Unpacking Zagreb: Historic Spires, Local Markets, & Flight Deals That Are Odlično 🇭🇷
A fantastic 48-hour itinerary in the heart of Croatia's capital | 55
Gordana and I are once again planning our annual trip back to Europe, and as always, that includes a visit to Zagreb. Her mom and aunt live in a neighbouring town called Velika Gorica, and one of her best friends lives right in the city.
But for me, Zagreb means something more.
Not only was this city my very first introduction to Europe over 20 years ago, but it has consistently served as the gateway to my next adventure. From here, I’ll head off to Cologne to see my cousin, pop over to Belgrade to catch up with friends, or set off to explore a completely new city, country, or even continent.
While many tourists rush straight to the Croatian coast—and you absolutely should, as places like Pula and Rovinj are breathtaking—spending a couple of days in this capital city is absolutely worth it.
In this edition:
👉🏾 Lost in translation and how I accidentally ordered iced tea all over the city.
👉🏾 My 5 Faves: The Ultimate Zagreb Hit List—featuring a 1925 luxury hotel, towering cathedrals, and a meat-lover’s paradise.
👉🏾 Unpacked Travel Insider: Huge savings on flights to the Bahamas, Costa Rica, France, and Spain!
Falling in Love with Travel
When I first visited Zagreb over 20 years ago, it was my first-ever trip to Europe, and I spent the entire time walking around with my jaw on the floor. I was constantly looking up at the architecture, looking down at the streets, eating incredible food, and drinking local beer. Surrounded by different sounds, a different language, and different smells…
I believe this was the moment I completely fell in love with travel!
Fast forward to today, and I’ve really tuned into the rhythm of the city., swearing like a local amongst the best of them.😎 If you want to experience the true soul of Zagreb, you have to do what the Zagrebčani (the locals) do: sit in one of the numerous cafes and just watch the world go by. Honestly, I think there are more cafes per metre here than actual people! But, I don’t care, I love this and miss it terribly when I’m back home in Toronto.
It is the perfect place to grab delicious Croatian dishes like Black Risotto before finishing your evening in one of the local bars or clubs. (Also, fun fact: the necktie was actually invented in Croatia. It’s called the kravata!)
My 5 Faves
Zagrebačka katedrala (Zagreb Cathedral): You cannot miss this magnificent church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Saint Stephen, and Saint Ladislaus. Built on the site of a 12th-century cathedral that was desecrated and destroyed by invading Tartars in 1242, the current church was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. Standing at a massive 105 meters, it proudly holds the title of the tallest building in Croatia.
Kamenita vrata (Stone Gate): Located in the Upper Town (Gornj Grad) part of Zagreb, these stone gates are the historical remnants of the ancient city walls that once protected the old town of Gradec during the 13th century. Make sure you have your camera ready, because the Stone Gates offer the absolute best views of old Zagreb.
Vincek slastičarnica: You know I always reserve spot number three for food or drink! This family-owned dessert specialist has been up and running for 40 years. Owned and operated by the Vincek family, they have single-handedly changed the cake and pastry image of the city. They are celebrated both locally and nationally for their quality, which is why you absolutely must try their famous custard slices served with whipped cream and quality chocolate.
Kula Lotrščak (Lotrščak Tower): Also located in the old town of Gradec, this fortified 13th-century tower was constructed to guard the southern gate of the town wall. The tower gets its name from the Latin phrase “campana latrunculorum,” which translates to “thieves’ bell”. This refers to a bell that was hung in the tower to signal the closing of the town gates for the night.
Crkva sv. Marka (St. Mark’s): Built during the 13th-century Romanesque Period, this church venerates the life and mission of St. Mark. Since its construction, the church has only been able to preserve a window on the south wall and the foundation of the bell tower. Architecturally speaking, the church features beautiful Gothic arches, a gorgeous shrine, and its iconic south portal—which is arguably one of the most stunning architectural works in all of Croatia.
👉🏾 A Fantastic 48-Hour Zagreb Itinerary
👉🏾 Amazing Places To Stay In Zagreb
👉🏾 Save up to 70% On Car Rentals With Discover Cars!
Unpacked Travel Insider
The Bahamas (NAS) 🏖️ Spring Break Savings
Best time to book: October - May (Full availability: August - June)
Deal Summary: We found your cheap flight to the Bahamas! Availability is wide open through June, which means you can even score spring break dates from many cities. Nonstop options from several airports are included. Fares are Basic Economy and include a carry-on. You can easily upgrade to Main Cabin to get free seat selection and the ability to cancel for a voucher. Thrifty Tip: Take a trip out to Rose Island and feed the pigs at Da’Pig Beach!
