About one fifth of Croatia’s population lives in Zagreb, the vibrant and engaging capital around which the nation’s cultural and political life revolves.

Offering a mixture of Central European grace and Mediterranean joie de vivre, Zagreb is a city in which much of life is lived out of doors; it is in the pavement cafes, parks and promenades that the charm of the city lies.

Despite a handsome collection of absorbing and innovative museums it is by no means over-touristed, and represents the ideal city break for those who want to go with the flow of local life.

History & orientation

Zagreb has been the social and political centre of the country ever since the establishment of a bishopric here in 1094. The city grew out of the medieval settlements of Kaptol, where church institutions were located and the Cathedral now stands, and Gradec; the neighbouring hill where merchants took up residence. It is the Upper Town of Gradec that houses most of Croatia’s government buildings, alongside some picturesque churches and a world-renowned Museum of Broken Relationships.