istanbul

Tea with the Locals

Yes, the British and the Japanese have their tea customs and rituals, and I wouldn’t want to take away from the special nature of either of those cultures. But if I had to choose where I would most like to have a cup of tea with the locals, it would be Istanbul. Tea shops are a focal point for street level Turkish culture and most good things happen in the presence of a cup of fine Turkish tea. The Turkish people prefer the black tea (or Cay in Turkish) and it is at the center of daily life there, offered everywhere as a gesture of hospitality both before and after meals. Because the drink is served strong, it is typically offered in small cups, boiling hot. The locals drink it sweet, but with no milk, and cut to taste with additional hot water. Find a traditional setting with cushions on the floor and low copper tables or sit at an outdoor cafe, but slow down, relax and enjoy.

Tea is a good place to begin understanding how to visit Turkey perched on the dividing line between Europe and Asia. This is a land of relationships, where time sits still to permit you to go about getting to know your surroundings. Here, travelers are welcomed and greeted with both respect and curiosity. The antiquities, thermal pools, coastline and Turkish baths are all there waiting to be explored, but it is in the marketplace with the people that Turkey is best experienced, because it is there that the warmth and culture of this ancient civilization is authentically expressed.

Besides the tea, here is a short list of “must do” experiences when you visit Istanbul:

Experience a Haman – the Turkish bath with its vigorous scrubbing, hot water and ambiance is an experience, a cultural episode that ranks with running with the bulls in Spain or a Thai massage. There are a number of historic Turkish baths in Istanbul and practically every city of any size. Do yourself a favor.

Visit the covered bazaar – The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Bargain like a friend and true traveler and you will find many original and unique delights. This is the place to begin your search for the perfect rug, the tea set, the talisman to ward off the evil-eye. Again, this is the Enjoy a thermal pool – the country is blessed with a large number of rich mineral water springs. Turkey’s geographic location right above a volcanically active belt provides the nation with a rich abundance of natural hot springs and mineral baths with temperatures that vary from 68 to 230 degrees Fahrenheit! The healing properties and therapeutic effects of the waters are renown.

Visit Pergamum – once the cultural center of the region the ruins here hint at the grandeur of the civilization that has camped on these hillsides in times past. The extraordinary theater at Pergamum was constructed in the 3rd century B.C. In the Acropolis, you will see the remains of both the temple of Athena and the ruins of the Library with once contained 200,000 texts, a wedding gift to Cleopatra by Mark Anthony.

Cruise the Turquoise Coast – Turkey’s rugged coastline shares with Greece a sense of history unmatched elsewhere. Here are the beginnings of classical civilization, and the mists of history lift only in part to give us a glimpse of the stories of Turkish and Greek mythologies. Day-long excursions provide a leisurely opportunity to take in the beauty of the mountains and the ruins, the bluest of waters and the wonderful breezes. Or spend time at Ölüdeniz Beach and let the Mediteranean sun do its work.

Explore the Lycian Tombs – the sarcophagi, carved into the vertical cliffs are dramatic and mysterious. The quality of the stone masonry, the originality of Lycian art and the visible detail after all of these centuries is remarkable. The tombs are often integrated into the daily commercial areas of the towns and markets, or visible from the water.

Visit Nemrut – A UNESCO world heritage site, the colossal statues on the top of Mountain of Nemrut in the north-east of Adiyaman are the tomb of King Antiochus I (69-38 B.C.).

Istanbul is not a destination to hurry through. Experience it slowly, like a fine cup of hot, black Turkish tea.

budapest

exploring a city of baths

The River Danube bisects the dramatically beautiful capital of Hungary to create worlds within worlds. However, the Danube route that has been a “water highway of Europe” since ancient times isn’t the only water source that’s worth buzzing about in Budapest. A former Celtic settlement, Budapest bubbles over with activity and culture today with help from the more than 100 springs and boreholes that supply the famed baths of the city with their relaxing waters. In places, Budapest looks like a movie set depicting ancient times when people gathered for public baths in town squares. Attracting more than 12 million global visitors each year, Budapest is home to the world’s most extensive thermal water cave system. Budapest was formed by the unification of the three cities of Buda, Óbuda and Pest in 1873. Today, it is a vibrant center of culture and economics within Europe.

The Hungarian Parliament Building

While seeing the center of government in any European city is always a thrill, visiting the Hungarian Parliament is especially thrilling because it’s the third-largest parliament building in the world. Modeled slightly after the British House of Parliament, the building stands on the banks of the Danube. The architecture pops to life even more if you come after dark when the lights have turned on over Hungarian Parliament. During the day, tours are available at an adjacent museum.

Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika)

With its ornate neo-Renaissance dome reaching 300 feet, St. Stephen’s is a true architectural wonder, completed in 1905. If you visit near St. Stephen’s feast day on Aug. 20, the city is full of celebrations centered on the basilica. If you have a chance, book a ticket during a time when an organ concert is being held in the church for a true treat. mer home of Hungarian kings, the castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. Situated on a hill within the city’s fortified Castle Quarter, the Buda Castle links easily to both Clark Ádám Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge using the Castle Hill railway. The city’s massive, ethereal Chain Bridge is of note because it became the first permanent bridge spanning the Danube to link Buda and Pest when it was completed in 1849.

The Citadella

After covering so much of Budapest by foot, getting some perspective on what your feet have covered is always a treat at the Citadella. Situated at the summit of Budapest’s Gellert Hill, Citadella is a surveillance fortress that was constructed by the Hapsburgs in 1854. Today, it is a prime tourist spot among people looking for outstretched views of a gilded city sliced in two by aglistening river.

Buda Castle

This13th-century castle was massively rebuilt after being mostly destroyed during World War II. The for-

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

Established in 1866, Budapest’s zoo is one of the oldest in the world. Conveniently located in the city center, the zoo can be accessed on Line 1 of the Buda-

pest Metro. Among the 1,000 different species of animals housed at the zoo are the white rhinoceros, giraffes and gazelles.

Danube River Cruises

Many local cruise operators run both day and evening Danube River cruises. In many cases, tourists can enjoy one-hour cruises that bring them on quick tours of major Budapest attractions on both sides of the river. A mix of busy shores and hilly terrain makes for excellent visibility of landmarks from the river.

Choosing Where to Stay in Budapest

When deciding where to find a hotel in Budapest, the Castle District emerges as an excellent choice for anyone hoping to be near the city’s most important attractions. Besides offering the best views, this high-end neighborhood places you near landmarks like the Buda Castle and Matthias Church. While walking to other parts of the city from the Castle District can be challenging, you can use the Castle Hill Funicular train system to get around easily. Castle Hill isn’t the top spot for nightlife, even though it’s bustling during the day.

Downtown (Belváros)/5th District

Running along the “Pest” side of the Danube, 5th places you right near outstanding attractions like St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Chain Bridge. With its Parisian-like boulevards, this is also one of the best districts for shopping and dining. It is also home to the city’s Jewish Quarter.

Hospital in the rock

Underneath Budapest’s historic Castle, just beyond a huge iron gate, is a secret medical complex that has survived a World War II, Soviet sieges, and a failed revolution against the Soviet empire. Today, the Sziklakorhaz (Hospital in the Rocks) is a museum honoring the doctors and nurses who treated Hungarian casualties during these traumatic historical events.

Getting Around Budapest

While Budapest’s size and complexity make it seem intimidating at first, tourists can be comforted by the fact that the city has one of the most extensive and reliable public transportation systems among Europe’s capital cities. First, airport shuttles from Ferenc Liszt International Airport run every few minutes. The city’s public transportation system uses a series of buses, trolleys and trams to allow you to cross seamlessly between terrains consisting of hills, flat roadways and river banks. The Budapest Metro is continental Europe’s oldest underground railroad system. Additionally, taxis are abundant in the city. While walking parts of the city are fully manageable, the distance between attractions can be a little extreme for an all-walking vacation. If you’re up for it, the electric scooters that are seen everywhere in Budapest can be rented through the Lime app.

EDINBURGH EDINBURGH

A quirky city just waiting to be explored.

Known for its hilly landscape and tartan-draped history, Edinburgh is a lively city where history, culture, education, and the arts are as abundant as the green landscape found in the rest of the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is both the economic and governmental hub of the country. Both summer and winter are full of vibrant festivals within the city’s ancient squares. You can also take your pick between a pub visit or a traditional tea room any day of the week. A relatively small city, Edinburgh is straightforward to traverse by foot. When picking a hotel in Edinburgh, it’s helpful to know that the majority of the major attractions here are concentrated right near the city’s center. If your goal is to avoid as many buses as possible during your visit, look for hotels and rentals near Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Edinburgh also has 15 tram stops that will take you to key points around the city. You can also access Edinburgh Airport using the tram system. Walking, biking, and taxi rides are also very viable transportation options.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile gets its name from the fact that it connects the Edinburgh Castle with the royal residence at Holyrood Palace. Every inch of this stretch of road is lined with historic buildings, beautiful shops, cobbled passageways, lively street performers, and lovely restaurants. Expect to find yourself back at this spot time and time again as you make your way through your itinerary. When the Edinburgh Festival Fringe arrives each August, this section of the city becomes home to the world’s largest arts festival for 25 unforgettable days! The jewel of the royal miles is the queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visitors who tour the halls of the palace can roam the residence where historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie lived. and can learn how the residence is used by the queen when carrying out royal duties in Scotland today. Edinburgh Old Town

