📖 About Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia's capital and largest city, is home to 774,225 residents, representing approximately 20% of the nation's total population. The city generates an impressive 52% of Croatia's national turnover and 60% of the country's profit, with the highest GDP in Croatia. An astounding 34% of Croatian companies are headquartered in Zagreb, underscoring its dominant economic position. In 2024, Zagreb welcomed 1.4 million tourist arrivals, accounting for 2.6 million overnight stays, demonstrating its growing appeal as a cultural and tourism destination.

The Upper Town (Gornji Grad) preserves the medieval heritage of Gradec and Kaptol, two separate settlements that unified in 1850. St. Mark's Church, with its distinctive colorful tile roof displaying the Croatian and Zagreb coats of arms, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Zagreb Cathedral, the tallest building in Croatia, has been under restoration since the 2020 earthquake but remains a symbol of the city's resilience. Zagreb's vibrant café culture, numerous museums, and thriving arts scene make it a dynamic European capital blending history with modernity.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Zagreb's economy is driven by finance, information technology, tourism, and trade. The Zagreb Fair hosts major international exhibitions year-round, attracting business visitors. The city boasts a vibrant film festival scene and thriving theater culture. Café culture flourishes on Tkalčićeva Street and throughout the city center, where locals socialize over coffee for hours. Traditional štrukli pastry—a cheese-filled dough specialty—is a beloved local dish. Zagreb's Christmas market has been voted among Europe's best, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. Music festivals like INmusic bring international acts to the Jarun Lake venue each summer.

📜 History

The ancient Roman settlement of Andautonia was located near present-day Zagreb. Gradec received the status of a free royal borough in 1242, while Kaptol served as the bishop's seat. The two settlements maintained a sometimes contentious rivalry until unification in 1850 created modern Zagreb. The baroque era brought prosperity and cultural development to the city. Zagreb was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I. After the war, Zagreb competed with Belgrade to become the Yugoslav capital but lost. The city suffered damage during World War II but was rebuilt during the socialist period. The Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) saw Zagreb serve as the capital of the newly independent nation. Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, further integrating Zagreb into European economic and political structures.