Croatia

The Museum of Broken Relationships offers a quirky, genuinely moving collection of objects and stories donated by people from around the world following breakups. Dolac Market, just above the main square, has traded fresh produce beneath its red umbrellas for nearly a century. Zagreb’s cafe culture fills the pedestrian streets of the Lower Town, particularly around Tkalciceva Street, with outdoor seating that stays busy well into the evening. The city’s funicular, one of the shortest in the world, connects the Upper and Lower Towns in under a minute. Zagreb’s manageable scale and blend of quirky museums and cafe culture make it an underrated Central European capital.

The Riva, Split’s palm-lined waterfront promenade, offers views over the Adriatic and serves as the city’s social heart, especially in the evening. Marjan Hill, a forested peninsula just outside the old town, offers hiking trails and viewpoints over the city and surrounding islands. Split’s harbor serves as the main gateway for ferries to Croatia’s Dalmatian islands, including Hvar and Brac. Split’s living Roman palace and island access make it the essential hub of Croatia’s central coast.

The cable car up Mount Srd offers a broader view over the entire walled city and the nearby islands, especially striking at sunset. Dubrovnik’s fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones has added a layer of pop culture pilgrimage to its already rich medieval history. Boat trips to Lokrum Island, just offshore, offer a quieter escape with botanical gardens and a small lake. Dubrovnik’s dramatic walled setting makes it one of the most photographed cities on the Adriatic coast.