The Royal Mile cuts right through Edinburgh Old Town. This historic walking neighborhood showcases Edinburgh as it was. The oldest neighborhood in Edinburgh, Old Town takes you on a journey through narrow cobblestone streets that have existed since medieval times to browse pubs, wool shops, squares, and monuments. While you’re exploring this historic neighborhood, find your way to Grassmarket on Victoria Street. Originally a marketplace for buying and selling horses and cattle in the capital, Grassmarket now offers shops belonging to jewelers, quiltmakers and artisans. Old Town is also the gateway to Edinburgh Castle. According to archaeologists, Castle Rock has been the site of human occupation since at least the Iron Age. One of the oldest fortified structures in all of Europe, the casTle structure itself has played an dating back to at least the reign of David I during the 12th century. Through the centuries, it has served as a royal residence, prison, military garrison, and fortress. The castle is home to the Honours of Scotland that hold the distinction of being the oldest royal jewels in all of Britain. Be sure to take an Old Town ghost tour, as Edinburgh has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the world!

National Museum of Scotland

A world-class museum, the Museum of Scotland houses exhibits that put the treasures of the world on display.

important role in Scottish history, Many of the exhibits focus on Scottish antiquities like the Lunnasting stone, the St. Ninian’s Isle Treasure, the Whitecleuch Chain and the Hunterston Brooch. Entry to the museum is free.

The Edinburgh Vaults

Guided tours through the Edinburgh Vaults bring visitors to the underground canals of the city. Dark and mysterious, the Edinburgh Vaults form a series of chambers within the 19 arches of the city’s South Bridge. For decades after their completion in 1788, the vaults were used for everything from taverns to storage spaces for merchants. They also had a dark reputation for housing illegal whiskey distilleries, illegal gambling operations and refuges for body-snatching rings. During a guided tour, you’ll learn all about the dark history of this underground portion of Edinburgh.

Calton Hill

The best place to get panoramic views of Edinburgh, Calton Hill is an elevated neighborhood that houses the buildings of the Scottish Government. It also houses the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument and the Royal Observatory of Edinburgh. When visiting Calton Hill, it is customary to take the steep pedestrian pathway carved of volcanic rock known as Edinburgh’s Jacob’s Ladder to link from New Town back to Old Town.

VIENNA VIENNA

Hop from the Hapsburgs to ringed roads in Vienna.

The awe of Austria, Vienna is a large city with a greater-metropolitan population of 2.6 million. While Vienna is a very modern city, imperial palaces and cloud-piercing cathedrals betray its age. After just a few hours in Vienna, I learned that there is nothing more characteristic of Viennese culture than finding a lovely sidewalk table where you can perch to sip a strong espresso. Before you head to

Vienna, you might want to rehearse how to order that espresso in German.

While many people here do speak English, most of the signage is in German. Coming from the lips of the locals, you’ll hear a very distinct dialect known as Viennese German. Schönbrunn Palace

During a brief excursion through one of my favorite European cities, I began with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. A Cultural World Heritage Site, the palace is the most visited point of interest in Austria. Located in Hietzing, Schönbrunn (translation: “beautiful spring”) was the summer home of the Habsburgs until the dynasty was dissolved. In the 1950s, it was opened as a tourist attraction. A Rococo-style estate, the palace contains 1,441 sweeping rooms. However, only 45 are open to the public. As you walk through the halls and gardens, you’ll see details spanning 300 years of Habsburg tastes and preferences.

