Green escape

While Zagreb’s monuments are evocative of the city’s history, their beauty and majesty are fittingly showcased against an incredible amount of greenery. If not for the stunning monuments, Zagreb can easily wear the epithet of the ‘city of parks and gardens’. Every few blocks are broken up little squares of greenery, each with its own distinctive features, such as fountains, lawns surrounded by rows of tall linden trees, flowering bushes and even little marquees for dancing. Some are little patches, just right to put your feet up and sit, while others are sprawling enough to take long walks or morning jogs. But if you are looking for something bigger, then the place to visit is the Botanical Garden, located right in the middle of the city. It is an expansive place with over 10,000 trees and plants, pretty water bodies complete with wooden bridges and nooks to rest or just lie down and read. Another option is Maksimir Park, just outside the city. It is bigger and has a mix of lawns, tall trees, ponds, walking paths and a zoo that is a hit with children.