz? Bu güzergahı takip ederek şehrin önemli noktalarını hiç zorlanmadan görebileceksiniz.
Peki, ne bekliyorsun? Yürüyüş ayakkabılarınızı giymenin ve bu büyüleyici başkenti keşfetmenin zamanı geldi.
Zagreb Güzergahında Bir Gün
9am – Ban Jelačić Meydanı
Ban Jelačić, Zagreb’in ana meydanıdır. Neredeyse akla gelebilecek her mimari tarza sahip heybetli binalarla kaplı, şehrin atan kalbi.
Meydan, 17. yüzyıldan beri şehrin merkezi olmuştur ve yıllar içinde birçok şey değişmiş olsa da, bir günlük Zagreb turunuza başlamak için mükemmel bir yerdir.
Meydanın adaşı olan Ban (Vali) Jelačić’in heybetli heykeli, meydanın ortasında uzun duruyor.
Meydanın diğer tarafında, 19. yüzyılın sonuna kadar kent sakinlerine içme suyu sağlayan Mandušsevac Çeşmesi görülmeye değer. Ayrıca çeşmeye bozuk para atarsanız, iyi şanslar getireceğiniz de söyleniyor.
Zagreb’deki hemen hemen tüm sokaklar Ban Jelačić’e çıkıyor, bu yüzden kaybolmayı başarırsanız, adımlarınızı kareye geri dönüp yönünüzü alabilirsiniz.
10:00 – Zagreb Katedrali
Ban Jelačić’in sağ tarafındaki Bakač’ın (yumuşak) eğimini Zagreb Katedrali’nin süslü kulelerine tırmanın.
Tam adı Kutsal Bakire Meryem’in Göğe Kabulü Katedrali olan muhteşem katedral, 13. yüzyılın sonundan beri bir biçimde var olmuştur. 1880’de yıkıcı bir deprem katedrale ciddi şekilde zarar verene kadar yıllar içinde değiştirildi ve genişletildi.
Katedral, depremden sonra Viyanalı mimar Hermann Bollé tarafından bugünkü Neo-Gotik görkemiyle yeniden inşa edildi.
Kuleler yumuşak bir kireçtaşı kullanılarak inşa edildi, bu nedenle son yıllarda yoğun bir şekilde restore edilmeleri gerekti, şu anda iskelelerle kaplı, ancak yine de daha az heybetli değiller.
Katedralin etkileyici dış cephesindeki desenler, oymalar ve heykeller, yerini içeride bulunan bir dizi hazineye bırakıyor.
Zagreb Katedrali bence dünyanın en güzel kiliselerinden biri. İçerideki ünlü Hırvat heykeltıraş Ivan Mestrovic’in çarpıcı heykellerine gözlerinizi dört açın.
Katedralin dışındaki meydanda performans gösteren geleneksel halk dansçılarını sık sık yakalayabilirsiniz.
10.30 – Dolac Market
Zagreb güzergahınızda sıradaki, hareketli Dolac Market’e doğru köşeyi dönme zamanı.
Bu hareketli meydan, yerel halkın çoğu için alışverişe gidilmesi gereken yerdir ve taze meyve, sebze, peynir ve hatta belki bir veya iki zanaat balı almak için mükemmel bir yerdir.
Meyve ve sebze pazarı ana meydanda, yan tarafta balık pazarı ve meydanın altında geniş bir alanda et ve süt pazarı ile yer almaktadır.
Once you’ve had a walk around the market (and made a few irresistible purchases), pop in to one of the many cafes lining the market for breakfast.
My favourite, Bistro Amphora, serves up a mean coffee and breakfast. It also has a great vantage point over the market, making it the perfect people-watching spot.
11am – Strossmayer Promenade & Funicular
Strossmayer Promenade was the place to see and be seen when it was built in the 19th century.
Even today, no trip to Zagreb (not even a day trip) would be complete without taking a turn down the tree-lined walk. After you’ve had your runway moment, jump onto the quaint funicular to take you up to the Lotrsčak Tower.
The funicular is the shortest one in the world, taking less than a minute to complete the whole journey. Still, it saves you a 30-metre climb and offers great views during the brief trip.
12pm – Lotrsčak Tower
Lotrsčak Tower was built in the 13th century as a defence tower to guard the city.
While the views from the top are highly recommended, one of the tower’s main draws is the daily firing of the cannon at the top of the building. Every day since 1st January 1877 the tower’s custodian has fired the cannon over the city at noon.
There are several stories about how this curious tradition first started – my favourite is that it was a gift to the city given on the basis that it was fired every day to make sure that it never rusted and Zagreb, ever true to its word, has kept the promise ever since.
If you do manage to time your visit for the firing of the cannon, a word of warning. It’s incredibly loud (no, seriously, it’s LOUD) so make sure that you cover your ears.
1pm – Museum of Broken Relationships
The Museum of Broken Relationships is one of Zagreb’s most popular museums and it’s definitely its weirdest (in a good way).
As the name suggests, the Museum is dedicated to the pieces left behind after the breakup of a human relationship.
People around the world have donated items from their broken relationships. Whether they’re from long-lost exes, estranged parents or broken friendships, each item has its own story to tell.
Exhibits span from (unsurprising) love letters to less expected items – axes, suicide notes and BDSM gear to name a few. Reading the accompanying explanations is sometimes amusing, sometimes out-and-out hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, but never boring.
2pm – Lunch at Konoba Didov San
Want to savour some of the regional flavours and delicacies of Zagreb and its surrounds (believe me when I say that the answer to this should be a resounding YES)? Pop in for lunch at Konoba Didov San.
