Zagreb Travel Forum

Hi,

My four friends and I are coming to Zagreb in mid-March and were wondering what kind of place it is at that time of year? Is it very quiet compared to the summer? We are set to come from a sunday-thursday...would it be better to come during a weekend? or are things happening during the week as well?

Any recommendations for our first in Zagreb?? Any help would be much appreciated!!

Thanks,

Jon

Zagreb is quite far from the coast, and it is not a summer destination. In fact, during the summer there is a big exodus of people from Zagreb in direction of the coast so it is the summer months when the city is quiet and almost deserted.

Everybody (including almost 60,000 students of the Zagreb University) return here in first weeks of September and the city is quite lively during the Autumn/Winter/Spring, as opposed to some popular summer places that are "dead" in the winter season. This means that in March you will have no problems finding attractions in Zagreb - from museums and culture to restaurants, bars, clubs and nightlife. Of course, Monday evenings are more quiet than Saturday evenings, but you should still be fine.

Also note that most museums are closed on Mondays so if you plan to visit some don't plan on doing it on Monday.

And if you love taking photographs it is also worth noting that the foggy and grey season usually lasts from early November till late February. With the first rays of sun in March the city streets are again turned into a stage for the very lively Zagreb cafe scene.

Thanks diocletianvs - a great help!

We are set to come from the 23rd-27th March. I'm aware that the 23rd & 24th are national holidays, will this mean that most shops/restaurants/bars will be closed during those days?

We hope to take many photos so hopefully by the end of March, the grey season will have finished...

Oh, you are planning to come for the Easter?
That's a different story - yes, all museums and most shops, restaurants and bars will be closed on Easter Sunday and Monday. We tend to stay with our families on those days and the city will most probably be very quiet.

But I wouldn't let this stop me - take it as an opportunity to enjoy some quality time outside. Maybe a stroll around Jarun lake on a Sunday afternoon, or even a hike to Medvednica mountain with some nice meal on fresh air in front of mountain huts.

On Monday you could make a daytrip to Plitvice lakes, or to some of the nearby towns (Samobor or even Varazdin).

Your ideas for Sunday & Monday sound great! Do you think it would still be possible to rent a car, go to the supermarket on sunday & monday...so that we can at least explore the surroundings of Zagreb and eat!

There are some food shops that are open even on Sundays and holidays, so you won't stay hungry. For instance, near the main train station there is an underground shopping centre (Importanne Centar) that has big Konzum supermarket that is usually open on Sundays and holidays. Also, their fast food section (sandwiches etc.) is also open. I'm sure McDonald's there will be open as well.

Re. car rental, I think you should make a reservation in advance and ask about their opening times for Easter. Probably those located at the airport, and those with branches in major hotels will be open. But I would recommend a reservation and/or a short inquiry about their opening times in advance.

Just to add a few liks about the things going on in Zagreb you might find interesting:

http://www.inzg.net/?lang=en

http://www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr/

It'll be more quiet than usually as it's Easter but as far as clubs, bars, cafes and cinemas (tickets are really cheap in comparison to the rest of Europe and movies are subtitled) go- they remain open. In Zagreb most of the things are happening over the weekend which doesn't mean that nothing happens during the week. The web sites already posted are good for searching for various events.Also try www.inyourpocket.com/croatia/city/zagreb.html for accurate and extensive info on Zagreb and around.

Thanks all for your help....we have changed are arrival time a little to come over this weekend. The weather looks good (better than rain and wind swept London anyway).

I had another question...someone told me I should go to Hrelic Market on sunday....does anyone know if this is on this weekend or whereabouts it is?

Well, Zagreb at the minute reminds me of London. Without the wind part. But it's raining. It'll be approx 17 °C these days. I know it doesn't sound too good, hopefully they're wrong and it's gonna be really sunny. :)) there are things happening during the week as well, but more over the weekend. It really depends what you wanna do. If you wanna see some museums, they're open on Saturdays till 13.00h, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Yeah, it doesn't make any sense. As for Hrelic, I'm not sure it's really worth spending you're time to get there any more for "shopping" (especially considering the number of outlets, second hand stuff and markets in London) but if you wanna feel the colorful chaos you should. If you decide to do it anyway, Hrelic is located "near" Most Mladosti (The bridge) on the other side of river Sava on Sajmiška cesta. From the Ban Jelacic square (the main square) take No.6 (one going South to Sopot)and get off on the first stop after you cross the bridge and the river. From there go back under the bridge and follow the river and other people, and you can' miss it. I'd rather recommend going to Sljeme, if it's not raining, for a day out. (Check my Sljeme stuff). It's really hard to recommend any particular place as it depends on what kind of music you like and what places you normally go to so check www.inzg.net for listing. Hope this helps and if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.