Book a Flight to Zagreb from €50

Zagreb Cathedral: The cathedral of the Assumption of Mary dominates Kaptol Square in Upper Town and is the architectural landmark of Zagreb. Its construction has been a work in progress since the mid-13th century and up to the early 20th century, when its impressive Neo-Gothic form was completed. The twin spires, the work of famous architect Hermann Bollé, were added after the earthquake that struck the city in 1880. Inside, you can admire the marvellous frescoes, impressive Baroque altars, exquisite 19th century stained glass and the tomb of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, carved by famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Address: Kaptol 31, 10000 Zagreb

Mirogoj Cemetery: Designed in 1876 by the great German architect Hermann Bollé, Mirogoj is not only one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe, but also an open-air museum of art. The monuments, which comprise majestic apses, arched gateways, ecclesiastical pavilions and sculptures by famous artists in a beautiful natural setting, make it the ideal spot for relaxation and reflection. The graves of many prominent figures and aristocratic Croatian families are located here. Address: Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27, 1000 Zagreb

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA): Learn about all of the artistic movements of the Croatian avant garde at the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb. This ultra-modern museum building, created by architect Igor Franić, opened its doors in 2009 and immediately put Croatia on the map of artistically avant-garde museums. Its collection includes more than 12,000 works of modern art by Croatian and international artists, covering the full range of visual arts from 1950 to the present. Address: Avenija Dubrovnik 17, 10000 Zagreb, www.msu.hr

Mimara Museum: A Neo-Renaissance building from 1883 houses the largest art collection in Zagreb, donated by private collector Ante Mimara Topić. The catalogue of pieces includes more than 3,750 priceless objects representing a wide range of periods and geographical areas. The archaeological collection includes rare artefacts from ancient Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Rome, as well as more than 200 sculptures from antiquity to the present. Here, you can also view 450 unique works by some of the classical European painters, including Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya, Manet and Renoir. Address: Rooseveltov trg 5, www.mimara.hr

The Zagreb Mummy: The most famous exhibit at the city's Archaeological Museum is a female mummy that travelled from Egypt to Vienna in the 19th century and then on to Zagreb. It had an impressive linen wrapping measuring 3.40 metres that bears the longest Etruscan inscription in the world on its surface. It is known as the "Linen Book of Zagreb".Address: 19 Nikola Subic Zrinski Square, 10000 Zagreb, www.amz.hr

Maksimir Park: The largest and most beautiful park in the city opened its doors in 1794 and was the first public space for walking in South-east Europe. It is considered a historical monument of landscape architecture created in the English garden style with lovely lakes, expansive meadows and idyllic trails through the forest. A number of exquisite pavilions, kiosks and sculptures contribute to its romantic atmosphere. Address: Maksimirski perivoj bb, 10000 Zagreb

Museum of Broken Relationships: The only one of its kind, the famous Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb recounts the stories of separation and lost loves through commemorative items and written testimonies by former couples. The collection includes the strangest memorabilia imaginable, from an axe to a flask full of tears of sorrow. In 2011, it received the European Kenneth Hudson Award as the most innovative museum in Europe. Address: Ćirilometodska 2, 10000 Zagreb, www.brokenships.com

Discover the emerging design scene of Croatia with a stroll down the main commercial street in Zagreb, Ilica Road. A maze of alleyways and courtyards around Ilica, Radićeva and Tkalčićeva streets feature shops with local handicraft items and eccentric boutiques of local designers. If you are interested in jewellery, visit the area around Ban Jelačić Square where most of the jewellery shops are located. For western-style shopping, the Centar Kaptol shopping mall houses some of the largest international clothing and accessory chain stores. 

Zagreb's open-air markets are a unique spectacle and well worth a visit, even if you do not want to buy anything. Pass through the vibrant and atmospheric Dolac Market, known as the "belly of Zagreb", which is flooded with the colour and fragrance of foods daily. For a safari for old objects, the Sunday Antique Market on Britanski Square offers unique opportunities to unearth decorative items, old books and all types of collectibles. You will find plenty of vintage goods at the Hrelić Flea Market every Wednesday and Sunday. 

