Image by Milana M.

ZPC – the Zagreb Dance Centre opened its doors in October 2009, much to pleasure of all of us who are dancers, professional of recreational or simply in love with the art of dance. After a long period of waiting (somehow it seems that in Croatia the proverb “Good things come to those who wait” is beyond truth, it’s an universal fact) dancers, choreographers and common folk who wanted to inform themselves about anything connected to dance have gotten their spot.

ZPC is envisaged as a place where choreographers and dancers can perform, take classes and practice, with open doors for everyone who wants to learn. Apart for physical acts of dancing, film projections connected to dance take place here (after all, this used to be a cinema, one of the oldest in Zagreb which had to close its doors after the birth of big corporations called multiplex cinemas), discussions and seminars – in other words, anything and everything connected to dance.

Choreographers from most dance studios in Zagreb and beyond hold open classes in the Dance Centre to which you can simply walk in and test your strength, endurance and knowledge.

The building itself was voted one of the best architectural solutions lately in Zagreb, designed by the Zagreb based studio 3LHD. Therefore, ZPC is truly a place to visit, either to dance or simply look around and have a coffee on its terrace which provides a peaceful, artistic vibe in the very centre of Zagreb.

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Zagrebački Plesni Centar – ZPC | Art & culture, Coffee & tea | Dance workshops Kn 30
Ilica 10 | Lower town | +38514621967
09:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Milana M.

When I heard that there’s a new cookie place in town, the chocolate sugar addict in me was jumping from joy. Yes, I frequently complain about the lack of quality snacks in Zagreb to have along with your coffee, so this seemed to be the perfect place to enjoy a chat with a friend, a good cup of coffee and an amazing sugar rush along with it.

Having explored a bit more and finding out that the place was inspired by the original U.S. chocolate chip cookies (the owner spent his student years across the Atlantic indulging in cookies and becoming an expert in baking them) I decided even before trying any of the sweets that this place is sure to become one of my favorites.

My high expectations did come true in most aspects – the place is really cute, with a homey feel  to it, real great to chill out by yourself or in good company sharing a cookie, brownie, hot brownie with ice-cream, pumpkin pie, you name it. All of the ingredients are there. Though, one downside to it is that their coffee is not the best out there, but I am hoping that’s due to the fact they’re still new to the art of making coffee (after all, they have Lavazza and a good coffee machine) so I’ll definitely be coming back for some more sugar-indulging in the following cold winter months.

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The Cookie Factory | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Cookies Kn 10
Skalinska 3 | Lower town | +38514813901
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 22:00, Sun 13:00 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Krunoslav Koprivnjak

A great old school bar for grabbing a quick, yet quality, drink. A perfect place for a gloomy rainy day, the interior is in shabby wood, filled with smoke, a waitress wearing borosane, a small TV set flickering and showing whatever and a mandatory resigned drunkard at the bar. Does it not sound like a perfect place to grab “a quick one” to warm up the body and soul and then get lost in a rainy night?

Of course, you can always sit down and take your time sipping and enjoying the wide selection of spirits, most famous of which being flavoured rakija from Istrian town of Višnjan. The offer includes rakija made with honey (medica), fig (smokvovaèa), mistletoe (biska), myrtle (mirta), carob (rogaè) etc.

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Buffet MK | Coffee & tea | Rakija Kn 12.00
Pavla Radića 7 | Upper town
08:00 – 01:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Krunoslav Koprivnjak

Situated next to the Student’s Centre, this café is very popular amongst younger population. In line with its name, everything about it has a slightly artistic, yet tasteful, air. The chairs on the terrace are some old wooden chairs, usually no two of the same design, and the interior is filled with retro billboards and posters. The lights inside are dim, the music is blended in the background chitchatting noise, which combines into a very pleasant and cosy atmosphere.

Once there, it is advisable to enjoy a cup of great coffee, a pint of excellent beer or just some plain old cider (rare to be found in Zagreb). If you’re wondering whether you’ve come to the right place, you’ll know by the time it takes for the waiter (they’re called WAITers for a reason) to take and bring your order. Then again, in a place called “Godot”, that’s probably the point.

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Café Godot | Coffee & tea | Cider Kn 18.00
Savska 23 a | Lower town
07:00 – 00:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Krunoslav Koprivnjak

Peaceful and tranquil, this body of water has a magic appeal to human beings trapped in the city. Located in Novi Zagreb (New Zagreb), on the southern bank of Sava, this place used to be one of favourite bathing places in Zagreb in the 60-s and 70-s. During the 80-s and 90-s people kinda forgot about it and it turned into a swamp and a thicket, a small jungle in the city centre. Luckily, the whole place was rediscovered and refurbished in 2005 and has ever since become favourite location for pleasant festivals and relaxing events, or just spending an afternoon chilling and BBQ-ing.

For the sportsmen types, there’s a running/cycling track, a fishing pond and a beach volley court. When the sun sets, its BBQ-time. In the grove around the lake, you can find wooden gazebos and nearby BBQs, use of which is free of charge, you just need to get there in time and claim your spot. You can even rent a grill (however only on Saturdays and Sundays, and they have to be returned by 19:00) for free, bring your own or ask someone to use theirs.

In the middle of the lake, there is a floating platform for bands and performers. Each year there is a FloraArt flower festival in May and a four-day Summer fireworks festival in June – when you get to listen to Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra in open air and later lie on the grass, watch fireworks and nibble on delicatessen from the nearby fair.

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Lake Bundek | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Relaxing | Beer Kn 15.00
Lake Bundek | Novi Zagreb
24 hours daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Milana M.

Having lived in Prague for 5 years, I’ve become addicted to stunning views. Upon return to Zagreb, I’ve spent nights looking for a view of the city that would give me that feeling – when you have the overview of the whole city beneath you and feel calm and privileged to be a part of it.

Zagreb’s topography, however, is completely different, without available hills on every corner and you really have to climb up to Medvednica mountain to get a view of the city. This was frustrating, until I realized I had to alter my expectations and that the view was right under my nose the whole time.

Maksimir park is a few minutes walk from the house I grew up in. In the centre of this beautiful park, there’s a small hill with a belvedere on top, standing proudly overlooking the main entrance. Here I’ve spent numerous afternoons having coffee in the sun with friends, after or before those long walks by the Maksimir lakes.

However, my favorite moments were by myself on a bench overlooking the main entrance, contemplating and realizing that I am indeed left with a beautiful view in front of my eyes. Completely different from the ones I was used to but with the same feeling – of peace and happiness.

So if you’re passing by at any time of year, feel welcome to sit next by, have a chat or simply be happy to belong to this place and time as well.

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Maksimir Belvedere | Coffee & tea, Relaxing | Free
Park Maksimir | Maksimir
24 hours daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Milana M.

Svijet Stripa, meaning “Comic World” in Croatian used to be a cool neighborhood cafe where I sometimes enjoyed my afternoon coffee, surrounded by all the retro comics, it’s a place where you’d come to hang out by yourself and browse through the endless stacks reminiscing childhood .

A couple of months back, we discussed with a couple of friends how it would be a cool place to host acoustic gigs, just to find out that the same idea had occurred to the owner as well. So lately, you can find someone playing in “SS” every weekend and sometimes during the week. And I must say, it’s a great place for coming to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends or by yourself, and listen to some good music.

Another great thing about this place is that it is in a somewhat secluded street and the bar opens up with one whole wall onto the terrace, so no matter if you’re sitting outside or inside, you can hear the music. It also makes the air circulate, so it doesn’t get too hot or smoky inside.

It is definitely a spot to look out for, and I’m just hoping they have more surprises in store for the future.

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Svijet Stripa | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music | Coffee w/milk Kn 9
Ožegovićeva 5 | Maksimir | +385994449567
09:00 – 00:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Milana M.

