While it might be a difficult city to fly into, once you are there you definitely know it has been worth the journey. The architecture, the laid back atmosphere, the outstanding food, the friendly locals... Zagreb's really a stunning place that so many people overlook when travelling around Europe! And it doesn't break the bank either, unlike many European cities. I know I will be back on my next travels!
Dubrovnik really is paradise. It doesn't have long sandy beaches with palm trees and coconuts but it does have the most amazing old city I have ever come across. The old city walls protect the ancient town, and it's full of marvelous little restaurants, shops and entertainment. You'll be walking around with a sore neck from taking in the grand and spectacular ancient buildings.
I would recomend a day trip to one of the islands just offshore. We went to one and found a hidden lake where we just sat in the sun and swam in the warm clear lake.
A perfect location for a couple of relaxing days in the sun.
Dubrovnik is lovely but overpriced! Stay in Lapad area which is near Lapad beach and full of shops, bars, and not too pricey.
You cannot stay one weekend in Zagreb and think that you can have your own complete opinion 'cause...you haven't seen it all. I have lived in Croatia for 21 years and I'm still exploring and finding something every year that I didn't know that we had!
For staying in Zagreb, in my opinion the most important thing is to meet and get friendly with somebody smart from Zagreb. Because you can spend a fortune here, or you can spend very little money. I know a lot of people who actually LIVE IN Zagreb and can give you the right answer about things like: where is good blues/rock'n roll club, where I can eat the best "chevapi," where is the best cheap beer?
People could tell you that Pula is just a summer resort and that it's full of tourists, and maybe it is, but Pula is also one of the most beautiful towns in Istria and the Croatian coast! It has lots of interesting monuments to see (the first one, the Arena) but is small enough to not getting too tired. In fact, to see the town you just need a few hours, then you can lie on the beach or just walk through the cosy streets, take a sit in a terrace, and have a cocktail or a delicious ice cream.
Dubrovnik is sizzling and very pretty. I cannot find words to express my pleasure visiting that city ten days ago.
Dubrovnik is very pretty but there's no real backpacker scene. It's overrun with couples, families, European tour groups of senior citizens, the jet-set crowd, and the see-and-be-seen crowd. Prices are ridiculously expensive! The Old Town is gorgeous but I wouldn't stay here for any length of time.
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, but it has a small-town feel. It's very easy to get around and is one of the most relaxed capitals in Europe. Unless you're here to live the life, however, the sights of Zagreb can be done in a day (2 days including the museums).
My family is Croatian and I came to Dubrovnik to visit and absolutely fell in love with the city. Currently I am looking for a place to rent out and a job because I do not want to return to the states. Be careful, this is the sort of place you will travel to and not want to leave.
Everyone says they prefer Dubrovnik to Split, but I quite liked it in Split! Black Cat restaurant/bar near the station has amazing food, seems to be full of foreigners. The beach is concrete, so visit the islands if you want something more picturesque (although there are no sand beaches on any of the islands). Wandering around the center of town you'll see a multitude of bars and cool cafes in random alleys. It's quite touristy with all the shops.
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