Travel guide – zagreb
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Overview
Zagreb, capital of Croatia, is the country’s economic centre and gateway to Western Europe. The city is sited on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain along the banks of the Sava River, in the northern part of Croatia. The core of the city consists of the preserved medieval city, known as Gradec and Kaptol, while the residential area covers the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountains. Since the 1950s the city has grown appreciably to the south of the Sava River, and the main industrial area is in the southeast. Besides being a commercial hub Zagreb is a tourist centre, and a popular international conference venue, with a history dating back nearly a thousand years. It is rich in historical monuments, museums and galleries, has modern shops, restaurants, sport and recreation facilities and a good transport infrastructure. Its attractions are largely historical, dating from the Palaeolithic Veternica Cave, through Roman culture and the fascinating medieval old town.
The commercial capital of the idyllic Adriatic coast close to Zagreb is the cultural city of Rijeka, which has an international harbour that lends it a cosmopolitan flair. Rijeka is not only the gateway to the beautiful coastal island resorts, but a tourist's delight in itself with its charming historic buildings. A stroll along the Korzo Promenade in the old part of town provides an eyeful of classic buildings and a plethora of street cafes ideal for resting your feet and enjoying the passing parade. Rijeka also has an annual carnival full of joie de vivre, involving plenty of ancient Slavic folklore and mythology. Revellers don masks to scare away evil forces and a good time is had by all in numerous events, concerts and the carnival parade.
Climate
The coastal region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters (minimum winter temperatures are around 4°C/39°F and summers average around 26°C/79°F). Inland a continental climate is predominant with hot summers and cold winters.
Health
No vaccinations are required, however there is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis for those travelling in forested areas or who consume unpasteurized dairy products. Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are also recommended. The bird flu virus was found in dead migratory swans in eastern Slavonia and stringent measures have been taken by the Croatian authorities to contain the virus. Travellers to Croatia are unlikely to be affected, but should avoid any contact with live birds and ensure poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. Hospitals and medical treatment are fairly good, with free emergency medical care available to UK citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though some medicines are in short supply in public facilities. Non-UK nationals are advised to invest in health insurance.
The basics
Getting Around
Zagreb has a compact city centre with all the main sights and places of interest for visitors in close proximity to the major hotels. Walking is therefore a good option. Those who need to travel further afield can make use of the highly efficient tram system, which has frequent services throughout the city connecting bus and train stations and the main square, Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica. Four tram routes also operate throughout the night. Tickets for tram rides must be bought at newspaper kiosks, singly or in packs of 10. Each ticket gives you 90 minutes of travel, starting from when you first climb aboard and validate the ticket in a machine. The alternative public transport are public buses. Particularly useful is the inexpensive bus connection to the airport from the city centre. There is a plentiful supply of taxis in Zagreb, particularly at major hotels and the airport. Fares are negotiable.
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