While it may not enjoy the stardom of cousins Dubrovnik and Split – we can’t all be in Game of Thrones, after all – the storied streets of Zagreb are not to be missed. Its Upper Town (Gornji Grad) enchants via cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and the St. Mark’s Church, renowned for its colourful tiled roof. In contrast, the Lower Town (Donji Grad) showcases Austro-Hungarian influence through grand boulevards, parks, and neoclassical buildings. This collision of old and new underscores Zagreb’s unique character. With the 4th-best weather in Europe, there’s seldom a bad day to venture out and see it. An underrated cultural scene awaits, fuelled by events like the INmusic Festival, which has brought headlining acts to Zagreb for two decades. The #47-ranked museums are bolstered by only-in-Zagreb gems like the Video Game History Museum – opened in 2025 and honoured with the world’s largest Pac-Man.
Often called “Little Vienna” for its architecture, Zagreb shares world-class shopping (#29) with its Austrian counterpart. Its Ilica Street is lined with shops and boutiques, and the red umbrellas of Dolac Market stand for fresh farm goods, flowers, lace, and more. Come evening, and the #35-ranked nightlife clicks on, awakening a buzzing network of pubs, cocktail joints, and more.