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

MSU – Muzej suvremene umjetnosti is a newly built museum, after years of putting effort into securing an adequate space for vast art collections dating from the beginning of the 20th century.

The architect of the Museum, Igor Franić, respected the tradition of functionalist architecture and designed a building which continues the orientation of the Green Horseshoe – series of interconnected parks situated in the city center designed by famous architect Milan Lenuci.

Except, MSU is situated in the area called Novi Zagreb, right across the river Sava. A five-story museum looks like a meander and its presence is best seen at night when it is lit up with fantastic light shows.

On the ground floor you can find museum shop, children’s workshop, library with a reading hall, a minor exhibition space, restaurant, and a multimedia hall, where arthouse cinema Metropolis takes place. The exhibition rooms are located on the upper floors of the Museum.

My typical Museum day consists of a coffee and croissant breakfast at the Museum café, after which I take a walk through the Museum’s collections. Interesting to explore is also the studio of the famous artist Ivan Kožarić, integrated between the permanent collection and occasional exhibitions.

There is always something exciting to be found related to Croatian and ex-Yugoslavian rich cultural heritage – every time I visit the Museum I am surprised by noticing something I missed last time, which makes me eager to visit MSU more often.

Tip: every first Wednesday of the month there is free entrance.

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Museum of Contemporary Art | Art & culture, Cinemas, Coffee & tea | Adults Kn 30.00
Avenija Dubrovnik 17 | Novi Zagreb | +38516052700
Tue – Wed & Fri – Sun 11:00 – 19:00, Thu 11:00 – 22:00

Not many people know that the Jarun lake was enlisted in Zagreb’s topographic map already back in 1728. Back then it was just a small armlet of the river Sava which became a swamp after the big flood in 1964 and the building of the Sava bank since the stones from the area were used to build the bank, which brought about to deepening of the waters in that area.

For a couple of decades it was forgotten and abandoned, however, since Zagreb was chosen as the host of “Universiade” in 1987 it was decided that the Jarun area would be perfect for building a sports center. It had been a huge project under which a lake of 70 hectares was arranged to hold sailing, rowing and kayak clubs, an athletic lane courts for other sports (plus a sports center Mladost, in the vicinity of the lake).

Ever since, Jarun has been a place of relaxation and in the last couple of years there has been more effort in upgrading already existing facilities. The Jarun beaches have deserved the blue flag marking them clean and safe for swimming. But Jarun has turned into a nightlife spot as well with various bars and clubs emerging on the lake shores. Clubs such as Aquarius that holds a cult status and many newer ones emerged making the lake a favorite place to visit.

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Jarun | Bars, Music, Relaxing | Free
Jarunsko jezero | Novi Zagreb
24 hours daily

“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

Zagreb isn’t one of those cities like Paris, Prague, London or Belgrade who live actively by the river. The river Sava, although fundamental for the city’s development, had never really found its way into the urban culture of the city. Maybe because most people still remember the flood in 1964, so severe it flooded one third of the city.

However, as rough as this flood was, it brought about to one really nice consequence: the building of the Savski Nasip (the Bank), designed to protect the city from further floods which it’s still successful at 46 years later.

However, the Bank became to be more than just a safety net from the flood. Over time, more and more people have recognized it as a beautiful place for jogging, walking, relaxing etc. Especially because by walking along the bank you can walk from the Jarun Lake to Lake Bundek (check the Lake Bundek article), enjoying nature all along the way although still in the city.

Mostly used for recreational purposes, the Bank also became a place for outdoor music performances, theater shows and other interesting manifestations.

Savski Nasip is recommended especially for romantic strolls now that the days are getting longer and warmer. 

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Savski Nasip | Relaxing, Festivals & events | Free
Savski Nasip | Novi Zagreb
24 hours daily

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