Feb 9, 2025

Palainovka Zagreb

Most historic cafe in town

""Palainovka" in Zagerb is the oldest & best known cafe in the city. I love it for lazy summer afternoons, the scenery reminds me of a different time..."

When writing about bars & cafes of Zagreb, Palainovka needs a special mention. This is where not only our parents but our grandparents & their parents used to drink coffee & chat about daily events in the city. Opened in 1847, this is the oldest & best known Zagreb cafe that is still open for business.

My husband and I remember coming here as kids with our parents and we love still it here, especially on lazy summer afternoons. The atmosphere is rather quiet because not so many cars pass by and there are no big crowds. It's located on the smallest Zagreb square, Ilirski trg, right next to the Observatory and many other historical buildings, which makes it a perfect spot to take a break from exploring Upper town.

Also, only a few steps from Palainovka is a beautiful viewpoint of the city with a great outlook of Zagreb's red rooftops. Sitting on the terrace here, it's easy to feel like the city folk used to feel a hundred years ago. Houses, buildings, streets...they all look like they did back then & this historic vibe is what makes me come back here often.

The coffee is nice or you can order a glass of wine, the choice is really good. Of course, I recommend Croatian wines. They are amazing and do go with the scenery here. The interior is simple & comfortable, but the terrace is the place to be; relax your eyes while breathing some fresh forest air coming down gently from Medvednica mountain.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

About this spot

Ilirski trg 1

Glass of wine:

18

14851357

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zagreb guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Zagreb

La-struk

La štruk – Creative twists to a traditional meal

"La štruk" in Zagreb makes štrukli, the Croatian comfort food par excellence, with creative twists: gratinated, additional toppings... Nothing comes close!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 10, 2025
Krivi-Put

Krivi Put – For reevaluating your life choices

"Krivi put" in Zagreb means 'wrong path', and it's a bar that you might end up in if you've taken plenty of wrong turns in your life...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Botanicar

Botaničar – Art, parties and plants

"Botaničar" in Zagreb is a hip bar that's also a gallery and social club. Let me tell you: spending time here makes you want to invest in houseplants.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Vintage-Industrial

Vintage Industrial – Best tribute band performances

"Vintage Industrial" is a bar/club in Zagreb I remember from my student years. Nowadays I go there for the really great tribute bands that play on weekends

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
dav

Hotel Vila Tina – Brunch and relaxation

"Hotel Vila Tina" is a small hotel in Zagreb, one of the city's hidden jewels. I love coming here for their rich breakfast with family and friends...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Nina

Lalić

Feb 9, 2025
Swanky-Monkey-Garden

Swanky Monkey Garden – Hostel bar that locals adore

"Swanky Monkey Garden" in Zagreb is a local-friendly hostel with a great bar and garden I always enjoy sipping a cocktail at on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Bacchus-Jazz-Bar

Bacchus Jazz Bar – The greenest courtyard

"Bacchus Jazz Bar" in Zagreb is one of my favorite places in the city for a warm, lazy summer evening. The courtyard is completely covered with plants...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Regular.Bar

Regular.Bar – Regularly pleasant

"Regular.Bar" in Zagreb is special. It has this homey feeling the city's backyards share. They even serve free cucumber water. Need I say more?

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Park-Maksimir

Park Maksimir – The oldest but most beautiful!

"Park Maksimir" in Zagreb is more than a park. This is where memories are created, where you see the forest for the first time. So many reasons to love it.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Nevena

Mikec

Feb 9, 2025
dav

Trg Svetog Marka – Zagreb's oldest square

"Trg Svetog Marka", or St. Mark's square, is the heart and soul of Zagreb's Upper Town. Beautiful, quiet and replete with rich history...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Nina

Lalić

Feb 9, 2025
Opatovina

Opatovina – Zagreb's craft beer street

"Opatovina" in Zagreb has old, hipsterish craft beer pubs. It's the city's unofficial beers street! There's even a quite popular beer festival in May.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025
Vis-a-Vis

Vis à Vis – Sweet and healthy treats

"Vis à Vis" in Zagreb is product of an iconic confectionery shop with lots of vegan and lactose-free options. I strongly encourage you to be adventurous!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Tamara

Lipnjak

Feb 9, 2025

Just €9.99!

Heading to Zagreb?

134 Insider Tips from Locals

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to our Bars Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to Zagreb?

134 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Bars City Blog & App!

Our team loves Zagreb

Get to know our other Spotters from Zagreb

As featured on: