Zagreb has been the capital of Croatia since 1557. The name means "behind the hill". It is located in north central Croatia (at the center of this horseshoe-shaped nation) and has a population of 770,000. Zagreb has a continental climate, with freezing temperatures in the winter and warm summer temperatures. The Sava River, once a natural border, now crosses through the city's southern quarters, separating Novi Zagreb (New Zagreb) from Zagreb's Lower Town. Three bridges connect the two sections.

Zagreb's center is compact, based on the grid system south of the main shopping street, Ilica. The city originally developed around two churches north of this street (see History), where the streets are far less regular. Zagreb has many green areas in both sections of the center. The tourist information office is on Jelačića Square, a broadening of Ilica Street.