Best places to visit in Croatia  

Croatia's capital has a lively arts scene and plenty of cafes and bars. It's also home to the Museum of Broken Relationships. It's full of items donated by members of the public, commemorating their failed love affairs. Take the funicular to the Upper Town, and you'll find charming streets and market squares. As well as some of the city's best restaurants. Every Saturday around noon, you can also observe the famous "špica". The locals dress up in their best clothes, and gather together to shop or catch up with friends over coffee. Zagreb is also famous for its festivals. The largest, INmusic, takes place in the scenic surroundings of Youth Island, in the middle of Lake Jarun. Zagreb's Christmas market is also fast becoming one of the most popular in Europe, from late November to early January.

The coastal UNESCO city of Dubrovnik might be Croatia's most recognisable sight. Particularly for Game of Thrones fans, as the medieval Old Town and city walls have a starring role in the show. Among the city's finest sights are the 16th century Sponza Palace and Trsteno Arboretum (one of the oldest in the world). Dubrovnik Bay is also home to Lokrum island, which has lush woodland, a fort, botanical garden and a naturist beach. Running every July and August since 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival features 45 days' worth of open-air performances. You can watch theatre, classical music and dance in some of the city's most beautiful spots.

Croatia's second largest city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its remarkably well preserved Roman Palace, gothic churches and medieval market squares. The Riva promenade is lined with bars and cafes, and has as a relaxed Mediterranean-style vibe. And if you want to go sailing, you'll find plenty of trips and cruises departing from the city's marina. If you're looking to relax, head out to the Marjan hill, which overlooks the city. Marjan is densely forested, home to a park and the city's zoo. Or, for something more lively, head to the city in mid-July when the massive EDM festival Ultra Europe takes over the Poljud Stadium.

Another of Croatia's best beaches can be found on the nearby island of Brac. Zlatni Rat (which translates as Golden Horn), sits by the town of Bol on the north of the island. Its bright white pebbles are surrounded by thick green pine forest. The island's southern coast has several sandy beaches. Brac's is also famous for its vast limestone quarries (which supplied the building materials for the White House) and St Vid, one of the highest peaks in the Adriatic. Read our guide to Brac, Split and Bol. 

The city of Šibenik's beaches are particularly good for families. Banj beach is within walking distance of the city centre. While small, it's popular for its crystal clear waters and entertainment facilities. Just to the south of the city you'll find Brodarica Beach, which has recently opened a brand new promenade, lined with restaurants and bars. The beach has a section just for families, and an area specifically for adults, with jet-ski and kayaking facilities. If you're looking to party, take a short ferry ride over to Obonjan Island. The island itself is just 1.5km long, but throughout the summer months, it's home to a non-stop festival. Every day the island welcomes big name DJs, including Gilles Peterson and Norman Jay. Ther's also live music, comedy, theatre, boat parties and film screenings, and gourmet food in the island's restaurants.

Rijeka is a major sea port, and the city's skyline is rather more modern than most Croatian cities. But both the mountains of the Platak ski resort and the beach are within a short drive. The country's first rock band, Uragani, formed in the city during the 1960s. And you'll still find several clubs around the city, hosting rock gigs every night. Rijeka's carnival is one of Europe's biggest. And its Summer Nights festival, held during June and July, brings pop-up theatre performances to the city's squares, streets and terraces. Plus, if you go soon, you could go to an event at the Stadion Kantrida. Perched on a clifftop, it offers amazing views of the Adriatic. It's soon to be demolished to make way for a new state of the art stadium.

Found on the Istrian penisular, the city of Pula is very much influenced by its nearby Italian neighbours. Stroll through its streets and you'll find beautiful Italian-style architecture, and even hear Italian spoken fluently by the locals. Among the city's must-see sights is an ancient Roman amphitheatre - the Pula Arena. Despite being built 2000 years ago, much of the Arena remains intact. During the summer months it hosts gladiator fight recreations and authentic Roman food tastings, and concerts by artists like Sting and Tom Jones. Pula also hosts the Dimensions festival - one of Croatia's biggest music events. Featuring both upcoming and iconic electronic music stars, the festival takes place in the historic Fort Punta Christo. Built in the 19th century, the fort is surrounded by forest and overlooks the sea.

Croatia's liveliest island. People have been holidaying in Hvar for a very long time. Hvar Town's historic harbour is often filled with superyachts. And during the summer months, its bars and clubs are packed with young revellers. The town's most famous nightspot, Carpe Diem, has its own private beach, where you can enjoy open-air parties throughout July and August. You can still get a culture fix though. Check out the former home of poet and playwright Hannibal Lucić. Dating back to 1530, the historic house has been lovingly restored. It has attractive gardens, and is home to the Hvar Heritage Museum.

Zadar is the oldest city in Croatia. Settled in the 4th century BC, you'll find everything from Roman ruins to medieval churches. On the city's waterfront you'll find two impressive public artworks, inspired by the city's natural surroundings. Pozdav Suncu (Monument to the sun) uses solar energy to create an impressive light show every night. The nearby Sea Organ is a giant musical instrument, built under the promenade, which turns the waves into music. During the summer, Zadar hosts several festivals, covering both theatre and classical music. You can also see bands like The Prodigy and the Pet Shop Boys perform at the Jazine Open Air concerts. Interested in experiencing Croatia for yourself? Check out our selection of Croatia city breaks. And if you have any tips for things to see and do in Croatia, let us know in the comments section.