Balkans (2018): Zagreb, My Last Leg Of Croatia

Zagreb is our final and last leg of our trip in Croatia, before I went back to Istanbul and my friend Jeff continue with his journey to Slovenia. Besides being the capital city of the nation, Zagreb is also the largest city which has almost thousand year-old history of its old town. From Plitvices Lakes National Park, it takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes by bus to Zagreb.

ARRIVED ZAGREB BUS STATION (AUTOBUSNI KOLODVOR)

Zagreb Bus Station is situated to the south-east of the old town and it takes nearly 30 minutes to walk to the old town. Guess what, we indeed walked from here to our hostel carrying our backpacks. Luckily for me, I used to walk a lot during travelling. But in case if you are unfit to walk so far, don't worry cause you can take tram just outside the bus station. Take tram #6 towards Crnomerec and get off at Trg J. Jelacica - this is Zagreb's main square (5 stops, cost 4 kuna). Don't forget to validate your ticket in the little yellow machine once enter the tram. 

THE HOSTEL WE STAYED IN ZAGREB

Chillout Hostel is the hostel we stayed for two good nights here. This colourful mixed hostel is located just within the old town making it is very convenient to walk to those tourist attractions. The hostel even features an unpretentious restaurant and bar. However, there are few things which we dislike about this hostel; the dormitory room is quite small and it's hard for us to move around. The air-conditioner within the room was not working well during our stay.

Chillout Hostel Zagreb
Date Stayed: 24 May to 26 May 2018 (2 nights)
Room Rate: 169 kuna for a single bed in 4-bed mixed dormitory room (Booked via Booking.com)

PLACES OF INTEREST IN ZAGREB
Zagreb City is divided into two distinctive parts; the thousand-year old Gornji grad (Upper Town) which consists the Presidential Palace, the iconic St Mark's Church, the Croatian Parliament and museums and galleries which are all set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps and the other is 19th century Donki grad (Lower Town) with countless of shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres and parks.

So many places of interest. Which should I go? Left or right?

1) Ban Jelacic Square - A charming medieval central square of the city with architecture and cobbled streets resembles of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and other Central European capitals. This Austro-Hungarian styled square is the most popular meeting points and a place where Croats gather for huge events especially major football matches or concerts. 

2) Dolac Market - It is the main open-air farmer's market in Zagreb. This is where the local buy fresh products such as vegetables and fruits for the past 80 years under the notable red umbrellas. If you are looking for typical tourist souvenirs like fridge magnets, keychains, T-shirts and more, you can consider to visit here. Open everyday as early as 7 am till 2pm.

3) Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - That's one pretty long name there. It is the most significant landmark of Zagreb. As a matter of fact, this cathedral is not just the tallest building in Croatia but it is also the most monumental sacral building in Neo-Gothic style southeast of the Alps. 

4) St. Mark's Church - It is the parish church of old Zagreb and it is easily recognised for its uniquely colourful tiled roof which attract both local and foreign tourists to visit it. St. Mark's Church is one of the most well-known iconic of Zagreb and it's highly recommend to visit when one visit Zagreb. We didn't manage to enter into the church but by just looking out the exterior, we're totally absolute intrigued by it.  

5) Museum of Broken Relationships - First of all, we never intended to visit this museum initially but because it was raining heavily in St. Mark Square where the St. Mark's Church located, we ran into this museum thereafter. Secondly, we thought this museum is relating to history of two countriess decided to break up their nations' friendship but both of us were totally wrong. Museum of Broken Relationships is actually a museum dedicated to failed love relationships and this is where they displayed their personal items from former lovers along with brief synopses. Frankly speaking, I'm not a history buff but I found this museum is quite interesting and fascinating - one of a kind and unique museum, I should say. 

Entrance Fee: 40 kuna (approx. to RM27)

6) Mirogoj Cemetery - Alright, probably many of you would not ever consider to visit cemetery but this cemetery is not like what you think. Mirogo Cemetery is claimed to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe and it is considered to be among the more noteworthy landmarks in the city of Zagreb. Besides being a burial place, it also consists an open art gallery and a beautiful green park. So if you are looking for Instagram-worthy spot, do consider here. Trust me! Your followers won't believe this is a cemetery place. By the way, this rarely visit spot is located out from the old town. So we took bus #106 from Zagreb Cathedral to here. 

Other Sights We Bumped Into:

Apart from the above, we stumbled upon few buildings with fascinating and impressive architecture that caught my attention. Guess I am an archilover. 

Zagreb Art Pavilion


Croatian National Theatre

Zagreb Train Station (Glavni Kolodvor) - This is a railway hub which has direct services to major European cities like Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Ljubljana and Sarajevo.

A random building which I don't know what it is but I love this pic anyway. #nofilter


A few shots for the sake of the Instagram

My newly bought dress from Croatia's H&M and my 10 years old sling bag from France's H&M

Never leave a city without sending at least a postcard #thetravellingnails

THE FOOD WE ATE IN ZAGREB


Kicked off our second day with a cup of hot coffee and pastries at Pan-Pek


Lunch at Bombay Grill. We're kinda craving for something spicy and Asian food, so we settled our lunch here. It's so delicious that we finished almost everything served on the table.

Before leaving Croatia, don't forget to try Croatian Vanilla Custard Cake - Kremsnita.
In Zagreb, try the one in Vincek which is not far away from Ban Jelacic Square.

HOW TO GET TO ZAGREB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

After staying for two days and two nights here, it's time to bid goodbye to Zagreb which marks my last city in Croatia. As my flight back to Istanbul is scheduled to depart at 9am, I have to leave the city at least by 5 am. From Chillout Hostel, I walked to Ban Jelacic Square to take tram #6 heading to Zagreb Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor). And from there, I took airport shuttle operated by Croatia Airlines which opens to the public. It takes about an hour journey from the bus station to the international airport and that explain why I need to leave the city early. One way costs 30 kuna and can be purchased on the bus. 

First time flying with Turkish Airlines and this is one freaking expensive one-way ticket I ever bought.

TOTAL SPENDING FOR 2D2N IN ZAGREB

PARTICULARS	AMOUNT
	HRK/€	RM
Accommodation Chillout Hostel – 2 nights Transportation Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb by bus Bus #106 from Mirogoj Cemetery Tram #6 to Zagreb Bus Station Croatia Airlines Bus Admission Fee Museum of Broken Relationships Food & Drinks First Day Lunch – McD First Night Dinner - Groceries  Second Day Breakfast – Pan-Pek Second Day Lunch – Bombay Grill Second Night Dinner – Wrap Grill Pork Coffee & cake at Zagreb Airport Others Magnet Postcards Stamps Souvenirs & snacks	HRK169 HRK80 HRK4 HRK4 HRK30 HRK40 HRK36 HRK16 HRK25 HRK79 HRK16 HRK43 HRK50 HRK9 HRK20 HRK93	114 52 3 3 20 27 24 10 17 53 11 29 34 6 13 63
TOTAL (RM)		479

Exchange Rate: €1.00 (RM4.84) = 7.13 kuna on average

Previous Post on My 2018 Balkans Trip

• 48 Hours in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Sarajevo to Mostar By Train and Stari Most
• A Day Trip To Blagaj Tekija, Pocitelj, Kravice Falls & War Tour
• Can't Help Falling In Love With Dubrovnik
• Old City Walls of Dubrovnik
• From Dubrovnik to Split
• A Day Trip To Sibenik From Split
• A Short Layover To Zadar
• The Breathtaking View of Plitvice Lakes National Park