Let's start our tour from the historic heart of Zagreb, where we will find the city's most iconic sights. The first point on our tour is St. Mark's Church in Zagreb, a true symbol of the city. This 13th-century church impresses with its distinctive roof, on which colorful tiles form the coats of arms of Zagreb and the former Triple Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia. It is not only a beautiful monument, but also a place of rich history and religious values. The church is often closed to the public, but even from the outside it is very impressive. It is worth noting that the square where it is located is sometimes fenced off, which can make a closer approach difficult.

Not far from St. Mark's Church is another gem - the Stone Gate of Zagreb. This is the only surviving entrance to the old city, built in the 13th century. The gate is not only an architectural monument, but also a shrine to Our Lady of the Stone Gate. Inside is a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, which, according to legend, survived a fire that consumed part of the city. It is a place that combines history, architecture and spirituality, attracting both tourists and the faithful.

The next point on our tour is Lotrščak Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the Zagreb skyline. For a small fee (about €3), you can climb to the top of the tower via a winding wooden staircase. It's a good idea to plan your visit so that you're there at 12:00 pm - until recently, a cannon shot was fired from the tower every day at this time, although this tradition has now been suspended due to the 2020 earthquake. Nevertheless, the cannon itself is still available for viewing on the tower.

Walking further, you will reach the Strossmayer Promenade, a charming promenade that offers another beautiful vantage point overlooking the city. It's the perfect place to take a short rest and snap some souvenir photos. The promenade is especially attractive at sunset, when the city drowns in warm, golden light.

Finishing our tour of the historic center, we can't miss the Horse Monument to Ban Josip Jelačić, which is located in the city's main square. This monument has an interesting history - it was dismantled and hidden, only to return to its place later. Today it is a central meeting place and a landmark for tourists.

Each of these places has its own unique history and character, offering a variety of experiences. St. Mark's Church and the Stone Gate are ideal for lovers of architecture and history, while the Lotrščak Tower and Strossmayer Promenade provide unforgettable views of the city. The monument to Ban Josip Jelačić, on the other hand, is a great starting point for further sightseeing. It's a good idea to plan your visit to these sites in the morning or afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a peaceful sightseeing tour.

After exploring Zagreb's historic center, it's time to delve into the city's cultural richness by visiting its remarkable museums and attractions. The first stop on our tour is the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique facility that is sure to be memorable. It's a place that tells love stories in an unusual way, displaying items donated by ordinary people after their relationships ended. Among the exhibits you'll find items as diverse as discarded roses, a toaster stolen out of spite, or even an axe used to destroy an ex-girlfriend's furniture. The museum stands out from typical establishments, offering not only a visual, but also an emotional experience. It's worth taking the time to read the brief descriptions accompanying the items on display, which add depth to the entire exhibition. Interestingly, each visitor can add his or her own exhibit to the museum's collection, making the exhibition constantly alive and changing.

Next, we move on to the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, which offers a fascinating journey through the history of the region. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, including the longest Etruscan text in the world, as well as valuable ancient and medieval collections. While some visitors point out the lack of descriptions in English, the museum makes up for it with innovative features such as interactive exhibitions, VR and archaeological games. It's a great place for history and archaeology lovers, offering an in-depth look at the cultural heritage of Croatia and the surrounding regions.

For those looking for a slightly more unusual experience, the Grič Tunnel is a fascinating attraction. This underground tunnel, which in the past served as a refuge during wartime, is now a testament to Zagreb's turbulent history. During the holiday season, the tunnel is beautifully lit and decorated, creating a magical atmosphere. It is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important memorial to better understand the history of the city and its people.

Comparing the three attractions, each offers a unique experience. The Museum of Broken Relationships stands out for its unusual subject matter and emotional approach to exhibits, making it particularly appealing to younger visitors and those seeking an unusual cultural experience. The Archaeological Museum, on the other hand, offers a more traditional but extremely rich educational experience, ideal for history and archaeology enthusiasts. The Grič Tunnel, on the other hand, combines elements of history with a modern tourist attraction, making it of interest to a wide audience.

As for prices, they are relatively affordable. The Archaeological Museum offers student tickets for around €3, making it an attractive option for younger visitors. It's worth noting that prices are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the official websites of the attractions for up-to-date information before visiting.

In terms of accessibility, all three sites are relatively easy to reach in the city center. The Museum of Broken Relationships and the Archaeological Museum are located close to the main tourist routes, making it easy to include them in your sightseeing plan. The Grič Tunnel, due to its location, may require a bit more planning, but it is certainly worth the effort.

All in all, each of these attractions offers a unique glimpse into Zagreb's culture and history, from personal love stories to ancient artifacts to testimonies of recent history. Whether you're a lover of art, history, or just looking for an unusual experience, these places are sure to make your visit to Zagreb unforgettable.

After a busy tour of the historic center and fascinating museums, it's time to relax and get in touch with nature in the heart of Zagreb. We will start our adventure with the green side of the city with a visit to Maksimir Park - a true oasis of peace and natural beauty.

Maksimir Park, founded in the late 18th century, is the oldest city park in southeastern Europe. It is a vast area of over 300 hectares, combining elements of an English landscape garden with rich flora and fauna. The park offers many attractions for visitors of all ages. There are picturesque lakes, an observation mound, and a playground for the youngest. Nature lovers will be delighted by the variety of plants and trees, including the famous 'Dedek' oak, which is more than 600 years old. The park is an ideal place for walks, picnics, jogging or just relaxing in the fresh air.

At the heart of Maksimir Park is another no less fascinating attraction - the Zagreb Zoo. This is a place that is sure to delight both children and adults. The zoo, although not the largest, offers the opportunity to see many interesting animal species. Among the residents of the zoo you will find sloths, capybaras, suricates, prairie dogs, as well as beavers, marabouts, condors and red pandas. The zoo is well designed, with spacious enclosures for the animals and pathways that allow observation from different perspectives. Especially noteworthy is the lion-watching terrace, which allows close encounters with these majestic cats.

Comparing Maksimir Park and the Zoo, both places offer unique experiences of contact with nature, but in different ways. Maksimir Park is ideal for those looking for peace, space and opportunities for outdoor activities. It's a great place for a day trip, picnic or jogging. The Zoo, on the other hand, mainly attracts families with children and animal lovers, offering educational and exciting up-close experiences with various species.

In terms of accessibility, both places are easily reached by public transportation. Maksimir Park is free and open year-round, making it accessible to all. The zoo requires the purchase of a ticket, but prices are affordable - a family ticket (2+2) costs about €12, which is good value for a few hours of entertainment.

It's worth noting the seasonality - Maksimir Park is beautiful at any time of the year, but is particularly charming in spring and autumn. The zoo, on the other hand, may be more comfortable to visit in cooler weather, when the animals are more active.

In terms of amenities, both places are well equipped to accommodate visitors. In Maksimir Park, you'll find cafes and restaurants, as well as numerous benches and picnic areas. The zoo offers restrooms, refreshment facilities and rest areas spread throughout the grounds.

All in all, both Maksimir Park and the Zagreb Zoo are places worth visiting during a visit to the Croatian capital. They offer not only opportunities for contact with nature and relaxation, but also education and entertainment for the whole family. They are ideal places to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving the borders of Zagreb. Whether you choose a leisurely stroll through the park's alleys or an exciting adventure among exotic animals, these green Zagreb attractions are sure to leave an unforgettable impression.