Most people associate Croatia with summer, picturing the sun-baked sandstone of Dubrovnik, the outdoor cafes of Split, and the country's majestic lakes, mountains , and more than 3, miles of coastline.
But the capital, Zagreb, merits a visit all year round. The northeastern city of , dates back to the Middles Ages and offers much in the way of culture and outdoor activity. The holiday season is also a terrific time to go. Every night from early December through the first week of January, the city transforms into a winterscapeโin fact, voters deemed Zagreb the location of the best European Christmas market three years running. You'll encounter a massive skating rink snaking past municipal buildings and public squares along with outdoor concerts, light displays, and caroling.
Though there are no direct flights from the U. The President Pantovcak is both cozy and elegant. Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows and carefully curated modern art.
If you prefer old-world glamour, consider the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. In early January, the slalom event takes place on the Sljeme mountain, 12 miles north of the city. Drive to the mountaintop to hit the world-class slopes or, if you're there on January 4 and 5, to watch the race. For the museum lover: Zagreb has an impressive number of museums. One of the best is the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships , an elegantly displayed collection of real-life items people donated to the exhibition following a breakup, along with their story of the relationship and what the item meant to them.
Eggspress , a trendy little spot nestled in an art studio, serves the best eggs in town. Order coffee and fresh fruit alongside an omelet or shakshuka. The shortโbut consistently stellarโmenu changes daily according to what chefs find in nearby Dolac Market. Opened in to much fanfare, Haustor Haus puts a fresh spin on Croatian and global fusion cuisine.
