Zagreb is divided into two halves, the Zagreb Upper town and Zagreb Lower Town (Gornji and Donji Grad). The first one is the old city and historic core, dating back to the 11th century, full of red tile roofs and cobblestone streets and is the most romantic part of Zagreb. Visitors to the Croatian capital are often steered in the direction of Zagreb’s historic core. Locally known as Gornji Grad (Upper Town), the old town combines the twin settlements of Gradec and Kaptol and is located just a few minutes from the city’s main street, Illica. It is a throwback to another era, one marked by architectural brilliance and immortal legends.

There are many fine museums in Zagreb and they are literally around every corner, and together, they feature more than 3.6 million exhibits. Learning about the rich Croatian art scene has never been easier.  In recent years, some Zagreb museums have become the hottest cultural hubs. And with exciting events programs, museum hopping in Zagreb is extremely easy. The museums that must be on your bucket list include the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Museum of Broken Relationships and Archeological Museum to name just a few.

Ilica Street is one of the longest shopping streets in Zagreb, ideal for shopping lovers, for a drink on a terrace or for dining out. A shopping expedition on Ilica Street offers a fun, exciting and richly diverse experience. Zagreb’s main shopping drag is in the center of the city and along its pavements are many prestigious clothes and shoe stores, independent boutiques and shops of well-known brands. Whether you have got deep pockets or are on a tight budget, there is something for everyone on Ilica Street: from small stores selling locally made goods to luxury boutiques with their expensive designer garments.

King Tomislav Square is lined with trees, dotted with flowerbeds and bordered by the imposing yellow façade of the grand Art Pavilion. Sit on one of the square’s benches and observe the people of Zagreb mixing and mingling. This square was originally named after Franz Joseph I. Following the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was renamed for King Tomislav, who is attributed with uniting the Croats of Dalmatia and Pannonia into the single kingdom of Croatia. The first Croatian king was honored with a grand monument in the square in 1947. Head to the south end of the square for a closer look at this giant edifice, which depicts the king riding a horse on top of a huge plinth.