Departure Cities (All fares round-trip, *nonstop): U.S. Departures 🇺🇸: Albany (ALB) - $419, Allentown (ABE) - $404, Asheville (AVL) - $335, Atlanta (ATL) - $398*, Austin (AUS) - $379, Baltimore (BWI) - $379, Bangor (BGR) - $419, Birmingham (BHM) - $375, Boston (BOS) - $405, Buffalo (BUF) - $409, Burlington (BTV) - $419, Charleston (CHS) - $385, Charleston (CRW) - $419, Charlottesville (CHO) - $419, Cleveland (CLE) - $363, Columbus (CMH) - $379, Dallas (DFW) - $379, Denver (DEN) - $409, Detroit (DTW) - $379, Erie (ERI) - $419, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $308*, Greensboro (GSO) - $369, Hartford (BDL) - $419, Houston (HOU) - $409, Houston (IAH) - $409, Indianapolis (IND) - $379, Jacksonville (JAX) - $353, Memphis (MEM) - $409, Miami (MIA) - $318*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $409, Nashville (BNA) - $373, New Orleans (MSY) - $373, New York (JFK) - $370*, Norfolk (ORF) - $365, Orlando (MCO) - $358*, Philadelphia (PHL) - $409, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $395, Portland (PWM) - $419, Providence (PVD) - $409, Raleigh (RDU) - $347, Richmond (RIC) - $351, Roanoke (ROA) - $419, Rochester (ROC) - $419, Scranton (AVP) - $404, St. Louis (STL) - $397, Syracuse (SYR) - $419, Tampa (TPA) - $361, Washington, D.C. (DCA) - $391, Washington, D.C. (IAD) - $391, Westchester County (HPN) - $401.
Canadian Departures 🇨🇦: Toronto (YYZ) - $411*
Costa Rica (LIR, SJO) 🦋 Pura Vida & Natural Hot Springs
Best time to book: September - November, April - May (Full availability: August - May)
Deal Summary: Make a trip to Costa Rica happen! Less than $399 to get to this tropical paradise is tough to beat. You’ll find the best availability this fall and next spring, with nonstop options from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, NYC, and Toronto. Fares are Basic Economy and include a carry-on. You can upgrade to Main Cabin to get a seat assignment and the flexibility to change or cancel for a voucher. Thrifty Tip: Spend some time relaxing at the natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano!
Departure Cities (All fares round-trip, *nonstop): U.S. Departures 🇺🇸: Allentown (ABE) - $337, Austin (AUS) - $337, Baltimore (BWI) - $379, Boston (BOS) - $385, Buffalo (BUF) - $391, Charleston (CRW) - $337, Charlottesville (CHO) - $337, Cleveland (CLE) - $333, Columbus (CMH) - $337, Dallas (DAL) - $390, Dallas (DFW) - $389, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $333*, Hartford (BDL) - $385, Indianapolis (IND) - $337, Jacksonville (JAX) - $387, Miami (MIA) - $349*, Nashville (BNA) - $337, New Orleans (MSY) - $385, New York (JFK) - $383*, Norfolk (ORF) - $337, Orlando (MCO) - $275, Philadelphia (PHL) - $387, Phoenix (PHX) - $399, Raleigh (RDU) - $321, Richmond (RIC) - $385, San Juan (SJU) - $326, Washington, D.C. (DCA) - $349, Washington, D.C. (IAD) - $345.
Canadian Departures 🇨🇦: Montreal (YUL) - $383, Toronto (YYZ) - $389*
France & Spain (BCN, MAD, CDG/ORY) ⚽ World Cup Fever & Soccer Season Deals
Best time to book: October - November, January - February (Full availability: September - February)
Deal Summary: Does today’s World Cup match have you thinking about a trip to Europe? Here’s your cheap ticket to France or Spain! We are seeing quick connections with the best availability this fall and winter, plus nonstop options from several cities. Fares are Basic Economy and include a carry-on. We highly recommend upgrading to Main Cabin to get a checked bag and the ability to cancel for a voucher. (Note: LEVEL fares include a carry-on up to 22 lbs. You can buy a Comfort Package from ~$110 to include meals & a checked bag). Thrifty Tip: Read our guides to Barcelona, Madrid, and Paris to help plan your trip!
Departure Cities (Lowest round-trip fares across all destinations, *nonstop available): U.S. Departures 🇺🇸: Baltimore (BWI) from $515, Boston (BOS) from $466, Chicago (ORD) from $486, New York (JFK) from $457, Newark (EWR) from $457, Orlando (MCO) from $491, Seattle (SEA) from $475, Washington, D.C. (IAD) from $515.
Canadian Departures 🇨🇦: Calgary (YYC) from $505*, Halifax (YHZ) from $516, Montreal (YUL) from $450*, Ottawa (YOW) from $520, Quebec City (YQB) from $499, Toronto (YYZ) from $455*, Vancouver (YVR) from $565
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What is a destination that completely changed your perspective on travel and made you fall in love with it, just like Zagreb did for me?
Zagreb is a city that deserves so much more than just a quick layover or place to change trains at Glavni Kolodvor train station. Take the time to wander its vibrant markets, look up at its towering cathedrals, and yes, sit back and enjoy a coffee (or a local beer) in one of its thousands of cafes.
— Stay Rudderless
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