Holy Trinity Square in Osijek
Holy Trinity Square in Osijek / iStock / tcerovski
1 of 1

Osijek, Croatia

Our Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

River ships dock in the town of Vukovar on the Danube to reach the much larger city of Osijek, about 45 minutes away. This area was greatly affected by the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s (especially Vukovar), but Osijek has rebuilt in the previous decades and much of its historic baroque center was spared during the conflict.

What We Love

Drava River Walk: Osijek is a laid-back town, and one of the best ways to take it all in is to amble down the boulevard by the river. Stop for lunch at Kod Javora and enjoy traditional Slavonian food and some of the best views in town.

The Red Fico: One of the most powerful images of the war between Croatia and Yugolsolvia was of a tank running over a small red car (known as a fico) in Osijek. A monument now stands on the site as a symbol of Croatia's victory — here, it is the car that runs over the tank.

Best Known For

Church of St. Peter and Paul: This red brick neo-gothic building has the second highest tower in the country, reaching 295 feet in height. The interior is just as striking with elaborate stained glass windows and frescoes by Croatian painter Mirko Rački.

Tvrda: This is Osijek's Old Town, and you'll feel like you have gone back in time thanks to the 18th-century cobblestone streets, expansive pedestrian-only Holy Trinity Square, and ornate buildings that look more Viennese than Croatian. In fact, Tvrda is the most well-preserved baroque area in Croatia and was the heartbeat of cultural life in the 19th century.

Who It's Best For

Foodies: This area was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Hungarian influence is still found in the region’s spicy cuisine. Vineyards have also been cultivated here since way back in the third century and several boutique wineries produce in the region. Try Ilocki Podrumi, which is known for its chardonnay.

Cyclists: Those looking to explore on two wheels can spend time in Osijek riding along the Danube Cycle Path. If your ship doesn't have bikes to borrow, you can rent them in town from agencies such as Centratour.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

The War Is Still Fresh: The conflict is very recent history and in Osijek and Vukovar the damage is still very evident, including many buildings with bullet holes.

Dena Roche
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger
Dena Roché is a luxury travel expert who stays on top of trends in the luxury travel space traveling the world on assignment for a variety of luxury lifestyle and travel magazines and online publications. Her travel, spa and lifestyle articles have been featured in Modern Luxury, Robb Report, Great Golf, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Life Refined, LuxeBeat and more. Dena is often quoted in media like USA Today, The Street and TripIt on the subject of luxury travel. Her travels have allowed her to experience luxury travel on six continents and 61 countries. As a certified health coach, Dena has a special passion for luxury wellness travel. She has spoken on the subject at The New York Times Travel Show, Travel Industry Exchange and on behalf of Lincoln Motors. She works directly with brands to help them compete in the lucrative luxury wellness travel market. Her social campaigns routinely garner over 25 million social impressions for brands like Swissotel, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and more. Dena is the creator of The Travel Diet, an idea that travel teaches travelers how to feed their spirit, nourish their brain AND whittle their waist. The idea was born from her own luxury travels where she often loses weight and stress on the road