Looking for a cultural trip?
We have recommendations for 9 locations across Croatia
The value of Croatia’s location has been well known throughout history. When planning your next cultural trip be sure to include Croatia. To make it easier for you, here are our recommendations for the best cultural trip across Croatia.
Zagreb
Zagreb is, not only the capital of Croatia but also a perfect representative of the Austro-Hungarian style.
The best way to explore the center of Zagreb is on foot. Be prepared to walk uphill and downhill through Zagreb’s upper town. Make sure to visit Zagreb Cathedral and Saint Mark’s Church as they are one of the oldest buildings in the city. Out of many museums we strongly recommend Mimara – fine arts museum and Zagreb City Museum for a dose of the capital’s history.
Enjoy a cup of coffee in some of the most vibrant streets – Tkalčićeva or Bogovićeva Street. You’ll understand why this is one of the biggest pleasures of local people. Try out local cuisine and make sure to visit the city’s central market, called Dolac, in the morning hours to see, smell and taste some of the best local ingredients.
No matter at what time of the year you visit Zagreb, you will most likely bump into at least one of the street festivals. However, if you’re a fan of Christman you don’t wanna miss out on the best Christmas market in the world happening here in Zagreb.
Rijeka – EU Capital of culture 2020
Rijeka is a city famous for its impressive neoclassical architecture, lively central market, and rock music. A coastal city where you can find a beach and a ski slope. A juncture that brings with it an abundance of gastronomic opportunities so you don’t want to miss out on the main city market.
For a cultural trip across Croatia, you must visit Rijeka. Rijeka was selected as Europe’s Capital of Culture 2020. Over 600 individual events were planned, including exhibitions, shows, operas, conferences, concerts, festivals, and more. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of them were canceled.
When in Rijeka drive to nearby region Istria and try the local truffles Istria is famous for.
Zadar
Driving down south you’ll end up in Zadar. There you can explore 3.000 years of history. Walk the ancient city on Zadar’s peninsula and discover its diverse monuments.
Climb the Church of St Donatus tower and see the beautiful old town. The 9th-century church is the largest pre-Romanesque structure in Croatia. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to attend some of the concerts hosted in or outside the church.
Zadar’s city-fortress and its walls are recognized on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as an outstanding monument of the modern maritime fortification scheme. From there head to the Land Gate, the main historical entrance to the city, built-in 1543. It is considered one of the finest Renaissance monuments in all of Dalmatia.
Zadar is also famous for a special sort of sour cherry called Maraska. So make sure to try the delicious Maraschino cherry liqueur. Also, enjoy the Dalmatian seafood, olive oil, and cheese.
Šibenik
Famous for its fortresses and religious architecture, Šibenik has two UNESCO sites. The first one is the 15th and 16th century St James’ Cathedral praised for its fusion of Gothic and Renaissance art. The other one is St Nicholas fortress whose defensive architecture is also protected by the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage.
Take a walk through the Medieval Mediterranean gardens. If you’re there during summer you will most likely be able to attend some of the open-air events hosted there.
Primošten
Small Dalmatian town, ones an island now a peninsula, has a lot of history. During the Turkish invasions, they built walls, towers, and a bridge connected to the mainland. When the Turks retreated, the bridge was replaced by a causeway.
Visit the Old Town Gate, the remnants of the old walls, and the 15th-century parish church of St. George. Try the famous Babić wine, paired with goat cheese, prosciutto, and olives.
Trogir
One of the most preserved Romanesque-Gothic towns in Central Europe. The historic city center is under the protection of UNESCO. Visit beautiful churches and the Kamerlengo medieval fortress. Check if any events are happening in the fortress during your visit.
When it comes to the cuisine don’t miss the famous Pašticada, a special sort of beef stew.
Split
Second largest Croatian city with its famous old town and the 1,700-year-old Diocletian palace. Visit St Duje’s Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedral buildings in the world. Climb its tower to get a beautiful view of Split.
Walk around the Peristil Square, an original Roman court. With its great acoustics, there are a lot of operas and theatre performances during the summer. Take a stroll along the Riva Promenade, the harbor of Split to find a spot to eat. We recommend Soparnik, one of Croatia’s authentic traditional dishes.
Hvar and Stari Grad
An island at the center of the Adriatic sailing routes. Home to one of the first theatres in Europe. The cultural treasure is open for visits and there are ongoing performances all-year-long.
Stari Grad (The Old Town) is one of the oldest towns in Europe founded by the ancient Greeks in 384 BC. There the ancient geometrical system of land division used by the Greeks remained almost intact for over 24 centuries. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dubrovnik
End your cultural trip across Croatia in world-famous tourist destination, once a republic, and today the Pearl of the Adriatic. Architectural and cultural masterpieces preserved for centuries. Walk along the Stradun, the splendid main pedestrian street of the old town and visit the cathedral built on the ruins of a 12th-century church.
Climb to the city walls to get a view of the old town and you’ll understand why it was used for multiple scenes of the Game of Thrones. During summer, that old town becomes a big stage for theatre performances, jazz, ballet, and concerts.
Try Rožata a traditional medieval dessert from Dubrovnik, similar to crème brulée.
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