Book a flight to Zagreb with Qatar Airways

Zagreb is old-world opulence at its best, full of imposing 18th- and 19th-century stone structures, bedecked with arches, columns and other exquisite details.

If you want to see an early example when you first travel to Zagreb, head to the Stone Gate, Zagreb’s medieval entrance to Gradec Town. A medieval counterpart to the gate is Lotrščak Tower, which offers 360-degree views of both the upper and lower towns. To make your trip between the two towns of Zagreb, use the nearby funicular railway. This is the shortest cable car system in the world, at only 66m long, and has been transporting the citizens of Zagreb between the Upper and Lower Towns for the past century.

Zagreb is full of green spaces and its city planners have been especially generous with public parks. Zrinjevac, in the city centre (where Qatar Airways has an office) is home to beautiful fountains and architecture. Alternatively, try the Lenuci Horseshoe, a U-shaped complex of parks in Lower Town that includes the glorious Botanical Garden and Marco Marulić and Marshall Tito Squares.

Museums are also plentiful in Zagreb. The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Archaeological Museum are excellent starting points. But you should also try the Ethnographic Museum, which gives visitors a comprehensive overview of the history, culture and heritage of the Croatian people.

This historical city is best seen on foot, so pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes for your trip to Zagreb. Start by exploring the city’s many parks and open spaces. Jarun Lake, in the south of the city, is ideal for water-sports such as swimming and rowing. If you visit in January, make sure you catch the Snow Queen Trophy ski-slalom tournament.

If you grow tired of walking, there are several companies in the city that organise cycling tours, all observing a gentle, leisurely pace.

Travelling to Zagreb is a good way to introduce your taste buds to the culinary delights of eastern Europe. The city has plenty of excellent restaurants, including those that specialise in local dishes.International cuisine is well represented, and you can also pick up plenty of on-the-go food from local cafés and street vendors. Pancakes are particularly popular.

A wealth of boutiques, independent shops and out-of-the-ordinary retail outlets, make Zagreb great fun for shoppers. If you like natural beauty-products, check out some of the standalone stores in the city centre. You’ll also find plenty of outlets selling fashion and art from the city’s up-and-coming designers. There are some larger department stores for high-end labels, or if you like hunting down an unusual bargain then head for the Hrelić Flea Market, held every Sunday.