Hipster's Guide Through Zagreb
The so-called hipster culture in Zagreb prevails as one of the most prominent subcultures in town that gathers aesthetic-oriented individuals who circulate through, ironically, the most trendy spots in town.
Hostel Swanky Mint is a perfect combination of a nice budget-friendly accommodation and a bar for mingling. This renovated dry cleaning and textile-dye factory also has a divine Monkey Garden terrace and is located on the main street – perfect for a short stop to have a refreshment before continuing with your exploration.
Go on an eventful stroll
Summer in Zagreb has plenty to offer. Have a ride with a funicular then take a stroll through the Upper Town (Gornji grad) and listen to some cool intimate concerts that are part of the programme Summer at Stross, which takes place on Strossmayer's promenade, or as the locals call it Strossmartre, or catch a movie on Gradec Summer Cinema, free of charge. If you are more up for chilling out, relax at Dvorišta and explore the courtyards of the old town in a unique atmosphere.
Catch an exhibition or a show at an art venue Lauba - People and Art House - or have a snack in its delightful Bistro. Have a nice cup of coffee at Café u Dvorištu, a cosy courtyard that often has jam sessions, poetry readings or Mali Plac, an amiable shifting market of organic food and healthy home-made dishes. Booksa is another Zagreb essential for all book lovers enthusiastic about travel book promotions or networking with writers and social activists.
Image credit: Mali plac s Tavana, Facebook page
Shopping experience to remember
If you are fond of unique shopping experiences and good ol' haggling, you should definitely visit these two flea markets on Sunday. The first one is located in the centre, on British Square. On Sunday, fruit and veggies being sold there during the week are replaced by socialist knick-knacks, paintings and antique furniture. Are you in a mood to embark on an adventure? Then visit the Hrelić-Jakuševac flea market. There you will find everything you have ever dreamed of. One thing is sure, no one leaves empty handed. Whether you buy a vintage Levi's denim jacket for 3 euros or a Marshal Tito gobelin, you should consider yourself a winner. For a unique souvenir shopping that is not a Zagreb relief magnet, visit Croatian Design Superstore, a hybrid of a design exhibition and a pop-up shop.
Krivi put tavern, view from the street.
Image credit: Vanja Radovanovic, Mapiranje Tresnjevke
Head for a night out
After choosing the right pieces of clothes for your outstanding outfit, a good hairdo is a must to complete your hipsterish look. Visit some of the coolest salons for a barbershop experience before heading for a night out.
There are many peachy places where having a couple of drinks usually ends up with bumping into gazillion people and returning home the next day. It is not unusual for the people of Zagreb to go from one bar to another. Krivi put is an all time favourite – colourful benches outside, highly folksy vibes and inexpensive drinks are the three things which keep the flock returning. With the increase of temperature, the number of bikes parked outside also increases, and it gets harder to park your bike. Another terrace worth seeing is the one in Bacchus, an isolated jazzy cave near the main train station. Or go a bit further from the centre, because it will be worth it once you get to the Most Unusual Garden, a gin bar with a whimsical terrace and a tree house. The most alternative spot by far is Medika, a former factory and residence of the Autonomous culture centre Attack. This is a point where independent artist meet, exchange ideas and promote liberty. There are a couple of concert venues filled up with alternative music, an infoshop and a gallery. It is a squat, as well. Most of the events at Medika spread by word of mouth but you can also find a couple of them on Facebook.
Image credit: Tihana Rubi, vokitoki.blogspot.hr
One thing I noticed when writing this guide was that it was hard to differentiate hipster spots from nice and popular ones. Is it that we are all hipsters, or rather the hipster concept does not even exist? You can ponder it over a cup of the best coffee at hit places listed above, and feel free to tell us what you think when sharing.
Header image credit: Hostel Swanky Mint, Facebook page
Author: Karla Knezevic