29 May Zagreb Takes Top Spot as Best in Europe 2017 by Lonely Planet

When you are from the city that is honoured with the title of Best European Destination in 2017 by world leading travel media company, Lonely Planet, there is not much to say –  you can only be proud and happy.

We are all aware of the importance of Lonely Planet guide books, and their experts compiled the list with the most outstanding, underrated and overlooked places that should be on travellers’ radars right now. Zagreb has an honor to be at the fist place of the list of Best European Destination in 2017 followed by Gotland in Sweden, Galicia in Spain, Northern Montenegro, Leeds in UK, Alentejo in Portugal, Northern Germany, Moldova, Pafos, Cyprus and Le Havre in France.

Zagrebs’ atmosphere attracts people from all around the world

It seems that Zagreb is often overlooked by visitors in favour of the country’s extensive Adriatic coastline. According to Lonely Planet our booming inland capital is both cosmopolitan and edgy, combining sun-splashed Austro-Hungarian squares brimming with coffee drinkers with a heady mix of Brutalist architecture, thriving street art and urban regeneration.

With the city’s long awaited airport terminal opening earlier this year, it’s never been easier or cheaper to reach the Croatian capital, where visitors can discover a blossoming food and drink scene.

Croatia as one of Europe’s hottest destination

Lonely Planet’s spokesperson and Editorial Director, Tom Hall, said: “Zagreb tops our list because it ticks all of these boxes. Croatia is one of Europe’s hottest destinations right now but many people head straight to the coast, meaning they miss out on visiting a city that has a dynamic cultural offering, a thriving food and drink scene, and is now easier to reach than ever before.”

To help travellers experience the very best of Zagreb Lonely Planet is giving away a free chapter download from the Croatia guidebook, available from lonelyplanet.com/best-in-europe .

Photo credits: Zagreb Tourist Board, photo by Marko Vrdoljak