Your New Year's Resolution is - Zagreb!
The capital of our lovely country had a year to remember. To fully comprehend the magnitude of success that Zagreb had this year we need to embrace the fact that the city is in one of its most important stages of development. What is currently happening in Zagreb is equally important as the 19th-century merger of the two medieval settlements that Zagreb originates from. It has the same significance in establishing the city's character as the long reign of the Hungarians and Austrians had.
Image credit: Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb Tourist Board
As you read this, Zagreb is outrunning the competition and shaping itself into something greater and larger than it has ever been. As a local, I can only be proud to be a part of this process that's happening in front of my eyes. A couple of years back, I stumbled upon an article with an interesting title - “The most boring cities in Europe”. Zagreb was nominated among those cities and, I have to say, it was for a reason. Luckily, over the last 3 years, the city has become a place where you can live life to the fullest. It is awakening and experiencing a renaissance - it has a huge increase in tourism; it was nominated twice for the best European destination and won the best Christmas market of Europe award two consecutive times! Our capital is a perfect mixture of citizens from all parts of Croatia and all the citizens of the world who travel here. The city became a metropolis.
Image credit: Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb Tourist Board
One of the manifestations of this change is most definitely the ongoing Christmas market that attracts rivers of people who like to enjoy the evening illumination. Zagreb is full of life throughout the year. This is what differentiates it from other cities in Croatia. In my line of business, I encounter a lot of foreigners that are first-time visitors here. Even though they all come from different parts of the globe with different mindsets and backgrounds, they are all infatuated with the city.
What does this mean to you, my dear traveller? If you want history, we got you covered because our history dates back to prehistoric times. Are you an outdoor seeker who would like to become one with nature? Well, two-thirds of Zagreb are green areas including the popular green horseshoe in the very town centre. It’s a combination of parks and squares aligned in a shape of a letter U which make one of the most beautiful strolls in the city. For you foodies out there who just want to have it yummy in your tummy, try the street food or any of the restaurants that serve from local cuisine to anything you can think of. Interested in clubbing and nightlife? One of the best music festivals on the continent is rocking in Zagreb and did I mention the infamous ‘’bar street’’? Are you up for a romance or a fling? Handsome men, pretty women, actually everybody is always ready to mingle. Check it out!
Image credit: Julien Duval, Zagreb Tourist Board
And the people will be a true highlight of your visit. The biggest asset to our tourist offer are the people. This easygoing and friendly vibe that you can soak up here is a rare thing in the world. Embrace it! Whether you are travelling to rejuvenate, find a new perspective, broaden your horizons or just meet new people, Zagreb is a place to be. Everything is at your disposal, in a walking distance, and for almost half the price compared to some of the already well established European tourist destinations. Sounds too good to be true? We even have a new airport terminal that will be open in March 2017. It will most definitely bring more low-cost carriers and better connections.
Zagreb is preparing for something big and you can be a part of it. So when you raise your glass this year as the countdown begins, make the best NYE resolution. Book your trip to Zagreb and discover the charm, hidden gems and tidbits of the city. Just take the plunge and create a memory. We are waiting for you!
Header image credit: Hrvoje Pilic, Zagreb Tourist Board
Author: Filip Donadic