ZAGREB - Croatia and Slovenia - page 87

Taxis start at 10-15 kn, then run 5-7 kn per kilometer (exact rate depends on company, 3
knextraforeachpieceofbaggage).Toavoidgettingovercharged,calloneofthemaincom-
panies: Radio Taxi (tel. [phone] or 060-800-800), Cammeo (tel. [phone]), or Ecotaxi
(tel.[phone]).Ifyouhailacabonthestreet,bewareofcorruptcabbies;askforanestimate
up front. A typical ride within the city center shouldn't run more than about 30 kn, and the
trip to the airport should cost no more than 150 kn—or 200 kn from the airport (agree on a
price first).
Helpful Hints
Schedule Quirks: Virtually all of Zagreb's museums are closed on Sunday afternoon and
all day Monday; most also close early Saturday afternoon. Some museums stay open
late one night a week in summer (usually Thu). On Sunday morning, the city is thriv-
ing—but by afternoon, it's extremely quiet.
Changing of the Guard: Zagreb's “Changing of the Guard” ceremony (a very recent in-
novation) enlivens the city center on summer weekends. The 17th-century-costumed
guards wear jaunty red scarves (an homage to the tale ofhow Croat soldiers “invented”
the necktie) as they proceed through the center of town—passing landmarks such as
St. Mark's Square, Tkal č i ć eva street, Jela č i ć Square, and the statue of Mary in front of
the cathedral (mid-April-Sept only, generally Sat-Sun, begins at 12:00 on St. Mark's
Square, ask for complete schedule at TI). While little more than a photo op, this cere-
mony is one of the many ways Zagreb is working hard to please visitors.
Updates to This Topic: Check www.ricksteves.com/update for any significant changes that
have occurred since this topic was published.
Tours in Zagreb
Local Guides
While I've covered the basics in my self-guided walk, Zagreb gets even more interesting
with a good tour guide. I recommend two knowledgeable guides who know their city well
and enjoy sharing its charms with visitors: Darija Goti ć (550 kn/2-3-hour tour, mobile
098-186-7719, [e-mail] ) or Dijana Bebek Mileti ć (630 kn/3-hour tour, mobile
091-303-3979, [e-mail] ).
Secrets of Gri č Tour
This after-hours walking tour of Gradec (nicknamed “Gri č ”) brings that historic quarter to
lifewithacostumedguideimpartinglocallegends(150kn,May-SeptSatonlyat21:00,one
hour, reservations required, mobile [phone] or 091-461-5677, www.tajnegrica.hr ) .