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Zagreb: Statues and Broken Hearts

Welcome to the beautiful city of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. This city has everything for everyone, from historic buildings to beautiful parks, museums and restaurants. In this blog post, we will take you on a tour of some of Zagreb’s top attractions, including the Botanical Garden, the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Old Town and the tunnels that run underneath the city.

When we arrived to Zagreb it was nighttime, so we quickly threw on our dresses and headed out for the night. Zagreb is a vibrant and lively city, and it comes alive at night with its buzzing nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a trendy bar or a night club, there’s something for everyone in Zagreb. The city center is the main hub of nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours of the morning. The area around Tkalčićeva street is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its lively atmosphere and street performers. There are also plenty of live music venues, where you can enjoy everything from jazz to rock. One of the most popular clubs in the city is the famous Boogaloo club, which hosts some of the best DJ acts and live music performances in the city. The city also has a thriving café culture, with many cafes staying open until late at night, where you can enjoy a drink or two in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Botanical Garden is a must-visit place for all nature lovers. Located in the heart of Zagreb, this garden is one of the oldest and largest in this part of Europe. With over 10,000 plant species, the garden is a perfect spot for a relaxing day out. It is open all year round, and the entrance fee is very reasonable.

The garden was founded in 1889 and covers an area of around five hectares. You can stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy the different sections, including the Mediterranean garden, the rock garden, and the Japanese garden. There is also a small lake and a greenhouse that houses tropical plants.

Zagreb is home to several famous sculptures that have become iconic landmarks of the city. One of the most famous sculptures is the statue of St. George and the Dragon, located in the heart of the city’s main square. The statue depicts St. George on horseback, slaying a dragon with his lance. Another famous sculpture is the Well of Life, a modernist work located in the courtyard of the Croatian National Theatre. The sculpture, created by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, features a series of nude figures that symbolize the cycle of life. The sculpture has become an important symbol of the city’s artistic heritage. Another iconic sculpture is the Manduševac Fountain, located in the city center. The fountain has been a gathering place for locals and tourists for over a century and features a statue of a young man holding a jug, from which the drinking water flows. The statue has become a symbol of the city’s identity and is often used in promotional materials. These are just a few of the many sculptures and monuments that can be found throughout the city, each with its own unique story and history.

The Museum of Broken Relationships is a unique and intriguing museum in Zagreb. This museum is dedicated to failed love relationships and offers visitors a glimpse into the different ways people have expressed their pain and sorrow after a breakup.

The museum was founded by two Croatian artists, Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić, who came up with the idea after their own failed love relationship. The museum has now become a global phenomenon, and its exhibits are made up of donated items from people all over the world.

The collection is both fascinating and heartbreaking, and the stories behind the objects are deeply personal. There are love letters, photographs, and even wedding dresses on display. Each object tells a different story, and the museum encourages visitors to reflect on their own past relationships.

The Old Town of Zagreb is a picturesque and historic part of the city, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in culture and history. This part of the city is made up of two hills – the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and the Lower Town (Donji Grad).

The Upper Town is the historic heart of the city, and it’s where you’ll find most of the city’s attractions, including St. Mark’s Church and the Croatian Parliament. The Lower Town, on the other hand, is where you’ll find many of the city’s shops, restaurants, and cafes.

The best way to explore the Old Town is on foot. You can wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful buildings and historic architecture, and stop for a coffee or a snack at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

There is also an intricate network of underground tunnels that date back to the medieval times. The tunnels were built in the 17th century as a way to protect the city from Turkish attacks, and were later expanded in the 20th century during World War II. The tunnels were used as bomb shelters, and as a way to transport goods and people during the war. Today, some of the tunnels are open to the public and offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. The tunnels are a popular attraction for both tourists and locals, and guided tours are available to explore the hidden corners of the tunnels. Visitors can see remnants of the past, such as old ammunition and weapons, as well as learn about the city’s history and the role the tunnels played during times of war.

Zagreb is home to one of the most interesting and unique flea markets in Europe. The Hrelić flea market, located in the outskirts of the city, is a sprawling bazaar that attracts locals and tourists alike. The market is open every Sunday and offers a vast array of items for sale, from vintage clothing and antiques to books and electronics. You’ll also find stalls selling fresh produce, homemade preserves, and traditional Croatian souvenirs. The market is a hub of activity, with vendors haggling over prices and buyers searching for hidden treasures. The atmosphere is lively and boisterous, with street performers and musicians adding to the festive mood. The market is a great place to explore and experience the local culture, and it’s a perfect spot to find unique souvenirs and gifts. Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or just looking for a fun day out, the Hrelić flea market is a must-visit destination in Zagreb.

Zagreb is a fantastic city to explore on foot, with its charming streets, picturesque squares, and historic buildings. The city is relatively small, which makes it easy to navigate, and many of the top attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Strolling through the streets of the city, you’ll discover a plethora of architectural styles, from Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau and modernist. The historic Upper Town is a pedestrian-friendly area, and you can explore its narrow cobblestone streets, take in the views from the Strossmayer promenade, and visit the iconic St. Mark’s Church. The Lower Town is equally charming, with its wide boulevards, bustling squares, and vibrant street life. Walking around the city, you’ll also discover hidden alleys, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. The city’s parks and green spaces, such as Maksimir Park and the Botanical Garden, provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. With so much to see and explore, Zagreb is a city that rewards those who take the time to discover it on foot.

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About the author

Hi! My name is Joan Smith, I’m a travel blogger from the UK and founder of Hevor. In this blog I share my adventures around the world and give you tips about hotels, restaurants, activities and destinations to visit. You can watch my videos or join my group tours that I organize to selected destinations. [Suggestion: You could use the Author Biography Block here]

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