Austrian newspaper hails Zagreb as a must-visit European city

The Austrian daily newspaper Kronen Zeitung has featured Zagreb, Croatia, describing it as a city that enchants visitors with its unique charm, outstanding cuisine, and captivating attractions.

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Just a few hours' drive from Austria, the capital of Croatia enchants visitors with its unique charm, excellent cuisine, fascinating sights, and exciting events. Four-legged tourists are always welcome.

The article, titled "Opera sounds and dog menu: This city in the heart of Croatia has it all," specifically highlighted the "Zagreb Classic" festival. Held annually in June in the picturesque King Tomislav Square, the open-air classical music event transforms the city into a spectacular stage. Kronen Zeitung noted the festival's ability to draw a diverse crowd, from dedicated classical music enthusiasts to casual passersby, all welcomed with free admission.

Martina Bienenfeld, director of the Zagreb Tourist Board, commented on the festival's broad appeal. The newspaper detailed the musical program, mentioning performances of Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite" and Antonín Dvořák's "Slavonic Dances," conducted by Dawid Runtz. A collaboration between the Zagreb Philharmonic and German-Iranian pianist Rahmi Bahrami performing Bach's "Air" was cited as a highlight.

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Few cultural events manage to bring together such a diverse audience - from committed classical music lovers to passersby, who briefly stop, listen to the performance, and then stay until the very end.

Beyond the festival, Kronen Zeitung praised Zagreb itself for its appeal to both human and canine visitors, noting that "four-legged tourists are always welcome." The city's architectural landscape, a blend of historical, socialist, and modernist elements, was also commended. With a population of approximately 790,000, Zagreb is appreciated for its manageable size, making it easily accessible and stress-free to navigate.

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The Croatian capital itself is as diverse as the festival visitors. It fascinates architects from all over the world with its rejection of historical, socialist, and modernist elements.

The article also pointed to Zagreb's vibrant cafe culture, with an estimated 4,500 cafes and restaurants, suggesting a leisurely pace of life. Visitors were encouraged to explore the well-preserved historic city center, which features the world's shortest public transport funicular. The daily noon firing of the Grič cannon from Lotrščak Tower was also mentioned as a unique local tradition.

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With only 790,000 inhabitants, Zagreb is valued for its compact size, which makes everything easily accessible, and without stress. Its 4,500 cafes and restaurants (one for every 175 inhabitants) invite leisurely strolls. After all, rushing simply doesn't suit the Croatian way of life.