When a girl from the south falls in love with the capital
One thing I really like in Zagreb are Saturdays. There is something special in the air. The city center is really crowded, and everybody is perfectly well dressed and happy. You can feel the city's vibe through the laughter and stories of the people passing by.
My perfect Saturday
I have my special Saturday ritual that I can not live without. Now, after 4 years living in this city, I have adopted some of the traditions that people of Zagreb have been doing their whole life. So, starting my day at 9:00 am, I go to „Špica“ where I have my morning coffee. My favourite cafe is La Bodega on Bogovićeva street next to the Flower Square. I like it because it is a touch of Dalmatia in Zagreb. You can eat traditional Dalmatian food and drink some of the best wines. You can see traditional Dalmatian ham „pršut“ hanging on the walls. And it also has excellent coffee! But it is almost always crowded, so if that happens, my second option is Tesla on Varšavska street. The stylish low-key, relaxed feel of the venue that is spiced up with funky touches in the décor and the custom made industrial wooden walls. I like it because it is something new and different.
Image credit: La Bodega Zgb Facebook page
I continue my walk through the city center, and I stroll down to the Ilica street where you can find all kinds of shops. I go to some of my favourite stores like ZARA and MANGO to check out new clothes and hopefully buy something. You can also find shops of some Croatian designers there, like Lei.Lou. by Alex Dojčinović. Fashion brand for ladies Lei Lou by Alex Dojčinović is known by its clean, simple and elegant cuts and timeless aesthetics.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
Food
Nearby, in Flower Center, is one of my favorite restaurants where I have my Saturday lunch – Batak Grill. If you love a good barbecue, you should definitely visit them and enjoy a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant or just relax on a terrace with friendly waiters, excellent food and affordable prices.
After a really great meal, you have to have really great desert! I have 3 favourite pastry shops in a city center, and I can not decide which one is better. Vincek on Ilica Street was the first pastry shop that I discovered in Zagreb, and I am always happy to go back. Milenium, on Bogovićeva Street, has more than 350 square meters of exclusive space where you can eat sweet and savory delicacies with the signature (Emanuele Saracino & Raffia Figliola). And last but not the least is Cookie factory on Tkalčićeva street – American dream in the heart of Zagreb.
Image credit: Nina Klarin
Walking and dancing
My afternoon is reserved for a walk and enjoying the fresh air. My favourite place for afternoon walks is Bundek. Bundek is a lake and park in the city of Zagreb. In 2005, it was entirely remodeled. You can see the swans and beautiful nature and there is also a bicycle path where you can come and ride a bike or rollerblade.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
Saturdays nights are reserved for clubbing! The number one place to go out these days is Hangar Club. Hangar thrills its visitors with an innovative interior, which includes a lounge bar and a nightclub. The positive atmosphere, the sounds of international hits, and top concerts provide great entertainment.
The great thing about Zagreb is you can never get bored! There is always something new that you can discover, so it is good to have some kind of ritual that can always turn into an unexpected adventure.
Header image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
Author: Nina Klarin