A city different from others

Over the last years, numerous global media, including the British Guardian, have been “discovering” Zagreb, a blooming tourist destination which allures visitors with the promise of a different kind of holiday. According to journalists at The Guardian, Zagreb is a city different from others, and as such it will particularly fascinate those who are looking for alternative types of fun and entertainment.

Every city is a tale of its own, but Zagreb is entirely different from others and still waits to be fully discovered. Its charm, atmosphere and opportunities will equally enchant those used to a conventional offer, as well as those eternally in pursuit of new experiences – of something special and different. The global media have jumped on that bandwagon and in the run-up to Croatia joining the EU in July this year as its newest member they stepped up the promotion of Zagreb as a new European must-see destination.

One of the media which have recently “discovered” Zagreb is the British Guardian. In its December issue, which corresponded with the launch of new direct flights by British Airways between Zagreb and London, priced at only 69 pounds, it featured Zagreb as a “new destination”. However, in order to present the city in a proper light, the journalists intentionally decided to venture off the beaten path, and instead of the customary tourist traps they highlighted some alternative places which are a part of the everyday lives of ordinary citizens of Zagreb. 

The article states that Zagreb is a city of many museums, galleries, cinemas and architectural landmarks, and it also describes ten must visit places.

Among them are the Sunday Antiques Fair at the British Square, and the famous large flea-market, Hrelić. The list of inexpensive shopping opportunities also includes Ulični Ormar (Street Closet), a small second hand shop located on Jurišićeva Street, the unique Lega-Lega store owned by award winning designers from Osijek, and Brokula and Ž, which sells clothes made from eco materials.

Despite the great selection of state-of-the-art cinemas, the journalist rather recommends screenings at the Grič cinema club and drinks at the adjacent bar, both of which are decorated in 1960s and 70s style, as well as the Europa Cinema, which features some kind of festival almost on a daily basis. Adjacent to the cinema, there is also a Kino Europa shop intended for film buffs. Also mentioned in the article is the cult MaMa cultural centre, described as the epicentre of the city’s cultural life.

Book fans are advised a visit to Booksa, a bookstore which organizes important literary events and various creative workshops.

Among the numerous nightclubs, the article recommends a visit to some of the more alternative ones, such as Krivi Put, Limb and Medika, but the author also took the time to visit the coolest place in Zagreb – coffee bar Sedmica on Kačićeva Street. The gay friendly Kolaž on Amruševa Street is also mentioned, while jazz buffs are advised to pay a visit to Bacchus and the Vip Club, located on the city’s main square.

The city’s gastronomic offer is also mentioned and given high marks. Several places were given special mention, including the Stari Fijaker restaurant on Mesnička Street, which offers original Zagreb dishes, the Tip-Top restaurant on Gundulićeva Street, which has a great offer of Dalmatian cuisine, and Vegehop, which is especially recommended to vegans.

Since no city stay should pass without a visit to some of the most popular spots, the author especially reviewed the Museum of Broken Relationships, and also described Zagreb’s numerous parks and green surfaces which make the Croatian capital stand out among similar European capital cities.

Part of the article is dedicated to the possibilities of accommodation in the city, and it especially recommends alternative and cheaper accommodation at bed and breakfasts, as well as hostels, where one can also rent bicycles in order to have easier and faster access to more landmarks around the city.