The Most Underrated Destination In All Of Croatia, According To Rick Steves

Over the past decade, Croatia has become one of the top travel destinations in Europe. It's been ranked among the best places to travel in Europe for a summer vacation, and in 2023, more than 20 million international tourists visited the country. It's located in Southeastern Europe and is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, and the Adriatic Sea. Our favorite travel expert, Rick Steves, highly recommends visiting, writing in his travel guide, "With thousands of miles of seafront and more than a thousand islands, Croatia's coastline is the Riviera of Slavic Europe." 

Croatia is a resilient nation whose independence was hard-fought. In the late 1800s it was ruled by Hungary. During World War II it fell under the rule of Yugoslavia. After communism began to collapse in much of Eastern Europe in the 1990s, Croatia declared its independence, which resulted in a civil war that lasted for years and destroyed much of Croatia's infrastructure and industry. Finally in 1995, peace was declared, and Croatia gained its independence. Since then, the nation has worked hard to rebuild, and in 2013 Croatia joined the European Union, which has made tourism much more accessible for people across the continent due to the border-free travel agreements. Now, tourism accounts for around 20% of Croatia's total GDP.

The country is known for its gorgeous coastlines with pebble-covered beaches and crystal clear water, but according to Steves, tourists should be sure to head inland to the fascinating city of Zagreb, which serves as a hub for arts, culture, and history.

Most tourists who visit Croatia head straight to the coast, and it's easy to understand why. Coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split are some of the most beautiful places in Croatia, offering tourists the chance to see picturesque architecture and enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities. The gorgeous Mediterranean climate is ideal for a soothing and scenic beach vacation. But since the seaside cities are so popular, many visitors pass up the opportunity to visit Croatia's largest city and its capital: Zagreb. According to Rick Steves, skipping a trip to Zagreb is a big mistake.

"The landlocked Croatian capital is, quite possibly, the country's most underrated destination," Steves wrote on his website. Steves has written countless best selling travel guidebooks, is the host of a popular television program, and hosts group European tours for more than 30,000 tourists annually, so it's worth trusting his opinion when it comes to underrated European destinations.

"You can't get a complete picture of modern Croatia without a visit here," he said in his episode on Croatia. He describes the city center as boisterous, buzzing with activity, and sophisticated. Despite the excitement, it's somehow managed to remain off of most tourists' radar. After a visit to the popular coastal destinations, the lack of other tourists can be very refreshing. It's a great place to experience authentic local culture. You can enjoy art museums, historical architecture, chic restaurants, shopping, and interactions with stylish locals.

Colorful buildings and a thriving local culture are just a few of the reasons to visit Zagreb. The Old World charm is comparable to Prague, according to Rick Steves. It's full of one-of-a-kind museums. One of the most interesting is the Museum of Broken Relationships, which showcases what is left behind after a relationship ends. From doomed romances to broken family connections, the museum highlights unique stories of love and heartache. Various items like old household appliances, a ceramic heart, and even a suicide note elicit strong emotions. You'll likely laugh, cry, and leave with a greater appreciation for human connection.

If you're an art lover, check out the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum Mimara. The latter houses an incredible private art collection donated by a collector named Ante Topić Mimara that includes pieces from all over the world, and work by masters like Rembrandt, Bosch, and Renoir.

Visit the colorful Dolac Market to sample local flavors. You'll find fresh produce, local meat, honey, and artisan-made goods for sale. It's a great place for a cheap meal and is open daily. For your nature fix, head to the expansive Maksimir Park or enjoy some swimming and paddling in the sparkling water of Jarun Lake. You'll also find plenty of options when it comes to accommodations. Chic 4-star hotels start at around $100 per night, and even the most luxurious options rarely cost much more than $150.