Historic Center of Vienna

Feeling the need to get a bit grounded following a tour of the larger-thanlife, otherworldly Hapsburg summer palace, I found myself wanting to dive right into the city’s historic center. Luckily, I was within walking distance of the spot that I really consider to be the heart of Vienna. With a quick walk, I was on Ringstrasse (Ring Road). Paved over the site of an ancient fortress, Ringstrasse is a circular boulevard that went up when the city’s old walls came down in the 19th century. Ringstrasse contains some of the most important historical landmarks in the city. As you explore Vienna’s center by way of its famed ringed road, be sure to make your way through the University of Vienna, Opernring (the Vienna State Opera House), Hofburg Palace (president’s residence), City Hall, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Parliament, the National Theater, the Ring Tower and the Rossauer Barracks. As you’re walking, (you will, I assure you be burning a multitude of calories), keep your eye out for bakery windows that display those signature strudels of Vienna. For breakfast, a hot apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or topfenstrudel (cheese strudel) can’t be beaten. Also delicious are the Viennese crêpes that cart merchants sell throughout the city.

Stephen’s Cathedral

The mother church of Vienna, St. Stephen’s was completed in 1160 over a site believed to be an ancient Roman cemetery. Made of limestone walls with rich mosaics peppered throughout, the cathedral is best known for its colorfully tiled roof with diamond patterns. Like many of the great cathedrals of Europe, St. Stephen’s was severely damaged during World War II. Large sections of the church have been rebuilt over the years. Additionally, several new extensions and towers were added during reconstruction. When you walk inside, be sure to count all 18 altars within the cathedral! The interior’s focal point is a high altar featuring a depiction of Saint Stephen that was constructed during the 1640s using marble pieces brought in from Styria and Tyrol.

Zoo Vienna (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)

I can’t pass through a city without visiting a wildlife attraction. Luckily for me, Vienna’s zoo is really one of the best in the world. Founded in 1753, Zoo Vienna is the oldest existing zoo on the planet. Over the years, it has been awarded the title of the best zoo in Europe countless times. This is a world-class experience featuring more than 700 species of animals from around the world. Within the zoo’s campus, different habitats in a number of ecosystems are recreated to give you the impression that you really are venturing into jungles and prairies. In addition to pandas, the zoo is home to an elephant house, a polar bear world, a big cat house, a rhino house, a polar exhibit brimming with sea lions, a koala habitat, a reptile universe and much more. If you’re interested, you can book a feeding session with some of the animals.

Getting Around Vienna

Vienna offers reliable, accessible public transportation that makes planning your adventures very easy. By combining train and bus routes with your walking patterns, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground. First, Vienna’s U-Bahn is a fast way to get from point to point by train. These trains run from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. from Monday to Thursday. From Friday to Sunday, the trains run continuously. You can grab your tickets at machines located near where you’ll board at each station. If you’re looking for a more leisurely option, the Vienna Tram is an alternative that runs from just after 5 a.m. to just before 12 a.m. daily. There’s also a bus system. While Vienna’s buses are very reliable during the week, you’ll notice that service really tapers off during the weekends. Make sure you’re looking at the schedule for the day that you’ll be riding to confirm that a route is running to where you need to be. Vienna is also a pretty easy city to cover by bike. If you are renting a bike during your stay, you can carry it along on trains marked with a bike-friendly symbol.

Known historically as the Salt Fortress of Bavaria, Salzburg is the perfect city if you’re longing for epic Austrian adventures that twist together fresh mountain views and metro attractions.

In most of Salzburg, things look very much the same as they did when Mozart roamed through the streets of his childhood. Fans of “The

Sound of Music” will recognize many of the filming locations of the movie when they tour landmarks like Frohnburg Palace, Leopoldskron

Palace and the Mirabell Palace Gardens. Of course, you’ll also notice just how modern and tech-savvy the vibe here is as you roam ancient squares with a hot schnitzel in your hand. Don’t be intimidated by the grand history of Salzburg.

With a population of just 156,872, the city can often feel like a small town. Let’s cover all the

Salzburg essentials to plan an itinerary that will be music to your ears.

Salzburger Altstadt

Busy and bustling, Salzburger Altstadt is the city’s “old town” section. Recognized as a UN-

ESCO World Heritage Site, Altstadt forms an outline of the city’s historic center on both the right and left banks of the Salzach River. I consider Altstadt the best place to stay in the city simply because you can walk to everything. While the old town is technically split in two by the river, charming footbridges make it possible to get around by foot using clever shortcuts. Within the old town’s boundaries, you’ll find the most important religious and political landmarks of Salzburg. In fact, this portion of the city is somewhat of an “abbey central.” It contains Salzburg Cathedral, Holy

Trinity Church, Franciscan Church, and St. Peter’s Abbey. This area also offers something of a spiritual experience for music lovers because it houses Mozart’s birthplace at Getreidegasse.

Located at 9 Getreidegasse, the canary-yellow townhouse that was the Mozart family home when the composer was born in 1756 has become one of the most visited museums in Austria. If you’re going for a full Mozart tour, do include the Salzburg Cathedral. Built in 1614 on the ruins of an old Roman town, the cathedral eventually became the place where Mozart was baptized in 1756. You can even walk right up to the baptismal font where the future composer received his sacrament. The cathedral is famed for its façade of dark-grey stone broken up by ornamental touches. At the entrance, statues of Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John serve as reminders of the message of salvation. The cathedral is also home to some of the largest bells in Europe.

Peter’s Abbey

For a bit of serenity, St. Peter’s Abbey is a truly peaceful place that has housed monks for more than 1,000 years. Dating back to the 7th century, the monastery grounds hold tombs of saints, a library, archives with documents dating back to the 8th century, a music archive, and several art collections. Built into a mountain backdrop, this monastery truly does feel like a piece of heaven!

Mirabell Palace

Unable to visit a European city without touring a royal palace, I headed to Mirabell Palace to get lost in its endless halls and sprawling garden. This beautiful estate was built on the shore of the Salzach River in 1606 at the insistence of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau. The highlight of the property is the famed Marble Hall. On the exterior, the manicured Mirabell garten has continued to delight visitors with its manicured pathways and stunning florals since being designed in 1687.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Overlooking the rooftops of Salzburg from high atop its natural throne on the Festungs berg, Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest fully preserved castle in all of Central Europe. From the fortress, 360-degree views of the city are plentiful. Hohensalzburg was built in 1077 with the purpose of protecting the city’s arch bishops from attacks. For those visiting today, breaching the fortress is an easy thing to do by invitation. Within the fortress are several museums and chambers that have actually re mained untouched since 1501. In the Fortress Museum, you’ll find a complete history of the structure. You can also visit the Marionette Museum and Museum of the Rainer. Moving along, you’ll run into a number of preserved chambers that in-

SALZBURG

the Salzach River in 1606 at the insistence of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau. The highlight of the property is the famed Marble Hall. On the exterior, the manicured Mirabellgarten has continued to delight visitors with its manicured pathways and stunning florals since

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Overlooking the rooftops of Salzburg from high atop its natural throne on the Festungsberg, Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest fully preserved castle in all of Central Europe. From the fortress, 360-degree views of the city are plentiful. Hohensalzburg was built in 1077 with the purpose of protecting the city’s archbishops from attacks. For those visiting today, breaching the fortress is an easy thing to do by invitation. Within the fortress are several museums and chambers that have actually remained untouched since 1501. In the Fortress clude the Golden Chamber, the Golden Hall and the Prince’s Chamber. There’s also a gold-studded recreation of the night sky painted on the ceiling in a portion of the fortress.

Getting Around Salzburg

Salzburg is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. If you’re coming in through the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof station, you’re only about a 10-minute walk from many of the city’s main attractions. Salzburg also runs trams and buses that use an interchangeable ticket system. It’s €2.10 a ride for a single journey. You can also get a 24-hour unlimited ticket for €5. If you’re focused on getting around the old town at Aldstadt, use buses marked #1 and #4. If you’re in a hurry to get anywhere, a taxi is always your best bet because Salzburg designates an entire separate lane just for them! Biking is also popular enough here that most hotels rent out bikes for a few dollars per day. If you’re looking to get into the spirit of old Salzburg, you can also hop a ride on one of the fiaker carriages that are seen everywhere here.

A fantastic place to stay while in Zagreb, Upper Town is the his torical center of the city. A high light of Upper Town is the Dolac Market. A daily market spot locat ed just steps from Zagreb’s center square, Dolac combines primitive open-market stalls with a sheltered marketplace. Farmers and mer chants from towns surrounding the city still pile into the market place every morning the way they have for decades. In addition to abundant selections of fresh meats and cheeses, you’ll find flowers and lace for sale. At Upper Town’s Saint Mark’s Square, stunning St. Mark’s Church shows off its beau tiful 14th-century architecture. You’ll also find Zagreb’s Kamenita Vrata (stone gate) near the church. Finish your tour of Upper Town with a stroll among the chestnut trees on the Strossmayer Prome nade.

