Zagreb

With a population of 767,131 and a metropolitan area of 1,217,150, Zagreb, the capital and biggest city in Croatia, serves as the national hub. Nestled along the Sava river in the northern section of the nation, the city features a lush backdrop from the Medvednica mountain. Rising to an elevation of around 158 meters above sea level, Zagreb, close to the international border with Slovenia, offers mild temperatures and breathtaking vistas.

Zagreb holds great historical relevance since its beginnings in the Roman age. Roman Andautonia, near modern Šćitarjevo, became the first settlement in the region. Early historical records show the name “Zagreb” appearing in 1134, with the establishment of the Kaptol settlement in 1094. Gaining status as a free royal city in 1242 helped Zagreb become somewhat well-known. Janko Kamauf assumed office as Zagreb’s first mayor in 1851.

As a consolidated city-county apart from Zagreb County, Zagreb now holds a distinct administrative standing. The city comprises 17 districts, each contributing unique qualities to the metropolitan scene. While most districts lie lower in the Sava River valley, the northern and northeastern districts—including Podsljeme and Sesvete—rise into the foothills of the Medvednica mountain, adding to the city’s topographical variety. Zagreb spans over 20 kilometers north-south and more than 30 kilometers east-west.

The Globalisation and World Cities Research Network awarded Zagreb a “Beta-” grade, validating its global city categorization and underscoring its worldwide significance. The city’s rich industrial legacy, excellent transit linkages, industrial concentration, and credible scientific and research facilities help explain its economic supremacy in Croatia.

Zagreb serves as the focal point of Croatian governance, housing the central government, administrative agencies, and most government ministries. The city also hosts headquarters for most of the biggest companies in the country, media outlets, and scientific institutes. Croatia’s main transport hub, Zagreb, sits at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe, placing the country at the focal point of road, rail, and air systems.

The attractiveness of Zagreb lies in its rich cultural and leisure possibilities, varied economy, great quality of living, and economic might. The city’s entertainment options, athletic events, and museums provide a dynamic environment for both locals and guests. Zagreb’s strong economy depends fundamentally on the high-tech sectors and service sector.

Tourism shapes Zagreb’s character, consistently attracting visitors seeking the city as a destination in its own right and those headed to the Adriatic Sea. Since hostilities ended, the city has drawn around a million visitors annually, mostly from Austria, Germany, and Italy. In recent years, substantial numbers of visitors have come from East Asian nations such as South Korea, Japan, China, and India. Zagreb has become well-known as a travel destination for Croatia and the larger southeast European area.

The city offers many interesting sites and events for guests to enjoy. The two Saint George sculptures in Republic of Croatia Square and at the Stone Gate—where the picture of the Virgin Mary remarkably survived a 17th-century fire—serve as markers of Zagreb’s resilience. On Bogovićeva Street, the artwork “Nine Views” adds a modern touch to the cityscape. Acclaimed as Europe’s greatest for three straight years, Zagreb’s Christmas market further enhances its appeal.

High-quality restaurants in Zagreb’s gastronomic scene provide a wide range of traditional Croatian food along with international cuisine. The city welcomes various international hotel chains, offering guests a variety of lodging options to suit different tastes.

Situated north of Ban Jelačić Square, the historical heart of the city comprises Gornji Grad and Kaptol, a prominent medieval collection of churches, palaces, museums, galleries, and government buildings that attract visitors for sightseeing trips. From Ban Jelačić Square, the main center of Zagreb, or by a charming funicular on Tomićeva Street, the ancient quarter is easily accessible on foot. Every Saturday from April to September, St. Mark’s Square in the Upper Town presents historical reenactments by the Order of the Silver Dragon, fully engaging guests in the historical wars between Gradec and Kaptol.

Located 17 kilometers southeast of Zagreb in Velika Gorica, Zagreb Airport serves as the main international entry point to Croatia. The facility, which includes a fighter squadron, helicopters, and military and cargo transport aircraft, functions as both a civilian airport and a military airfield. The airport handled 3.45 million passengers in 2019, and the opening of a new passenger terminal in late March 2017 increased its capacity to handle up to 5.5 million annual passengers.