Zagreb's Main Railway Station
After having traveled to a number of countries in Eastern Europe, I couldn't help but notice the similarity among the main train stations in Poznan, Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, Riga, Vilnius, Ljubljana, and now Zagreb. In terms of looks, they all look drab and outdated. But in terms of functionality, they seem to work even in the age of high tech.
Stepping into these stations gives its travelers a look into life in the past when the USSR reigned supreme in this very beautiful, artistic, and once crumbling cities of Eastern Europe.
The facade of Zagreb's Main Train Station
It was quite surprising to see a newspaper and magazine stand in the train station. Back home, one would be hard pressed to find one in any of the city's streets. Some newspaper stands in SF's downtown have in fact been converted into mini exhibit stations.
The square in front of Zagreb's train station
This is what greets travelers coming out of Zagreb's train station. That's the monument dedicated to Krali Tomislav and the rear but elegant nonetheless of the Art Pavilion.
A fuller view of the rear of the Art Pavilion facing the railway station. The huge and spacious garden is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Especially in the summertime, people congregate here to chat, have a picnic, or just plain hang out.
A view of Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb's chicest and most elegant hotel a few yards from the train station
The facade of Hotel Esplanade