Backpacking Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and an under-rated destination. The ‘old city’ area has a very charming medieval feel to it, just as pleasant as any other in central Europe. One of the more interesting and unique museums you will ever visit can be found in Zagreb, the Museum of Broken Relationships, do not miss it. If you are coming from Slovenia or Austria and heading south towards the Croatian coast, you will likely travel through Zagreb and I think it would be a mistake not to spend a few nights having a look around.
Hostels
Chill Out Hostel Zagreb
A very pleasant hostel, ideally located close to the centre of town. It as a very modern feel to it and a nice bar area that tends to have lots of people mingling at all hours of the day. The pub crawl that the hostel runs is a pretty good way to see the nightlife on offer in Zagreb. Book Chill Out Hostel here!
Swanky Mint
Located on Zagreb’s main street this former factory has been transformed into a travellers dream, offering every facility imaginable. Sun terraces, a swimming pool and garden outside the windows of the bar offering the ideal surroundings to unwind after a day spent exploring the city. All the usual are free, WiFi, linens, towels, lockers, secured dorms and a rakija welcome drink. Book Swanky Mint here!
Sights and Highlights
The Museum of Broken Relationships
Located a short walk from the centre of town, this was definitely a highlight. Essentially it is a collection of large objects, small trinkets, hand written poems and other random items that members of the public have submitted to the museum. A detailed description or backstory is provided for each item by the submitter and the stories are often heartbreaking or heartwarming and sometimes both. You will be shedding a tear or two on one exhibit and then stifling laughter at the next. Don’t miss it. Allow about 60-90mins for the visit.
Places to Eat
Potato House
The ideal little place to get nice cheap carbo loaded meal. These guys specialise in two things, baked potatoes with a range of tasty toppings, and soups. They also sell quite cheap beer. A backpackers dream.
Places to Drink
Krivi Put (Wrong Way)
A really cool alternative bar. It has great selection of beers, great music and fair prices.. The beer here is nice and cheap. One of the most popular bars in town, huge terrace and always crowded.
Melin Cafe/Portal
Two separate bars located right next to each other. The crowds intermingle and mix out the front on the terrace. They are quite cheap bars and so tend to attract younger people, students and backpackers.
Transport
Local
There is a nice modern tram service that runs around town made and links up all the major locations. There is a tram stop just outside the main bus station in town which you can catch to get into the city centre. This tram timetable and map may be of assistance.
Getting In and Out
The combined bus and train station in Zagreb has connections to Jajce and Sarajevo in Bosnia as well as Ljubljana in Slovenia and the south coast of Croatia. There are about 10 buses per day heading to the Plitvice Lakes during the warmer months and a few per day during Winter. Detailed information on bus routes in Croatia can be found at www.buscroatia.com
Useful Links
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