Zagreb - one week

When will you be there and will you still have your car.

We will be there from July 12 - 19. We don't plan to have a car but will rent one for a few days if there are things to see that we can't get to via public transport.

There is a small town adjacent to Zagreb called Samobor, known for a cream cake. It always caught my eye as a good day trip but did not make it yet!

I don't know whether it shows up on Top 10 lists, but the Museum of Naive Art--though small--is excellent.

Check the status of all museums shortly before you arrive. Barbara has warned us in earlier threads that some have not reopened since the earthquake.

Be sure you see both parts of the historic center, the lower level and the upper level.

I would not try to see Plitvice Lakes National Park during the drive from Split to Zagreb. That would put you in the park during day-tripping hours, which makes for a very disappointing experience. The park just get blitzed with visitors, and the walkways are jammed. You really need to spend one night in or near the park and schedule your park visit(s) for late in the afternoon on the arrival day and/or early in the morning on the departure day.

I agree with acraven about visiting the Museum of Naive Art. We loved it! The paintings are fascinating and unique and are created by untrained artists.

I also agree with acraven about spending one night in or very near to Plitvice Lakes NP. This way you can visit, for example, the Upper Lakes in the late afternoon, starting around 3pm or 4pm when most daytrippers are leaving. And then visit the Lower Lakes the next morning. Be sure to be on the trail by 8am or 9am. Daytrippers typically arrive around 10am. This way you will beat the majority of the crowds and tour buses.

Thank you for all of the advice! My husband perked up when he heard "cream cakes"! :) Appreciate the advice about the museum as well as Plitvice Lakes - we will schedule accordingly!

This is more of a general recommendation, but there's a beautiful mountain that overlooks Zagreb - Medvednica ("med-ved-neetsa") which will rarely show up on things to do in Zagreb.

The mountain is dotted with hiking trails and little lodges where backpackers can eat a warm meal, drink some cold beer (or Gemišt - a wonderful white wine with sparkling mineral water), and sleep indoors. There are also plenty of higher class restaurants with great views as well - and a castle!

Consider driving up the mountain and just exploring - we found it an unexpected highlight of our trip.

That sounds amazing! We are big hikers and love hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites and the French Alps...having an experience like this in Croatia would be right up our alley. Thank you so much for suggesting it!