Zagreb Through Pokemon Go

After 15 years spent mostly in oblivion, Pokemons are cool again and there is a craze going on all around the world. Zagreb is no exception. You can see people all over the city trying to ''gather them all'' which is the primary goal of every Pokemon hunter, followed by training and fighting with other hunters through Pokemon Go smartphone application.

Image credit: Lana Suša

Apart from an entertaining character and potential health benefits - it involves a lot of walking, the game is also a great way to discover the city while playing. Each time you search for a Pokemon, you get to some significant building or a monument, a short description about it will appear on your screen. Also, it seems that Pokemons like to hang at some interesting and quite unusual places.

Image credit: Lana Suša

Here is a list of a few pro tips for great Pokemon Go experience in Zagreb:

• Firstly, it's good to note that Zagreb is full of pretty rare Pokemon type – Jynx, so if you are missing that one, you are in the right city!
• Rats are everywhere – not real ones, unlike other big cities, Zagreb doesn't have a big problem with these, I'm talking about Rattata. Even though they are everywhere, get them anyway so you can change them for a candy.
• Some rare species of Pokemon like to hang at churches and cemeteries – to be precise, at Petrova curch, Zagreb's cathedral and the Mirogoj cemetery. So, while on Pokemon hunt, go get a little spiritual elevation, see the largest sacral building in Croatia and one of the most valuable monuments of Croatian cultural heritage that is 110 years old, and one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe that is at the same time a beautiful park and a real open-air museum.
• Another good spot appears to be ''Džamija'' (mosque in translation). Despite the name, it's not another sacral building. Actually, it is the Home of Croatian Association of Artists and an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Croatian architect, sculptor and writer Ivan Mestrovic. The rumour is that the last Pokemon spotted there was a ''mythic'' rare – Snorlax.
• If you find yourself in need of a Pokemon ball or other supplies, one of the places to go to is Psychiatric Clinic Vrapče. Hopefully, you won't need to seek anything else at this place.
• When you get tired of walking, gathering Pokemons and sightseeing, you can step into a tram and catch them while driving, as well. This is a good way to see the city but, of course, don't get carried away and remember to look away from your mobile phone every once in a while.
• Battles between the teams usually take place on the main square and the main bus and train station where things get quite exciting because the predominance between Red (Valor), Blue (Mystic) and Yellow (Instinct) teams changes from hour to hour.
• If in the process of hunting you get lonely, you can meet other Pokemon enthusiasts – there are organised hunts and meet-ups. Find them in a Facebook group or on the streets of the city. In my experience, Pokemon Go players are generally really friendly and willing to share their tips and tricks. Also, it may be a great way to meet locals and find out everything you want to know about Zagreb, besides Pokemons.

Header image credit: Lana Suša

Author: Anđela Ivčević