• Intro
• 1. Antwerp
• 2. Barcelona
• 3. Berlin
• 4. Bologna
• 5. Budapest
• 6. Dublin
• 7. Lisbon
• 8. Ljubljana
• 9. Riga
• 10. Zagreb

Zagreb

The Draw This capital is just coming into its own. There’s grand architecture in upper Town and plentiful cafés in Lower Town, and the medieval hill towns above are beautiful. Not a full-fledged tourist destination yet like Hvar or Zadar, Zagreb still feels like a find.

Don’t Miss You’ll keep returning to Trg Bana Jelacica, the main square where the city meets by day. At night, the action heads to Vallis Aurea (385/1-48-31-305) for dinner, then Boban (boban.hr) for drinks. Shop Ilica Street for new and designer goods, and head to excellent outdoor markets Hrelic on Sundays and Dolac daily to browse everything from cheese to furniture.

When to Go Spring, summer, fall.

Where to Stay The Regent Esplanade is a restored Art Nouveau gem, with lavish rooms and top-notch amenities (rooms from $200; regenthotels.com). To stay in a former palace (literally), book a room at Palace Hotel, on Strossmayer Square (rooms from $145; palace.hr).

Combine With A visit to Istria for the hill towns and excellent food, wine, and beaches.

See Antwerp Travel Guide | See Barcelona Travel Guide | See Lisbon Travel GuideSee Zagreb Travel Guide