The extensive menu is a gallivant through the best of local cuisine – expect lots of fresh vegetables, cured meats, smoked cheeses and stews.
3pm – The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is another tiny museum (a short hop from the Museum of Broken Relationships) that packs a big punch and is the perfect addition to your itinerary to see Zagreb in a day.
The museum showcases the work of the so-called “Naïve artists” – a group of untrained artists whose work form one of the most revolutionary art traditions of the 20th century.
The artists were often retired farmers, whose distinctive works portray their everyday surroundings in surreal forms.
Forget the restrained colour palate and idyllic portrayals you often see of rural life, the Naive artists pull you into their world with no holds barred. It was one of the biggest hits from my Zagreb 1 day itinerary and I’m sure it will be yours too.
The ever-changing display features works by (mainly) Croatian Naïve masters, including Rabuzin and Generalić.
4pm – St Mark’s Church
The brightly-coloured tiled roof of St Mark’s Church stands as a beacon in the middle of St Mark’s Square.
In centuries past, Zagreb’s old market square was transformed into one of the city’s leading political and religious hubs.
At the centre of it all is the 13th-century church with an eye-catching patterned roof. The roof features the dual coats of arms of Zagreb, and the old kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia and was added to the building at the end of the 19th century.
Inside, the church contains a number of works by Croatia’s much-beloved sculptor Ivan Meštrović and painter Jozo Klajaković.
5pm – The Stone Gate
Next up on our Zagreb itinerary is the Stone Gate.
The Stone Gate is the last man standing of four gates that used to guard the entrance to the old medieval centre of Zagreb.
It’s also the setting for another of Zagreb’s long-standing traditions. Locals frequently light candles and pray for lost loved ones at the gate’s small chapel.
The tradition is said to have started after a large fire swept through the gate and burnt almost the whole structure, leaving only a painting of the Madonna and Baby Jesus.
5.30pm – Walk through the Grič Tunnels
The Grič Tunnels have a curious past.
Built throughout the 20th century under the old Grič settlement that now forms a large part of Zagreb’s Upper Town, they were closed for decades.
The tunnels were then reopened and used as a shelter during the Homeland War in the 1990s during which time they also played host to one of the biggest underground raves in the history of Europe.
Thousands of people crammed into the tunnels, with more trying to catch a slice of the action outside. Those Croatians sure know how to party.
These days, a walk through the Grič Tunnels is a much more laid-back affair. They were reopened to the public a few years ago after a bit of a revamp and makeover.
Take the passage from Radičeva and pop out at the Art Park (this should be down the second tunnel branching off to the left). Take a few moments to admire the cool street art that gives the park its name before continuing on down the hill to Ilica.
6pm – Church of the Holy Transfiguration
The Church of the Holy Transfiguration is located a short distance from the other attractions on my Zagreb 1 day itinerary, but you really shouldn’t miss it.
The Serbian Orthodox church (one of the few in the city) boats an opulent interior packed with beautiful paintings, frescoes and altarpieces that are unlike any others in the city.
7pm – The Bloody Bridge
Heading back to the Upper Town, make your way to the Bloody Bridge.
“Wait a second” I hear you say, that photo looks neither bloody or even like a bridge. Well spotted my friends, well spotted.
While it’s neither bloody, or even a bridge anymore, the spot is named for the numerous skirmishes that took place when it was the meeting point for the two medieval settlements of Grič and Kaptol.
The Bloody Bridge was also the setting for Zagreb’s first telephone exchange in 1887, a mere 11 years after the telephone was patented in the USA.
8pm – Tkalčićeva
The last official stop on our one day in Zagreb itinerary is Tkalčićeva, a pleasant street lined with cafes, bars and restaurants.
The street meanders along the path of an old creek, which was paved over in the 19th century before becoming the epicentre of the city’s red light district.
Tkalčićeva has transformed itself into one of Zagreb’s nightlife hubs. Sit on one of the outdoor terraces, rest your weary feet and reflect on the day. You deserve a treat.
Suggested Dinner Location: Trilogia
Upmarket without being inaccessible, Trilogia is the perfect spot for winding down your day in Zagreb.
The menu focuses on traditional Croatian dishes and flavours, albeit with an international twist. Add to that a stellar wine list and cosy setting and you have the perfect dinner location.
One Day in Zagreb: Practical Travel Tips
Suggested Tours for Zagreb
Much as it can be fun exploring a city on your own, sometimes hiring a guide can really bring it to life. If you’re looking for a guide to tour Zagreb with, Martin at Hello Zagreb is wonderful and a total font of knowledge when it comes to the city – plus incredibly funny and personable too.
Where to Stay in Zagreb on Your One Day Itinerary
Lobagola B&B
Step away from the cookie cutter chain hotels and opt for the super-stylish and centrally-located Lobagola B&B. Airy rooms are accentuated with design touches for a minamalist-luxe vibe that’s perfect for your stay.
Where Next After Your Day in Zagreb?
Plitvice Lakes
Zagreb’s proximity to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park makes it a great hopping off point for getting to the lakes. The network of bright turquoise lakes, waterfalls and limestone cliffs is a must for any trip to Croatia.
Planning to visit? Check out my guide to how to make the most out of your visit to Plitvice Lakes.
Split
If you have a bit more time, it makes sense to travel from Zagreb to Split to explore another fascinating Croatian city. I loved Split with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and gorgeous seafront setting.
Read my guide to the best places to see in Split.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s reputation goes before it. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the city – a cluster of marble streets and terracotta roofs rising from the Adriatic. Add to that a host of Game of Thrones filming locations, cool bars and restaurants and you’re onto a winner.
Map of What to See in One Day in Zagreb
