Greetings from Zagreb, Croatia!
This morning, we arrived in Zagreb, Croatia, after taking our very first overnight train ride! The night before, we managed to find surprisingly clean shower facilities at the Munich train station for just 7 euros, which gave us a nice, refreshing break. After freshening up, we hopped aboard our sleeper train, excited for the adventure ahead.
The Train Ride & Arrival in Zagreb
Delicious coffee at the train station
We woke up feeling well-rested and arrived at the Zagreb Glavni Kolod train station early the next morning. Sleeper trains are a game changer! Since we couldn’t check into our hotel yet, we decided to spend some time exploring the town.
But first, coffee! Just outside the train station, there was a cozy little cafe with tables and chairs set up. It was still early, and the weather was already heating up, so an iced coffee sounded perfect. However, we quickly learned that Europeans have a unique take on iced coffee. In France and Spain, asking for an iced coffee often meant getting a small, blended espresso or just an espresso poured over ice—great for a quick fix but not exactly satisfying for coffee lovers.
At this little cafe, we were greeted by two friendly gentlemen who I believe were the owners. We had some difficulty explaining what we meant by “iced coffee,” but with the help of translator apps and a few pictures from Google, they were willing to give it a shot. When they brought our drinks, we were pleasantly surprised—they were the best iced coffees we’d had so far! The two gentlemen even joined us for a chat, which helped me feel more relaxed. I had been a bit apprehensive about visiting Eastern Europe, but these warm, welcoming locals really made me feel at ease.
Exploring King Tomislav Square
After our caffeine boost, we decided to check out the grand yellow building located just outside the train station, which stands in King Tomislav Square. This beautiful building houses an art pavilion. We spent a few hours wandering around the area, taking in the views and stopping to relax.
Eventually, we made our way to our hotel, the Palace Hotel. This stately building exudes elegance, with its luxurious velvet interiors and rich, dark colors. It’s the kind of place that feels fit for royalty—but surprisingly, it was within our budget! A luxury hotel at a Motel 6 price? We couldn’t pass that up.
Delicious Dining at the Palace Hotel
At the Palace Hotel, we had one of the best meals we’ve ever had—definitely in our top 5 dishes worldwide. We ordered a club sandwich that came with crispy potato wedges wrapped in perfectly cooked bacon. It was absolutely heavenly! I’m a sucker for crispy bacon, and these were cooked to perfection. Needless to say, I ordered another side because I wasn’t too eager to share. The hotel also served breakfast, and it was one of the best hotel breakfasts we’ve had on this trip. There was a wide selection of fresh items, and the service was top-notch. If you’re ever in Zagreb, I highly recommend staying here!
Lunch at the Palace Hotel
Tomorrow, we’re headed to one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so stay tuned for breathtaking views and more adventures!
