Botaničar was hip before it even officially opened. I found out about it when I visited a travel-book reading that was organized here and which was so crowded it was impossible not only to find a seat, but standing places were also scarce. The bar, which also functions as a gallery and social club now, was officially opened only months later, but by then everyone in Zagreb already knew about it. What also makes Botaničar really worth a visit are the acoustic concerts or DJ sets on weekends, and if you’re lucky you might also come across art expositions and performances or even small arts and crafts fairs.
What I particularly like are the different types of seating areas in this not too large place. There’s a little reading nook secluded from the rest of the space and with the light a little dimmed for times when you need to cure your social hangover with a book or newspaper, as well as a large wooden desk right in the middle of the room for setting up a few laptops and working on your latest project. Spending time here makes you want to invest in houseplants.
From the cushion-filled window seats you can admire the impressive secessionist building of what was originally the National and University Library of Zagreb. And when you’re standing in front of the entrance to Botaničar you can see Sljeme mountain peaking above the rooftops to your left and the botanical garden to your right.
