With temperatures certain to hit the higher 30s and potentially the low 40s this Wednesday, it's likely to be too hot to spend more than a few minutes out of the shade. Luckily, there are plenty of places to be to beat the heat in the Croatian capital.
Stay indoors
Of course the most straightforward advice is to stay at home or in your hotel room. Heatwaves can be deadly, so it might best to drink lots of water, blast the air con and watch Netflix.
Tkalčićeva
This street leading north from the main square is lined with restaurants, bars and cafés, most with indoor seating and many with outdoor spaces equipped with fans that spray cooling mist.
Bacchus Jazz Bar
This popular club across the street from Trg kralja Tomislava, the square facing the train station, features a leafy courtyard terrace, but also a semi-underground space which frequently hosts gigs by jazz bands from across Europe. Frequently full, so consider reserving a table. Trg kralja Tomislava 16, Facebook page.
KavKaz
This Zagreb icon popular among Croatian artists and actors sits across from the National Theatre, and has huge umbrellas shading the outdoor seating from the sun. Open for everyday for breakfast and lunch, right in central Zagreb. Trg Republike Hrvatske 1.
Maksimir
This enormous park to the east of town has several square miles of greenery, many tree-shaded benches, several man-made lakes, and cafés. Giving you the impression that you are in the middle of a forest despite being surrounded by a city, Maksimir allows you to cool off throughout the summer.
Jarun
This large lake in the city's south-west is a hub of sport in the city but its tree-shaded shores, especially on the islands that populate its centre, are the perfect place to cool down on a hot day. You can take a dip in the water, or visit one of the several air-conditioned restaurants and bars nearby.
Bundek
This lake on the far side of the Sava river is not advisable for swimming but the waters and trees nonetheless dampen the heat and provide plentiful shade. If you're looking for a place to chill out over drinks, head to Vivas Bar Bundek at ulica Brune Bušića 27.