Welcome to Zagreb, the capital city of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is an old Central European city. For centuries it has been a focal point of culture and science, and now of commerce and industry as well. It lies on the intersection of important routes between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe.

Zagreb is also the hub of the business, academic, cultural, artistic and sporting worlds in Croatia. Many famed scientists, artists and athletes come from the city, or work in it. Zagreb can offer its visitors the Baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, picturesque open-air markets, diverse shopping facili­ties, an abundant selection of crafts and a choice vernacular cuisine. Zagreb is a city of green parks and walks, with many places to visit in the beautiful surroundings. The city will enter into the third millennium with a population of one million. In spite of the rapid development of the economy and transportation, it has retained its charm, and a relaxed feeling that makes it a genuinely human city.

The city hosts numerous national and international performances and events, concerts and festivals. Known are Zagrebdox – international documentary film festival and Zagreb Film Festival. International cartoon festival is biennial as is the Musical Biennial – international avant-garde music festival, held on odd numbered years. Yearly happenings are Zagreb Philharmonic Festival and Floraart flower exhibition, Modern Dance Festival and Eurokaz, the international contemporary theatre festival. The International Folklore Festival is a special summer attraction for tourists because traditional dances and songs from all over the world are performed in city squares and streets. Zagreb hosts the oldest popular music festival – Zagrebfest.

During spring and summer months, we may easily say, Zagreb is a big open theatre. St. Marko's Fair – a traditional crafts fair, Urbanfestival, Strossmartre – summer on Strossmayer Promenade, Cest is d'best – international street entertainers' festival are just some of the events that make Zagreb special and unique.

Open markets and coffee bars are the soul of today's Zagreb. There you can find the rich and the poor, the young and the old. These are places where people meet, laugh, comment news and gossip. Zagreb has about 20 open markets but the best known is old Dolac in the very centre. Almost every of Zagreb districts has an open market where fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, flowers and many other things can be bought daily.

Coffee bars are without doubt a city specialty. We may say they make a part of Zagreb's living culture.

There the business is done, friends chat over coffee or fruit juice, lovers hold hands or people just stop to read newspapers. Whether you are in Tkalciceva Street, a well known promenade full of coffee bars, or at a modern shopping centre, one can always sip an espresso or enjoy a glass of beer. Cheers!