Let's Hear It For Zagreb!

Zagreb.
You know- the capitol of Croatia?

For right or wrong, for better or for worse, somehow Budapest has always been dubbed my favorite international city. Why? Maybe because in Budapest all those years ago (2006)  my sister and I had a fabulous time. Since that trip, I've been stacking up the new destination to beautiful Budapest. Even the fabulous Barcelona couldn't knock it out of it's Katie O. #1 ranking...but guess what? I'm here to say that Budapest no longer holds the #1 spot on my list....

ZAGREB does!

Zagreb because...

• I didn't see one mosquito or get bitten.
• Things are still inexpensive, for now.
• Even if rainy weather hits, there are about 100 museums you can visit and they are all housed in beautiful buildings.
• Friendly people that speak enough English to get by that are proud of their city. 
• The Museum of Broken Relationships- need I say more?
• Lots of parks and "green" spaces tend to make you forget you're in a major city.
• The whole place just feels safe & clean- cameras, guards, trashcans (that are used).
• There are a ton of dogs, but not strays! Most are enjoying a walk or hanging out in an outdoor cafe.
• Public transportation makes sense. 
• Lots of interesting history with the city. A lot of it recent history (think early 90s) that makes you impressed that much more with what the city is today. 
• The buildings are beautiful. 
• Streets are filled with outdoor seating for the restaurants and cafes lining the sides. So many options it's overwhelming! 
• It's easy to get out of the city for a day to see the national park.
• Cotton candy for 10kn? I'm sold.
• A zoo with lemurs, bats, and red pandas?!?!
• Carbs are a primary food group.
• There's just this feel, vibe, & energy pulsating through the city. 

Okay and now looking over this list, I'm seeing a lot of things that never bugged me living in Monterey (when I fell in love with Budapest), but now 2+ years in Naples maybe they're more important to me. Or maybe it's the fact that I've seen so many other places in Europe? I'm not sure.

I do know that you need to check Zagreb out.  Split and Dubrovnik always seem to be the popular cities to see, especially with the ferry from Bari, but head inland- it's worth it!  You probably don't need 3 full days there, unless you're huge museum goers in which case plan on being there Tuesday-Sunday since they are closed on Mondays and only opened until 1ish on Sunday. Fact. The Museum of Broken Relationships is open until 10pm. Just trying to assist with trip planning.

Do it.
You won't regret it.