If you're passionate about the performing arts, you've come to the right place. Zagreb is home to about 20 theatres and stages, both seasonal and permanent, which can cater to every niche. The Croatian National Theatre doubles as an opera and ballet house, while Theatre Kerempuh, named after a folk hero, is dedicated to satirical theatre. Into musicals? Try Komedija Theatre on Kaptol Street. Zagreb is also the hometown of famous Croatian actor Luka Peroš, who starred in the Netflix series La Casa de Papel (Money Heist). While you’re in the Croatian capital, don’t miss the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, where personal objects linked to former partners are displayed.

Near the confluence of the rivers Sava, Drava and Danube lies Osijek, the fourth-largest city in Croatia. Dating back to 1866, Osijek's Croatian National Theatre is one of the major cultural institutions in the city and offers theatre, ballet, opera and even puppet shows. In the warmer months, Osijek’s Summer Nights offers music and drama performances, while in the winter, theatre and literary performances are featured in the Days of Miroslav Krleža festival. While in Osijek, be sure to visit the pedestrian bridge over the river Drava – an iconic symbol of the city.

As European Capital of Culture 2022, Novi Sad will host more than 1,500 cultural events, many in collaboration with international artists. The Dublin Theatre Festival, the Italian theatre company CapoTrave and the Gothenburg Dance and Theatre Festival will all contribute to the vibrant line-up of Novi Sad's year of cultural celebrations. For a unique experience, visit the newly established Cultural Stations, where you’ll find contemporary cultural performances in beautifully restored historic buildings. Don't miss Novi Sad's street art murals, which can be found throughout the city centre.

For a dose of history with plenty of nature, look no further than Timișoara – one of three European Capitals of Culture in 2023. No fewer than 60 nationally recognised historic monuments pepper the city and there are 36 parks and green spaces if you need some greenery – including the Roses Park, with flowers in full bloom from May onwards. Timișoara is the only city in Romania with three National Theatres; Romanian, Hungarian and German, all of which put on a diverse range of multilingual performances. For a unique museum experience, visit the Banat Village Museum, an open-air exhibition of traditional Romanian village life.