I don’t read as much as I used to. As a graduate of Comparative Literature, it’s not something I’m proud of. I come up with various arguments to make myself feel better about it, though. One of them: at least I read to my kids every day. The other: at least I buy lots of books for when I start reading again. 

I love bookshops. And Planetopija is by far my favourite. Although they don’t have a lot of English books on sale (possibly none at all?), the place is still worth a visit. Because, in addition to it being a bookshop, it’s an amazing gift shop.

From stationery and pencil holders to yoga mats and water bottles, you can find a variety of nicely designed and original potential gifts on display. Sometimes I just walk in to admire the pretty objects and smell the books. It calms me down, OK? And it doesn’t seem to bother their friendly staff at all so I’ll never stop.

Special tip: they sell waterproof maps of Zagreb! If nothing else in this article sounds tempting, a waterproof map should. Also, dogs are always welcome in the shop. Even when they’re soaking wet and dripping on their lovely wooden floors.