Best things to do in Zagreb

Croatian History Museum

The Vojkovic-Orsic-Rauch houses the Croatian History Museum and is itself a part of that history. Situated in the historical town centre, the beautiful Baroque palace was built at the end of the 18th century and was formerly the private residence of three successive baronial families. In the late 1930s, the palace became the residence of Zagreb's mayors, before being designated as a repository for the historical relics of the city. It currently houses more than 140,000 antiquities in various collections, from stone monuments, military uniforms and fine art to religious artefacts, venerated icons and noble heraldry. The exhibitions in this museum are temporary, meaning it's possible to visit the museum many times and always see new things.

Website www.hismus.hr/en

Croatian National Theatre

The building housing the Croatian National Theatre (or HNK Zagreb) is as much a national treasure as the world-class theatre, opera, music and ballet productions that take place on its stage. Construction began on the theatre building in 1894, with Croatian artist Vlaho Bukovac painting the ceremonial curtain and Viennese artist Alexander Goltz decorating the ceiling of the auditorium. At the entrance to the theatre, visitors can see the large ornate fountain called 'The Well of Life', which was designed by Croatian artist Ivan Meštrovic in 1905. The Croatian National Theatre has hosted famous artists and performers from all over the world, and culture enthusiasts shouldn't miss a show.

Website www.hnk.hr/en

Trakoscan Castle

Trakoscan is a legendary 13th-century Gothic castle that was home to various influential families for centuries. It eventually fell into abandoned disrepair in the second half of the 18th century, when it belonged to the Draskovic family.

In the 1950s, the castle was taken over by the state and turned into a living museum that reconstructs life in a medieval castle. Visitors can explore four levels, including the dungeon, and finish their tour with a stroll through the surrounding parklands.

Trakoscan Castle is a spectacular journey for the imagination as it feels so authentic. Guests can wander with freedom through the stone corridors, up and down the winding staircases, and into the various rooms. It is also a great attraction for the younger children as the castle, lake, and forest settings transport the little ones to a fairytale world.

The castle features original artefacts from its history, including furniture and weaponry, and displays are informative and well laid out. Visitors can stop for a break at the restaurant by the lake.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the breathtaking setting for extraordinary walking holidays, and lies just an hour inland. The lakes have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the national park enclosing them is the oldest in Southeast Europe. Every year thousands flock to the unbelievable beauty of these 16 green and turquoise lakes, which are linked by waterfalls and surrounded by forest. Wooden walkways meander around and across the water, formed by mineral deposits that create terraces within the constantly changing limestone landscape. Visitors can cover the 11 miles (18km) of walkways on foot, but buses and ferries do service certain sections. The surrounding forests boast an extremely diverse variety of flora and fauna.

Website www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en

Rijeka

Rijeka is the commercial capital of the idyllic Adriatic Coast. More than simply a gateway to the beautiful coastal island resorts, this cultural city is a tourist's delight in itself, with its charming historic buildings and street cafes. It hosts an annual carnival with lively music and dancing that provides a glimpse into ancient Slavic folklore and mythology. Revellers don masks to scare away evil forces and there are numerous events, concerts and parades. There's also the remarkable Trsat Castle, which is reached by some formidable stone steps but is well worth the climb.

Krk Island

The largest island in the Croation Archipelago, Krk is a haven of sparkling beaches and lovely holiday towns. It enjoys a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, with Krk Town being the main tourist hub with its many restaurants, shops and bars found in the Old Town area. Nicknamed the 'Golden Island', getting to Krk from the mainland is made easy by an imposing 4,500 foot (1,4km) bridge.

The best beaches are found in Baska, with more than 30 of them connected by a promenade. Other beach towns on Krk include Njivice and the sandy coastline of Klimno Bay. Vrbnik is home to vineyards that produce some of the best white wines in Croatia, while the folk festival in Dobrinj draws crowds from far and wide.

Krk Island is popular for weekend excursions from the mainland and visitors can easily spend a week exploring the winding streets and hidden corners of the destination. A haven for watersports, bird watching and hiking, there is lots to see and do on Krk for just about anyone.

Zagreb

Things to do in Zagreb

Croatian History Museum

Croatian National Theatre

Trakoscan Castle

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rijeka

Krk Island

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Croatian History Museum

Croatian National Theatre

Trakoscan Castle

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rijeka

Krk Island