National Geographic asks Ivana Sila from Secret Zagreb to create the perfect 2-day Zagreb itinerary
It looks like Zagreb did not just impress the portal European Best Destinations when it voted Croatia's capital The Best Christmas Market in Europe.On April 24, 2016, National Geographic listed Zagreb among the three of Europe's rising stars you have to visit now along with Budapest and Sarajevo.
The article also provided a full 7-day itinerary for avid travellers and this is what they recommend for Zagreb, courtesy of Ivana Sila, founder of Secret Zagreb.
Zagreb, Croatia
DAY 4 “Even if you don’t have a goal, a long walk through the streets of Zagreb always brings discoveries,” says Iva Silla, the founder of Secret Zagreb, a tour company and city blog. Get your bearings in the heart of the diminutive Croatian capital at Ban Jelačić Square, and wander down artisan-filled Ilica Street and its quirky alleyways. Nearby, a courtyard hides the Lapo Lapo studio, created by and for local street artists.
Then you can climb a few blocks to the Museum of Broken Relationships, a bizarre but poignant collection of keepsakes from failed love affairs, like a noseless garden dwarf that was thrown at a husband’s new car. Stari Fijaker serves up comfort food such as veal ragout and black pudding. Vinyl has a theme for every evening, from book exchanges to live music.
DAY 5 Scour the best treasures at Zagreb’s flea markets. Dolac market “is one of the most colorful sights in Zagreb,” says Silla. British Square on the weekends “has trapped the spirit of the old days.” Reenergize with a plate of štrukli, a dish of cheese and dough dumpling topped with clotted cream, at La Štruk.
Then head to the forested peaks of neighboring Mount Medvednica, accessible by tram. “We call the mountain the lungs of the city,” says Silla. “It is a perfect getaway.”
