Zagreb: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Europe

• HelloBok
  [bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [oh-proh-stee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [doh-broh. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [goh-voh-ree-teh lee eng-lehs-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih jelovnik, molim
  [moh-lee-oh bee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh yeh-dem meh-soh]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [zhee-vye-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [zhel-eem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Upomoć!
  [oo-poh-mohtch]
• Go away!Odlazi!
  [oh-dlah-zee]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [eez-goo-byoh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [zhel-eem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [koh-lee-koh kohs-tah]
• That's too expensiveTo je preskupo
  [toh yeh prehs-koo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [poh-lah deh-seht]
• MorningJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayJučer
  [yoo-cher]
• TodayDanas
  [dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Četiri
  [cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee nah kahr-tee]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [yehd-noo kahr-too doh]

Zagreb's history dates back to Roman times when a settlement known as Andautonia existed in the area. The modern city of Zagreb began to take shape in the early Middle Ages, with the establishment of two key settlements: Kaptol, a religious center founded in 1094, and Gradec, a fortified town granted a royal charter by King Béla IV in 1242. These two settlements developed separately but were united in 1851 to form the city of Zagreb.

During the medieval period, Zagreb was a significant religious and trade center. Kaptol housed the Zagreb Cathedral, which became the seat of the bishopric, while Gradec was a hub for artisans and merchants. The city faced numerous challenges, including invasions by the Mongols in the 13th century, but it continually rebuilt and fortified itself, eventually becoming a prominent city in the Kingdom of Croatia and Hungary.

In the early 16th century, following the Battle of Mohács and the Ottoman advances into Central Europe, Zagreb came under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy. This period saw significant urban development and the construction of important architectural landmarks. The city also became a crucial administrative and military center in the Habsburg's defensive system against the Ottomans.

The 19th century was a transformative period for Zagreb. With the unification of Kaptol and Gradec under one municipal administration in 1851, the city began to modernize rapidly. The construction of the railway in 1862 connected Zagreb to other major European cities, spurring economic growth. This era also saw the rise of Croatian national consciousness and cultural revival, with Zagreb becoming the epicenter of the Illyrian Movement aimed at promoting Croatian language and culture.

After World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Zagreb became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia. The interwar period was marked by significant political and social changes, as well as continued urban development. Zagreb grew into a major industrial and cultural center, with new institutions, theaters, and museums enriching the city's cultural landscape.

During World War II, Zagreb became the capital of the Independent State of Croatia, a puppet state of Nazi Germany. The period was marked by political turmoil and significant suffering, with many citizens facing persecution. After the war, Zagreb became a part of Socialist Yugoslavia and experienced rapid industrialization and modernization. The city expanded significantly, with new residential areas, factories, and cultural institutions being established.

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Zagreb became the capital of the newly independent Republic of Croatia. The city underwent significant political and economic changes, adapting to a market economy and democratic governance. Modern Zagreb is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and thriving arts scene. It is a major European city that continues to grow and evolve, attracting visitors from around the world.

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is accessible via various modes of transportation. Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) is the main international gateway, located about 17 km from the city center. Direct flights connect Zagreb to many European cities and several intercontinental destinations. The city is also well-connected by train, with the main railway station (Glavni Kolodvor) serving as a hub for domestic and international routes. For those traveling by road, Zagreb is accessible via several major highways, and international bus services operate from various European cities.

Zagreb boasts an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. The tram network is extensive, covering most parts of the city. Single tickets can be purchased at kiosks or on board with cash. Daily and multi-day passes are also available. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. For those who prefer cycling, bike-sharing services are available throughout the city. Walking is also a great option, especially in the compact city center. Car rentals are available for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Zagreb, and many offer transactions in multiple languages. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels.

Zagreb is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, as with any major city, it is important to take standard precautions. Be vigilant in crowded areas, such as markets and public transportation, to avoid pickpocketing. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. While Zagreb does not have specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, staying aware of your surroundings is always wise. Emergency numbers in Croatia include 112 for general emergencies and 192 for police assistance.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to all emergency services, including police, fire, and medical assistance. Major hospitals in Zagreb include the Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb and Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center. Pharmacies are widespread and typically open from early morning until late evening, with some 24-hour options available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. Casual wear is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding trams and buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. It is customary to greet with 'Dobar dan' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'štrukli' and 'čevapi'. Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the server.

To experience Zagreb like a local, visit the Dolac Market, where you can purchase fresh produce and local specialties. Spend time in the city's parks, such as Maksimir Park, to enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Engage with locals in cafes and bars; Croatians are known for their hospitality and willingness to share stories. Attend a performance at the Croatian National Theatre for a taste of local culture. Don't miss exploring the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with its historic charm and panoramic views of the city.