ZAGREB – MTLG Destination Update 2026

NATURAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS

Zagreb is home to more than 30 neatly kept parks situated directly in the city centre, aligned with the elegant neoclassical palaces. Maksimir is the largest and most beautiful park, located just across from the main football stadium. Lake Jarun, or the so-called Zagreb Riviera, is a popular recreational area, a place to see and be seen, and to dance your night away. The banks of the Green Sava River are perfect for jogging or simply relaxing. For a day hike, you can choose from more than 70 marked trails on Medvednica Mountain. The Medvednica mountain is a rare example of a nature park merging with a capital city, making the experience even more special. In this area, the natural, cultural, and historic values intertwine and depend on each other, and can be explored along a 59 km-long hiking or biking trail. Medvedgrad is a well-preserved medieval town on the slopes of Mt. Medvednica, a 30-minute drive from downtown Zagreb. While enjoying the protected natural wealth of Medvednica Nature Park, weather permitting, by hiking, biking, or taking part in guided educational-themed walks, Medvedgrad Visitor Centre offers various attractive activities, such as interactive workshops and museum exhibitions about history, flora and fauna, and tales and legends of the rulers of Medvedgrad, for all age groups. You can easily hold an event or seminar within its old town walls or take part in an unforgettable outdoor incentive activity.
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GENERAL AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
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Zagreb has been positioned at the crossroads of east and west, north and south, making it accessible by both road and air. Surrounded by a network of modern motorways, Zagreb can be reached in 3-5 hours from major cities in the surrounding region, including Vienna, Venice, and Budapest. In two hours or less, depending on the direction you choose, you can easily stroll through the neighbouring capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, enjoy the seaside breeze in Opatija or indulge in vineyards and centuries-old wineries of Slavonia. New Zagreb International Airport opened in 2017, positioning Zagreb as a major gateway to Southeast Europe. Zagreb Main Railway Station, situated in an elegant neoclassical building, is located on one of the city’s most beautiful squares, named after the first Croatian King, Tomislav. Once you are in the city, you can explore it on carbon-free blue trams, or you can climb the Upper Town (Gornji grad) in the city’s landmark- the Funicular, the oldest and first means of public transportation in Zagreb, dating back to 1890. Thanks to the public system, you can easily reach the peak of Medvednica Mountain (Sljeme) while enjoying an impressive view of Zagreb and its surroundings on the recently reopened modern cable car.

The Sljeme Cable Car connects the base of Mt. Medvednica to its summit, Sljeme (1033m). It is 5,017 m long, has 84 gondolas with 10 seats each, and is equipped with a ski and sports gear holder. The ride takes about 20 minutes. Enjoy a relaxing ride with enchanting views of the Medvednica Nature Park, its forests and meadows, the medieval town of Medvedgrad, and the city of Zagreb below, any time of year. Conveniently, the Zagreb International Airport is located only 16 km from the city centre, making it a 25-minute drive on the motorway. There are shuttle buses connecting the airport and the Central Bus Station in the city, operating on a regular hourly basis. The ZET Company operates the Zagreb public transport system and features an extensive, efficient tram and bus network.

TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE

The vividly artistic atmosphere of Zagreb is immensely appealing – culturally, there is always a lot happening: museums, theatres, concerts, street festivals, pop-up galleries, the spray-can mavericks – the mainstream and the underground go hand in hand. Zagreb is a city that has the best of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Amazingly, heritage buildings remind one of Vienna or Budapest, while its colourful markets, cafes, vibrant nightlife, and especially its people showcase the city’s Mediterranean spirit. St. Mark’s Church is one of the Upper Town’s symbols, with its roof covered in ceramic tiles depicting two coats of arms – the old coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia and the old coat of arms of Zagreb. Picturesque Dolac market is a Zagreb attraction where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and even souvenirs every day. It is possible to see big red umbrellas that are typical of Zagreb. Mirogoj Cemetery is one of Zagreb’s hidden sightseeing points. There you can admire neo-renaissance architecture. Many famous artists created the sculptures at the cemetery, so it is like a big outdoor museum: the city-owned Mirogoj, with its arcades, is the final resting place of many famous Croats.

​MEETINGS INFRASTRUCTURE

Welcoming visitors from all around the world has a long history in the city of Zagreb. Still, one event in particular has marked Zagreb on the map for international travellers – the opening of the über–chic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel in 1925 as a lodge for the equally stylish passengers of the Orient Express. This famous train stopped at the nearby Railway Station. Very soon, it became what it is today – a prestigious venue for all kinds of events. In addition to the elegant Esplanade, several alluring heritage- and boutique-style hotels are nearby, ready to host smaller events that are still stylish and memorable. The Westin Hotel is the largest conference hotel in the city, hosting many international events, with its famous Crystal Ballroom and panoramic top-floor halls offering the best views of the city. It is often combined with its sister hotels, Sheraton, Zonar or International, all located in the downtown area. In contrast, Hilton business hotel, DoubleTree and Garden Inn are located in modern new buildings in the nearby financial district of Zagreb.

Museums located in elegant downtown palaces, modern city landmarks such as the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall or the National and University Library, the ultra- modern Museum of Contemporary Art or super cool places such as the innovative entrepreneurial hubs or Lauba – house for people and art which was once a horse- riding arena and later a textile factory are just some of the iconic venues in the heart of Zagreb offering a range of spaces for events.

MEETINGS BUZZ

One of the biggest Zagreb advantages is that the most cultural and historical attractions (Lotrščak Tower, Grič cannon, Funicular, St Mark’s church, Museum of Broken Relationships, Naive Art Museum, Zrinjevac park, Opera House and others), around 20 theatres or 50 museums and galleries are centrally located and within 15 minutes walking distance from each other. From spring through the end of the year, many outdoor events are a real treat for locals and visitors alike and a significant contributor to Zagreb’s unique atmosphere.