Considered to be the “bustling” city center of Zagreb, Lower Town is known for its festivals and crowded streets. The Croatian Na tional Theatre, the Zagreb Botan ical Garden, Zrinski Square, the

ZAGREB ZAGREB

Explore Upper Town and Lower Town in Zagreb.

The Croatian capital of Zagreb is full of surprises. A former medieval fortress offering eagle-eye views over the Sava River, Zagreb opens up the Adriatic to Central Europe. Divided into 17 districts mixed between river-valley terrain and foothills, it draws visitors from around the world to its stunning cathedrals, ancient landmarks, beautiful palaces, and open-air marketplaces. Historic Zagreb is cut cleanly between Upper Town and Lower Town. While one hosts the preserved medieval landscape that Europeans have passed through for generations, the other is devoted to shopping, dining, concerts, and nightlife.

A fantastic place to stay while in Zagreb, Upper Town is the historical center of the city. A highlight of Upper Town is the Dolac Market. A daily market spot located just steps from Zagreb’s center square, Dolac combines primitive open-market stalls with a sheltered marketplace. Farmers and merchants from towns surrounding the city still pile into the marketplace every morning the way they have for decades. In addition to abundant selections of fresh meats and cheeses, you’ll find flowers and lace for sale. At Upper Town’s Saint Mark’s Square, stunning St. Mark’s Church shows off its beautiful 14th-century architecture. You’ll also find Zagreb’s Kamenita Vrata (stone gate) near the church. Finish your tour of Upper Town with a stroll among the chestnut trees on the Strossmayer Prome-

Considered to be the “bustling” city center of Zagreb, Lower Town is known for its festivals and crowded streets. The Croatian National Theatre, the Zagreb Botanical Garden, Zrinski Square, the Mimara Museum, and the University of Zagreb are all spread out over Lower Tower. A highlight of Lower Town, King Tomislav Square is the ultimate place to take in Zagreb’s atmosphere. Choose a small bakery with terrace seating to enjoy a cream cake with coffee. Known as Kremšnita in Croatia, layer cake made with vanilla cream and whipped cream is a staple at every bakery. As you sip and savor on the square, note that every building within view is listed as a heritage building. The fountains and colorful facades of the square really come to life on a sunny day.

Tkalčićeva

A favorite Zagreb neighborhood for many, Tkalčićeva spans the area from Ban Jelačić Square to the conclusion of Little Street. This is the city’s quintessential “European walking street.” It is lined with traditional Croatian restaurants and shops, special boutiques and inviting cafés. Of course, Ban Jelačić Square is an attraction worth giving time to while exploring Zagreb. Considered the central square of the city, Ban Jelačić is a car-free square lined with facades that cover several centuries of architectural styles. A great place to begin a long day of seeing Zagreb on foot, it is considered to be the center of the city’s pedestrian zone. Maksimir Park

Maksimir is a forest-like park in the middle of Zagreb. A pleasure to stroll through, the park is the natural habitat for many different wildlife species that prefer its meadows, lakes and creeks. Located on the eastern edge of the city’s central district, this charming escape in the middle of Zagreb can be accessed using the Bukovačka stop by way of ZET tram lines 4, 5, 7, 11 and 12. The Zagreb Zoo is located within Maksimir Park. Covering 17 acres, the zoo has been in operation since 1925. Noted for being the only zoo in the world to host Balkan snow voles, Zagreb Zoo is also home to snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, Bactrian camels and North China leopards.

The Zagreb 80s Museum

A time capsule, the Zagreb 80s Museum feels slightly out of place among the classic architecture of the city. However, it is a very important attraction for anyone seeking to understand the city as it stands today. Designed to look and feel like the apartment of a typical family during the 1980s, the museum gives an accurate portrayal of life in the former Yugoslavia. This is a fully interactive experience that allows you to use objects in the house. You can even play “dress up” in a closet stocked with clothing that was typical of the era.

Getting Around Zagreb

Zagreb’s public transportation system includes trams, buses, and cable cars to help you navigate the hilly, narrow passes of the city easily when you don’t feel like getting around by foot. All of the city’s trams are marked with numbers to help you know when to jump on. While the schedules are pretty constant, you should be warned that delays are common in the city. In Zagreb, the tram system and bus system share a ticket system. This makes planning a multimode trip around the city very easy. In total, there are 136 bus lines serving Zagreb. However, only 78 run through Zagreb proper. The remaining 56 will bring you to the city’s suburbs.

TERRA TRAVELERS

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