Turning back the clock to 1910, a vivid transformation occurred that would leave a major imprint on the city of Zagreb. Low and behold, electric trams finally replaced the classical and most worthy horse trams that diligently served city folk for many years. A century later, today’s tram network consists of 116 km of railway coordinated in fifteen day and four night tram lines.

Amongst these, one tram number is very specific and that is tram number 13. It was put into operation way back in 1911 and its route consisted of Ban Jelačić Square - Kaptol - Nova Ves - Gupčeva zvijezda - Mirogoj. After a tragic accident on October 31, 1954, both the tram line and tram 13 were discontinued. After forty-two years, the tram with the number 13 returned to function and rides between Žitnjak to Kvaternik Square today.
So what exactly can be seen on tram 13? Firstly, the line encompasses 27 stations from beginning till end and the route passes by some of Zagreb’s major sights, cultural institutions and locations that you should certainly visit. If you board tram 13 the entire ride takes approximately an hour from start to finish, depending on traffic of course.

Here at IYP, we can’t help but recommend you start your journey from the central station at Ban Jelačić Square and head towards the direction that interests you most. Decisions… decisions… If you happen to start from Žitnjak, you’ll pass through one of the older suburbs of Peščenica, where you will find the Church of Blessed Augustine Kažotić which is famous for its contemporary architectural design. Vukovarska Street is the lengthiest part of the route where you can see the remains of socialist architecture. The intersection with Držićeva has blocks of residential buildings inspired by the ‘father of modern architecture’ Charles - Edouard Jeanneret - Le Corbusier; a typical example is the residential block Vukovarska 35 - 35a, not to mention state institutions such as the Palace of Justice or the Public Open University. The Lisinski Concert Hall, which is also one of the largest concert halls in Croatia, was built in 1973 in honour of the great Croatian composer Vatroslav Lisinski who wrote the first Croatian opera, ‘Love and Malice’. Opposite the hall, there is the extensive and lush university meadow with fountains which use holograms to mark major events and holidays, and in warmer days also serve to refresh.

Turning towards Savska Street, one moves to a busier and livelier cultural part of the city with the Dražen Petrović Museum, Technical Museum, Mimara Museum, Museum of Arts and Crafts, the Croatian National Theatre, Academy of Music, and the Gavella Theatre. And then you finally arrive to the well-known Ilica Street which is also one of the longest streets in town (the 4th largest to be exact). In just a few minutes, from perusing the river to watching people stroll along Ilica Street amongst more shops, ice cream parlours and cafes, you reach the inaugural main square. Look to the left, and what time is it? Glance at Ban Jelačić Square, give the Duke on the horse a salute then move along towards the Lenuci horseshoe and beautiful Zrinjevac Park which boasts a gorgeous Bollé fountain. On the right side of the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Modern Art sits one of the first hotels in Zagreb, the Palace Hotel, which overlooks the beautiful park and Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters. Then to the King Tomislav Square aka ‘Tomislavac’ and its nearby Art Pavilion, from there you get a view of the main railway station next to which is the historical and classical Hotel Esplanade, built in 1925 and for the most famous ‘Orient Express’ which ran from Paris to Istanbul and passed through Zagreb. Branimirova Street is next on the agenda and the ‘Branimir Centre’ is located at the intersection with Draškovićeva Street, this is where the first production of biscuits and chocolate called ‘UNION’, later known as ‘Kraš’ used to operate. Did someone just say chocolate? Hmmm… Scrumptious! A mere two stations further, we arrive at the Croatian Association of Artists (Meštrović Pavilion) i.e. Džamija (the former mosque). And two stations thereafter is the final destination, Kvatrić. Walk through the market place, sip on coffee, nibble on cake and enjoy the city life.

Fun Fact: ZET vehicles run the entire length of the equator three fold and on a daily basis. In terms of a yearly scale... they travel the equivalent of 109 trips to the moon and back!