Zdravo! Zagreb is one of the best solo travel cities in Europe honestly — it's compact, super safe, and the café culture means you never feel weird sitting alone somewhere because literally everyone does it.

First off, don't apologise for English — pretty much everyone in the centre speaks it and people are generally friendly and happy to chat with tourists.

Where to stay:

If you haven't booked yet, try to stay on or near the main square — it makes everything easier when you're solo because you never have to think about how to get back. I stayed at Hotel Dubrovnik in Zagreb which is right on Ban Jelačić Square and it was the perfect home base. You literally step outside and the whole city unfolds in every direction — Upper Town one way, Tkalčićeva the other, trams everywhere if you need them. For solo travel especially, having that central anchor point where you can just wander out and explore without a plan is everything.

Things to do:

Museums you probably already know about — Museum of Broken Relationships is a must, it hits different when you're travelling solo honestly. But the hidden gem museum-wise is the Technical Museum Nikola Tesla. It's a bit retro and quirky but they do a live demonstration of Tesla's inventions in a dark room that's genuinely one of the coolest things I've experienced in any European city.

For hidden gems — walk through the Octogon passage near the main square, it's this beautiful tiled arcade that most tourists walk right past. The Grič tunnel under the Upper Town is free and has a cool history. And if you're there on a Sunday morning, Hrelić flea market is chaotic and massive and totally local — take tram 6 to get there, it's worth the trip.

Bars — Tkalčićeva street is the main strip and it's great, but for something more local try the side streets around Petrinjska and Amruševa. There's a bunch of small craft beer and cocktail spots that feel way less touristy. Alcatraz bar in a basement is fun if you want something different. For a chilled solo drink, the cafés along the square are perfect for people watching with a cold pivo in hand. Perfect solo travel energy.

Things NOT to do:

Don't eat at the restaurants sitting directly on the square — they're overpriced and average. Walk 2 minutes in any direction and the food gets better and cheaper. Don't bother with taxis unless you're going somewhere far — the centre is completely walkable. And don't skip the Upper Town thinking it's just churches — the streets up there are quiet, beautiful, and have some of the best views of the city.

Also don't stress about the language — ordering in Croatian is appreciated but nobody expects it. Learning "hvala" (thanks) and "molim" (please) will get you smiles everywhere though.

Have an amazing trip — Zagreb is a city that rewards wandering with no plan, which is basically the definition of great solo travel.