When planning a trip to Croatia or Slovenia, most travellers head straight to Croatia’s coast or Slovenia’s lakes, skipping the capitals as mere transit stops. Yet both Zagreb and Ljubljana are underrated and deserve to be more than just an arrival or departure place.
Even though they are just two hours apart, they give very different vibes. We want to explore which one can surprise more.
Zagreb is, with around 800.000 inhabitants, the bigger city. It is the capital and the cultural center of Croatia. It has a lively mix of Habsburg grandeur and socialist-era architecture. By walking through the city, you can experience its history and discover many attractions for free. The city is busy, has a rich nightlife scene, huge boulevards and public squares, at the kind of scale you’d expect from a national capital.
Ljubljana is smaller, has around 300.000 inhabitants and is more compact and very walkable. The old town, which is also the center of the city, is charming and ruled by a hilltop castle. And this dominates the cute skyline, there are almost no skyscapes, not to much traffic, and not the feeling of being in a big capital. That doesn’t mean it’s boring, though. There are many cafes and restaurants, a lively river promenade, and a bridge with many in legend.
If you like hearty portions and traditional Balkan dishes combined with a growing craft beer community, you should go to Zagreb. If you are interested in a young, modern food scene with sustainability and farm-to-table concepts, Ljubljana is the best choice. (Of course, you can find Balkan cuisine in Slovenia as well).
Both Slovenia and Croatia have strong coffee cultures, so coffee lovers will be delighted in both cities. Doesn’t matter if you want to try the Balkan style brewed one or if you prefer the balanced portafilter coffee variant.
In Zagreb, don’t miss strolling through the lively Tkalčićeva Street, exploring the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, and riding the tiny funicular up to the historic Upper Town for nice city views. Also, the Zagreb Cathedral, Mirogoj Cemetery, and Saint Mark’s Church are must-sees.
Ljubljana shines outdoors: As everything is walkable, we highly recommend walking around. Hike up to the castle and take a break there to enjoy the views, then stroll around the river area until you find a small café or restaurant you like. The colorful central market should also be on your list of things to visit in the Slovenian capital.
Zagreb wins in terms of big-city vibe, nightlife, and museums. Ljubljana offers better opportunities for charming walks and a romantic small-city flair.
Both are surprising and worth a visit. If you have the time, do both. Zagreb for the energy and Ljubljana to unwind.