The most original gift you can buy in Zagreb are ties. This famous accessory was born in Croatia and Kroata Cravata is considered to be the temple for this item. Here, you will find ties and scarves made from the best silk in unique designs.

The gastronomy of Zagreb features mainly Austro-Hungarian influences that have been incorporated into the native cuisine. Meat and its associated products feature prominently here. Try the Zagorje Štrukli, a type of cheese pie made with filo pastry and a filling of cottage cheese, sour cream and eggs. You can try it in various ways - baked or boiled, savoury or sweet. You must try the famous Zagreb steak (Zagrebački odrezak), a beef steak filled with ham and cheese and rolled in bread crumbs. Taste the Ajngemahtec (chicken soup with vegetables), Purica s mlincima (roast turkey with traditional egg noodles) as well as the famous locally made sausages of the region, češnjovke (garlic sausage) and krvavice (blood sausage).

Some of the typical desserts to sample include Štrukli, kremšnita (a type of milk pudding), bučnica (strudel with pumpkin and cream) and knedle (potato dumplings filled with plums or apricots). The more gourmet palates will be intrigued by paprenjak, a local biscuit treat with honey and black pepper. 

Indulge in špica, the popular Saturday morning habit of locals who meet for coffee in the city centre. Make a date to meet at the Bogovićeva and Preradovićev pedestrian ways or at Cvjetni Square, next to the flower market, and get into the local café society spirit while enjoying the constant parade of fashionistas and trendsetters in action. For endless bar-hopping and pub-crawling, all roads lead to the atmospheric stone-paved pedestrianised Tkalčićeva with the charming renovated 19th century buildings.

In the summer months, the nightlife shifts to the shores of Lake Jarun, known as the "sea of Zagreb", where the clubbing culture reaches its glorious peak.

From alternative cultural festivals and international art events to more traditional happenings, the cultural calendar of Zagreb is loaded with surprises.

• Every July since 1966, the International Folklore Festival has turned the city of Zagreb into an explosive celebration of folk art and tradition, featuring musicians, dancers and folklore groups from Croatia and other parts of Europe and the world.
• Thanks to INmusic, the small Isle of Youth in dazzling Lake Jarun comes alive for three days every June with major rock & indie headliners such as Florence & the Machine, Morrissey, Massive Attack, New Order, Nick Cave and more.
• The Dance Week Festival has been an important festival of modern dance, physical theatre and mime in Croatia for over 30 years. Come to the city in late May for a week-long feast of dance and poetry with companies and choreographers from Croatia and the rest of the world.
• Every October, Perforations presents the leaders of modern Croatian production in experimental theatre, modern dance and the performing arts.
• Fans of the seventh art can enjoy unforgettable celluloid nights at the Zagreb Film Festival every October and Zagreb Dox, the international documentary festival held every February.
• With a history dating back to 1972, Animafest is the second-oldest animation festival in Europe. It is held in the first week of June.
• World Theatre Festival: The top names of the world's experimental theatre appear on the Croatian National Theatre stage and other venues every September.

Getting from the airport to the city

Aegean Airlines lands at Zagreb International Airport (ZAG), 17 km south-east from the city centre. You will find a duty-free shop here, as well as stores with travel accessories, souvenirs and luxury items, restaurants, cafés and bars, a bank, foreign exchange services, ATMs and a post office. There is also an Internet corner at the airport providing paid access to the Internet. Wi-Fi is free for the first 15 minutes and can then be purchased with vouchers or by credit card.

To reach the city centre, you can take the Pleso Prijevoz shuttle bus that connects the airport with the main bus terminal in Zagreb. Buses depart daily (Monday-Sunday) every 30 minutes from 8:00 to 20:00. The journey takes about 30 minutes. The first morning run departs at 7:00.