Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište | HNK Zagreb
Where art lives
The Croatian National Theatre (HNK – Hrvatsko narodno kazalište) is the highest artistic institution in Zagreb. It is the place where Zagrebers go to enjoy world class dramas, operas and ballets.
The building was finished in 1895, when the official opening ceremony was attended by the emperor Franz Joseph I.
The building dominates The Republic of Croatia Square, and its beauty is enhanced by the sculpture opposite its main entrance, “The well of life”, a work by the world famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
The interior is just as captivating. If you are very lucky, you may get the chance to see its most valuable item, the famous curtain “Croatian revival”, painted by Vlaho Bukovac. It is on display very rarely, on special occasions, such as the visit of the Pope.
What I like the most about HNK is its great repertoire, especially the winter ballet “Nutcracker”. Tickets are hard to come by, but I was lucky to see it twice and I recommend it always, for adults and children alike. I like sitting in private boxes (there is room for five people in each one), as it gives extra privacy for enjoying the show.
In case you come in warmer times, by far the most enjoyable thing for me is to use the break to stroll out on the balcony and enjoy the vista of the town. I always feel like stepping into a real 19th century ball as I walk the magnificent halls and emerge on the almost always crowded terrace.
About this spot
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Zagreb
Velvet Pepper Studio
Yoga & swing
"Velvet Pepper Studio" Zagreb is a light-filled yoga studio that specialises in yoga swings, where you have to stay concentrated! Classes also in English.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
La štruk
Creative twists to a traditional meal
"La štruk" in Zagreb makes štrukli, the Croatian comfort food par excellence, with creative twists: gratinated, additional toppings... Nothing comes close!
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Krivi Put
For reevaluating your life choices
"Krivi put" in Zagreb means 'wrong path', and it's a bar that you might end up in if you've taken plenty of wrong turns in your life...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Botaničar
Art, parties and plants
"Botaničar" in Zagreb is a hip bar that's also a gallery and social club. Let me tell you: spending time here makes you want to invest in houseplants.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Regular.Bar
Regularly pleasant
"Regular.Bar" in Zagreb is special. It has this homey feeling the city's backyards share. They even serve free cucumber water. Need I say more?
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Hotel Vila Tina
Brunch and relaxation
"Hotel Vila Tina" is a small hotel in Zagreb, one of the city's hidden jewels. I love coming here for their rich breakfast with family and friends...
by
Nina
Lalić
Swanky Monkey Garden
Hostel bar that locals adore
"Swanky Monkey Garden" in Zagreb is a local-friendly hostel with a great bar and garden I always enjoy sipping a cocktail at on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Park Maksimir
The oldest but most beautiful!
"Park Maksimir" in Zagreb is more than a park. This is where memories are created, where you see the forest for the first time. So many reasons to love it.
by
Nevena
Mikec
Trg Svetog Marka
Zagreb's oldest square
"Trg Svetog Marka", or St. Mark's square, is the heart and soul of Zagreb's Upper Town. Beautiful, quiet and replete with rich history...
by
Nina
Lalić
Bacchus Jazz Bar
The greenest courtyard
"Bacchus Jazz Bar" in Zagreb is one of my favorite places in the city for a warm, lazy summer evening. The courtyard is completely covered with plants...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Opatovina
Zagreb's craft beer street
"Opatovina" in Zagreb has old, hipsterish craft beer pubs. It's the city's unofficial beers street! There's even a quite popular beer festival in May.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Heading to Zagreb?
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Zagreb
Get to know our other Spotters from Zagreb
As featured on:
