Upper Town

To get to the Upper Town of Zagreb you can take some of the many stairs or streets, but the most interesting way of getting there is taking a ride with funicular, which also happens to be the shortest cable car in the world being only 66 meters long. What’s particularly nice about this neighborhood is that even though it is in the center and close to the traffic and crowded streets, it is always peaceful and very calming.

Landmarks

The first thing you can see once you get off the funicular is a 13th-century defense tower Lotršćak. It is very popular for the amazing view overlooking the city, but what makes it even more special is the Grič cannon inside the tower which is fired every day to mark the noon. Zagreb is the only city in the world that still fires cannon regularly, while the ones in Vienna and St. Petersburg fire occasionally.

Image credit: Klovićevi Dvori Gallery

Surrounding the Upper Town is a Strossmayer promenade whose gorgeous viewpoints over the city leave everyone breathless. During the summer time, there is a street festival, and, in general, there are many open air concerts and events organized in the Upper Town. Apart from the promenade, one of the best views over the city and the cathedral is from the yard of the 6th Gymnasium.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board 

The Upper Town is a political and administrative heart of Croatia. On St. Mark's Square, there is one of the most eye-catching landmarks, St. Mark's Church, which has recognizable brightly colored tile roof, bearing the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Zagreb city. There is also the Croatian Parliament, Ban’s Palace and the Stone Gate, the last remaining gate of the five gates.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board

Museums and Galleries

As the oldest part of the Zagreb, the Upper Town abounds in museums and galleries and each one is special and valuable in its own unique way. There is the Zagreb City Museum, the Croatian Museum of Naive Art, the Croatian History Museum, the Croatian Natural History Museum, Klovićevi Dvori Gallery, Atelier Meštrović and the Laval Nugent gallery.

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board 

There is also the Museum of broken relationships which is definitely worth singling out due to its unique and quirky exhibition conceptualized in Croatia. It presents failed relationships and the stories that surround them. The Museum offers a chance to overcome an emotional collapse after break ups by contributing to the Museum's collection which shows all kinds of losses, from a bad breakup to missed opportunities and even death.

Image credit: Museum of broken relationships 

Restaurants and cafes

Regardless of the number of people, the Upper Town is generally always quiet and peaceful, but you can find lively corners such as restaurants and cafes that both locals and tourists find delightful. 

Trilogy is one of the best restaurants in the city and is located next to the Stone gate. Its interior reflects tradition and mystique of the Upper Town and offers an intimate and relaxed ambient, ideal for both business and private gatherings. Guests come to enjoy their comprehensive wine list and traditional dishes with a twist of modern cuisine, all made with fresh ingredients from Dolac market.

 Image credit: Trilogy 

Right across the Trilogy restaurant is a unique multifunctional gallery and cafe Galerija Lav where locals like to come and enjoy a beautiful decor and the 20th-century art while drinking coffee and having a great dessert. It is very popular for its charming terrace overlooking the stone gate.

Another popular restaurant of the Upper Town is Konoba Didov San which is a type of restaurant typical for the Dalmatian Zagora. It is famous for its cozy, homely ambiance, friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere that makes guests feel welcome and relaxed. Due to its traditionally prepared home-made food it is very popular among tourists who want to experience authentic Croatian dishes such as veal and lamb under sač (a special iron lid designed for baking).

Palainovka is an iconic cafe with a tradition of more than 160 years which has always been a gathering place for intellectual and social crème de la crème of its time. Today it is known for its relaxed ambient, beautiful terrace and modern interior with authentic and historical elements that reflect the past. It is one of the most popular cafés with one of the best views over the city and the cathedral where locals like to come for a coffee  or enjoy live band performances during the weekend nights.

Image credit: Palainovka

Header image source: Zagreb Tourist Board

Author: Lucija Mamić