Heartbeat of Zagreb

Alcatraz - The Most Liberating Place in Zagreb

There is a place where you will always run into a smiling face, a place where beer is cheap and where you can find a haven for every night out.

"Heaven is good, but everybody is in Alcatraz" is one of the many signs that's perfecting the interior of the Alcatraz bar on Preradoviceva Street.

Caffe and night bar Alcatraz is located in the mere centre of Zagreb at 12 Preradoviceva Street, just a few minutes' walk from the main Ban Jelacic Square, Preradovic Square (aka the Flower Square) and the Croatian National Theatre. Over the years, it has managed to earn its title of one of the best places to enjoy a beer or two.

Image Credit: CityPal, Neven Vukovic

Coffee or beer, it doesn't matter!

Whether you're in a mood for a cup of coffee during the day or a pint of beer at night, one thing's for sure - you will enjoy good music and you'll run into some really funny guys who will be a great company.

The interior is one of a kind and ready to blow your socks off! The walls are covered in all kinds of trinkets, souvenirs and signs. So even if you find yourself waiting in a line on a crowded Saturday night, you'll never be bored - explore the stories hung up on the walls or just talk to the people around you and discover their life stories.

I just love hanging out at Alcatraz on summer nights because the terrace gets so crowded that the whole Preradoviceva Street is blocked by people holding their favourite drink. It immediately brings me back to the crazy old days when we didn't mind sitting on the pavement - but this time it is not so much a matter of choice. Last summer, my friends and I decided to finish our night out at Alcatraz. As it was too crowded, only one of us went in to get beers while the rest of us mingled on the street. Suddenly, a stranger asked us if he could join us. We invited him to sit on the pavement with us and had a great time talking to our new American friend for the rest of the evening. He was a solo traveller, moving from a place to place, exploring different cultures and lifestyles and he admitted he had never approached people at a bar to just hang out. Now that's the joy of Zagreb!

"Baksheesh is not a Turkish city/Tipping is not a place in China" - so feel free to tip the entertaining bartenders!

Image Credit: CityPal, Neven Vukovic

The best thing about it

One of the best things about Alcatraz is that it is open from 7 AM until 4 AM from Mondays to Saturdays and 9 AM to 4 AM on Sundays. YES. This means that you can basically spend your whole night here, without checking the closing time and worrying if you are going to be kicked out anytime soon. You can freely do shots of rakija and order beers as they are pretty cheap for a place that's in the centre of the capital.

Image Credit: CityPal, Neven Vukovic

Very good news - a twin!

Since the iconic place got so many loyal visitors, Alcatraz got a twin, as well. Alcatraz at 15 Tkalciceva Street!

This (good!) twin is only a bar and it is situated in the basement, as a part of a 3-floor complex, along with Confusion Buddha bar and All Saints restaurant on the first floor. The recognisable interior makes the new Alcatraz resemble its older sibling, along with the prices, music and party-friendly closing time. You can check it out here.

So, in short, why should you drop into Alcatraz?

Awesome atmosphere, excellent service, good prices and superb location make the secret formula for a memorable night out in Zagreb. There are two Alcatraz bars for you to choose from, and it is impossible to choose the wrong one. Cheers!

Header Image Credit: CityPal, Neven Vukovic

Author: Karla Knezevic