Zagreb, just two-and-a-half hours from Heathrow, offers a wonderful blend of old-world Balkan character and a vibrant capital with a spectacular mountain backdrop. It’s an imaginative alternative to Prague or Budapest for a spring vacation.

After a 30-minute bus or taxi ride into town, you’ll be checking in at your choice from Zagreb’s great range of accommodation. There’s something for everyone, from the contemporary Zig Zag Integrated Hotel on Petrinjska, and its stylishly refurbished apartments, to the five-star Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.

Sample delicious strukli
Look forward to an eclectic mix of Euro-Croatian-international dining. Self-caterers will love choosing fresh food from Dolac Market and for dining out, there’s everything from the ubiquitous McDonald’s (if you must) to delicious local strukli at La Struk. Or why not sample trad-Croatian-with-a-twist at Lanterna na Dolcu on Opatovina?

Lots to see and do
When exploring, highly-walkable Zagreb always rewards – with excellent buses and blue trams to help tired feet. Central Jelacic Square is the city’s unmissable heart. Then a short walk past Dolac Market’s kumice farmer’s wife statue, or the funicular, brings you to the old city, Gornji Grad. St Mark’s Church and the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships are sure to enthral.

Back down the hill, the technical museum on Savska Cesta delights technology lovers and celebrates Nikola Tesla, one of Croatia’s most famous sons. For an antidote to machinery, stroll the leafy parks of Milan Lenuci’s ‘green horseshoe’ before enjoying mountain-backdropped city panoramas from the Zagreb Eye’s stylish cafe-bar. You can’t miss the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from up there either – it dominates the city skyline.

Excursions aplenty (and skiing) nearby
As you sip your coffee or Champagne, contemplate Zagreb’s excursion possibilities. Highlights include Medvednica mountain’s forest walks, 169m TV tower, skiing and mountaintop Tomislavov Dom hotel – all just a short drive from downtown. Alternatively, visit pretty Samobor near the Slovenian border, wander the banks of the trout-filled Gradna, explore Stari grad Samobor’s ruins and enjoy delicious custard slices (Kremšnite) at U Prolazu for a perfect day out.

Let Zagreb’s charms embrace you
Whether it’s a family holiday or romantic getaway, spring is perfect for visiting Zagreb. Though a weekend is enough to sample the Croatian capital, a week is even better – either way, you won’t run out of memorable things to do. And as Zagrebians say: “vidimo se uskoro” (see you soon).