How to Spend Money in an Original Way in Zagreb? :)
It is Saturday. I have a deal with my best friend that we will meet on the main Zagreb Square at 1 p.m. Despite the fact that we are going to meet in the afternoon, my morning has started a long time ago, precisely at 9 a.m. Do you wonder why I did not sleep longer? Well, because I needed some time to prepare my Saturday outfit. Like every other Zagrebian girl, on Saturdays I usually spend hours in front of the closet and think about what to wear. I believe most of the girls who lost half of their life thinking in front of their closets have the same thought: ''I have nothing to wear''. Well, nothing new or surprising. :) But, why do we have so many troubles with that? Well, everyone knows that Zagreb's center turns into a runway at weekends, and no one wants to look bad on the runway. :)
Image credit: Nikolina Jozanović
Zagreb Portobello Road
OK, after I chose jeans and a T-shirt and put some make-up, it is time to go. My first stop is the British Market, or as many call it 'Zagreb Portobello Road'. It's definitely my favorite place in Zagreb. But the first rule of every shopping is to eat well. You can't shop on an empty stomach. On the British market, you can enjoy the most delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee in the bistro 'Kava Tava' while observing others walking among a number of stalls full of antiques.
The British market also called the Small Plot is a favorite place of collectors. Here you can find literally everything - from old books, vinyl records, lace and handicrafts, war equipment, dolls, porcelain, ceramics, old watches, cameras to the interesting pieces of furniture.
Buying expensive items at cheap prices
Whether you're just a curious observer who spends the morning in an anticipation of lunch with relatives or if you are looking at thousands of items exhibited on the stands in search of that one little thing that's worth a lot, the atmosphere at this place is unique. But the greatest pleasure is that you can always haggle with the merchants and buy expensive items at cheap prices. But the good piece of jewelry and, of course, a bunch of flowers are two things I always carry when I leave this place.
Flower Square also known as catwalk
It's time to walk the runway or walk through Ilica Street all the way to the Flower Square where all fashion girls are. While you are walking down Ilica Street, you can look at dressed mannequins in the windows of many shops. It seems like each of them is calling for you to get in there and try some dresses or just put some new hat on your head. But the thing that is a joy to my heart is a killer of my wallet. And that is a new shopping center in the heart of the city. Every time I said to myself the same sentence: "I will just take a look at what's new in there“, I ended up buying things that I actually already have in my closet. Well, nothing strange for a woman. I am sure you will agree with this. :)
Of course, after walking the shopping center, it is time for another break and another coffee. :) Yes, that's right. Shopping in Zagreb includes protocol: coffee, observing, shopping and then repeat all of this. :)
The Queen of all Zagreb's markets
But, of course, you can't go home without visiting the Queen of all the markets. My last stop is Dolac market which was built in the early 20th century. This market definitely has charm and it brings you back to the past. At the beginning of the stairs, you can find a statue of Barica – a trademark of Dolac that is often one of the must-see tourist attractions where many tourists, but also citizens of Zagreb love to take pictures.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak
A distinctive symbol of the city is also a source of natural, fresh and healthy fruit, vegetables, meat, etc, and that is why Dolac is also called Zagreb's belly.
Now, when I have everything - food for lunch, a bouquet of beautiful flowers to decorate my apartment and new pieces of clothing, I can go home and conclude that this was another beautiful day spiced up with good and quality purchase. :)
Header image credit: Nikolina Jozanović
Author: Nikolina Jozanović