City with a Million Hearts!, Zagreb, Croatia

I see them for the first time almost as soon as I begin walking around the city - bright, shiny, plump, deep red hearts. They are everywhere in multiple sizes, hanging on strings, decorated with white trimmings and delectable. I quickly realize why Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is called the city with a million hearts. Called licitars, akin to gingerbread, they are an integral part of Croatian culture and a symbol of Zagreb and are gifted during times of celebration, be it weddings, birthdays or Christmas.

While Croatia is best known for its coastline, its landlocked capital is less recognised by visitors. It’s time to put Zagreb in the spotlight so if you love offbeat places, pretty lanes and stunning architecture, then you must visit Zagreb. The Croatian capital has a number of beautiful Austro-Hungarian buildings scattered about here and there while its delightful medieval old town is a great place to wander around.

You might be wondering how long you should spend in Zagreb, and that’s what this article is all about. Generally speaking, first-time visitors can get a good grasp of the city in two days. Spending 48 hours in Zagreb is enough time to explore its Upper Town, aka the city’s historic core, the Lower Town with the city’s greatest square, and the green parks in the south, which offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of downtown Zagreb. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).