Feb 5, 2025

Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište | HNK Zagreb

Where art lives

""Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište HNK" (the National Theater in Zagreb) is Croatia's highest artistic institution. I especially like the view from the balcony..."

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.

002-building
Art & culture
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

About this spot

Trg Republike Hrvatske 15

Balcony seat:

60

14888415

Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zagreb guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Zagreb

Vrapčak Promenade

Nature cuts into concrete

The "Vrapčak Promenade" is one of my favorite places in Zagerb to take a break from work, escape from the noise and the ever-spreading city landscape...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Nina

Lalić

Mar 23, 2025

Kino Tuškanac

A celebration of the art of cinema

"Kino Tuškanac" is a cinephile's cinema in Zagreb. It's got unpretentious looks, but don't let that fool you -- the program is great. No popcorn allowed!

008-ticket
Cinema

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Mar 17, 2025

Maksimir Stairs

A stairway to heaven

"The Maksimir stairs" in Zagreb are located in the biggest park of Southeast Europe - a great place to go on an extensive jog or for a breath of fresh air...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Hrvoje

Brigljević

Mar 14, 2025

Galerija Link

A paradise for design fans

"Galerija Link" in Zagreb is a design-oriented souvenir shop that has such great decorative and useful items, I often come here to shop for myself, too!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Mirna

Marić

Mar 14, 2025

Studio78

Creative girl power

Discover a hidden Zagreb showroom showcasing handcrafted jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and more. Have a look and support talented local women artisans!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Mirna

Marić

Mar 11, 2025

Botanical Garden

Meet the diverse Croatian flora

Botanical Garden in Zagreb may not sound like the most exciting proposition, but I love coming here for the events and the quiet from the city noise...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Mirna

Marić

Mar 5, 2025

Ribice i Tri Točkice

Tasty fish, joyful ambience

Ribice i Tri Točkice Zagreb makes some of the best value-for-money seafood in the city. It's my first choice to eat fish, and I love the joyous ambience.

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Mirna

Marić

Feb 27, 2025

Petras Atelier

Offbeat jewelry and other goodies

Petras Atelier in central Zagreb is based on the artworks by a creative mother-daughter duo. I come here for original gifts though, I like just browsing!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Mirna

Marić

Feb 23, 2025

Kavana Lav

Soak in the charm of Upper town

Kavana Lav Zagreb is situated in a former palace and still has a gallery. Almost never crowded, together with its balcony it's peaceful & quiet...

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Mirna

Marić

Feb 23, 2025

Museum of Contemporary Art

Long-awaited showpiece

Zagreb's Museum of Contemporary Art took many years to be completed, but it's well worth it. I come here to rediscover classics or catch cultural events.

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Mirna

Marić

Feb 23, 2025

Wirtshaus

Hearty Meals at the Foothill of Sljeme

The food is delicious - from hearty seasonal soups and crispy fried potatoes to their staple Wiener Tafelspitz, everything is fresh and very tasty.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Nina

Lalić

Feb 21, 2025

Breadclub

Cruffins from heaven

Breadclub is an artisanal bakery in Zagreb. It sounds like an exaggeration, but believe me, everything is delicious here - it's always hard to choose...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Mirna

Marić

Feb 21, 2025

Heading to Zagreb?

135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Zagreb?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

135 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Zagreb

Get to know our other Spotters from Zagreb

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
7284
Filters