“The Swamp” is all you would imagine it to be and more. It’s dark and sticky, full of hidden corners and surprises lurking from the dark. You never know what to expect but one thing is for sure, whenever you go there you’ll definitely have a blast. Močvara has been the melting-pot of Zagreb alternative scene for over a decade.

Situated in the old socialist factory „Jedinstvo” (Unity), it host some of the most interesting clubs Zagreb has to offer. No matter if it’s „Dirty dancing” night full of retro hits, a showcase of young bands who have grabbed their chance to be heard, a music festival hosting worldwide known bands (2010 Mars festival with the unforgettable performance by Skunk Anansie was one of those memories we’ll keep for a lifetime) of a drum’n'bass whole-night dancing madness hosted by the CFSN crew – you’re in for a good time.

The crowd in Močvara is also as diverse as its repertoire – a friend of mine always goes there in high heels and says that doesn’t stop her from all-night long dancing, while I prefer not to wear my brand new white sneakers taught by the experience of trying to wash off the dirt and beer-stains from them.

The club, as well as the whole “Jedinstvo” drive was shut down in 2009 due to some bureaucratic issues however, after a couple of demonstrations the whole thing was reopened in 2010, allowing us all to enjoy it for a longer time.

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Močvara | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Music | Entrance from Kn 0.00
Trnjanski nasip bb | Novi Zagreb | +38516159668
20:00 – 05:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Milana M.

OK, so if you’ve done any research on Croatia so far, especially through some of the articles on Spotted by Locals, you could have noticed that we are a nation that takes its coffee seriously. No wonder that during sunny days it’s difficult to find a spot on a terrace downtown, of that sometimes it seems that nobody in this country is working, rather having coffee.

However, business meetings are conducted also over coffees, interviews, hanging out with friends, going out on dates etc. Our lives just have a whole lot do do with coffee. Still, there is one place in town where I prefer having my coffee by myself – because I don’t want anything taking my attention away from the glorious aromas you can find in 1st Coffee.

The choice ranges from the best South American, African and Asian grinds, even the notorious Kopi Luwak – whose beans are first eaten by Meerkats and then collected after the little animals have digested them. Personally, I have no wish to try it since an espresso is 150 Kn, but also since I don’t like the notion of drinking coffee which has been already digested by someone else.

However, to each his own, my suggestion is the Haiti espresso with just two drops of cold milk and if you really really need, just a bit of sugar. Enjoy your coffee!

p.s. smoking allowed

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1st Coffee | Coffee & tea | Haiti espresso Kn 12
Preradovićeva 12 | Lower town | +38514854780
Mon – Sat 07:00 – 02:00, Sun 09:00 – 02:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Milana M.

Not many places in Zagreb live rock’n'roll, but this cannot be said of Route 66. Situated in a small shack being the national library, it’s a small and cozy place for all rockers and rollers to enjoy. Beware, there’s no website or info about it, so if you’re interested in the program, the best thing is to go there directly and see what’s happening.

Thursdays is usually „Country night”, Fridays „Friday fever”, „Rock Saturday” and the melancholic blues Sunday. Bands are different every week in a very cozy and laid back atmosphere, you just might stumble upon a TV host of a scientific show playing away with his rock’n'roll band or you’ll be able to choose your own track on the jukebox.

There’s also table football, pool (what kind of a rock club would it be without pool?) and if you get hungry you can always order a lice of pizza or a hot dog. Although it’s mostly a night club, it’s open during the day, with a wonderful summer garden where you can chill with a beer in the shade of trees or on rainy days comfortably sit in the „living-room” with a coffee at a student price of 4 kn.

So if you’re a rocker deep down, there’s no reason to miss Route 66, even if it’s „just” the one in Zagreb.

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Route 66 | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Relaxing | Coffee Kn 4.00
Paromlinska 47 | Trnje | +38516118737
09:00 – 01:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb