Tourists of Zagreb: A Funk Week In Zagreb

Introduce yourself to us. Where are you from and what do you do? 

I'm Marta Fantini from Turin, a city in the northwest of Italy. I'm 23 years old, and I graduated in nursing a month ago. Before starting to work, I decided to travel a little around Europe. 

How did you choose to visit Croatia and Zagreb? Was this your first time here?

I chose to visit Zagreb because I met people who live here last winter during a trip and I wanted to meet them again. Moreover, I came to Zagreb through an Erasmus+ youth exchange program about being youth leaders organized by Ocean Znanja. It was my first time in Zagreb, but not in Croatia. I was here on vacation two years ago in a small village near Zadar. During that week I visited many places from Zrće beach to Plitvice Lakes.

Image credit: Marta Fantini

How long have you been in Zagreb?

I have been in Zagreb 11 days, from May 11th to 20th. I took part in the youth exchange and then I stayed for two more days to visit the city and hang out with my friends here. During the youth exchange, I stayed at Bureau hostel. It is a perfect location in the city center with a nice common area with billiard and sofas to spend your night with friends. I came alone to Zagreb. It is normal for this kind of project. After some days you have new friends from all over Europe. And I already had friends in Zagreb that I met for coffee every day, and they were perfect guides. 

What were your first impressions of Zagreb? 

I arrived in Zagreb at 10 PM, and as soon as I left my luggage at the hostel, I met my friends and went to an event at the Academy of Art. I was fascinated by the lights and architecture of the city center and the main square where people meet up under the big clock. My friends told me it is a tradition. I liked how people were still out, having fun on a Saturday night even though there was a big wind storm that day. 

Is Zagreb different from other cities and places you've already visited? 

In my opinion, Zagreb has many common aspects with other countries in this part of Europe because of a similar history. But at the same time, I found it unique because of its underground galleries and Upper town with a fantastic view of the city. 

Image credit: Marta Fantini

Do you maybe have a favorite place out of all the places you visited in the city?

Probably my favorite place is a small street (Skalinska street) where my room was during the last days. There you can see the Cathedral and hear the sounds of the Dolac market during the day and of people eating and drinking at night.

You're from Italy. Would you say Italian culture is similar to Croatian or there are some differences?

I think there are many differences. We are not that used to smoking everywhere in Italy, but I think it is a tradition in Croatia. Also, food is different but delicious. Like burek at the market and I also tried a fantastic pasta. Other than that, I think our culture is similar. We are both Catholic countries with religious traditions.

Generally, what were your impressions of Zagrebians/Croatians? 

I spent time with my friends from Zagreb, and my primary impression is that they love coffee as much as Italians. Also, espresso is really good in Croatia. I don't usually expect it outside Italy.

Did you try any local food and drink specialties in Zagreb? If so, tell us which. 

I obviously tried Burek and different tastes of Rakija drink. I also came back home with sweets from Kraš. 

Are you planning to visit Croatia and Zagreb again? 

I would like to visit Zagreb again and maybe explore other cities on the coast during the summer. I will definitely recommend my friends and family to visit Zagreb. It is a nice and colorful city where you can be surrounded by nature in the city center.

Header image credit: S. Kaštelan, TZGZ

Author: Darija Ilić