Zagreb

Despite living in Europe for part of college, I never made it to Croatia. So after a family cruise down the Danube, I embarked on a solo trip to the capital city of Zagreb and I quickly fell in love. Around the city, there are natural wonders that are certainly worth exploring but an urban hike through Zagreb is as full of beauty and intrigue as wandering the streets of Paris, with charm to spare.

For example, strolling down Strossmayer Promenade, which is a winding walkway with many street vendors and restaurants, felt strangely familiar. The lush greenery and stunning views reminded me of walking down Montmartre, inviting me to slow down and savor the scenery around me. On foot, you’re automatically immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of a new place. And the slower pace of urban hiking naturally provides that restorative time that we crave from our vacations.

It’s been many years, but I can remember my lunch of lamb and fried potatoes at a cafe tucked along my route. I remember the art vendors and the cobblestones, which were getting reset at the time, and dodging the street trams. The city left an impression on me. Since then, I’ve learned to stay mindful of the impact I leave behind as well.

Choosing options that leave a lighter footprint helps preserve a location for its community and its visitors. And traveling with family and friends multiplies that footprint, so it is important to choose partners that strive to remain conscious and supportive of the place and the people who serve it.

Choosing accommodations and activities that are well-run, comfortable, and ethical is worth the effort, allowing us to settle into a vacation more quickly and enjoy the limited time away most efficiently.

Zagreb has a charm that captivates everyone. I look forward to someday returning to Zagreb with my family. But I’ll need to build in more time for bathroom and playground stops on my next hikes through the city.

Daytime atmosphere and nighttime culture in walkable Zagreb