Feel the pulsating energy in a small metropolis

I'm one of those who came to Zagreb at the beginning of the studies, fell in love with the city and wanted to stay there. Whenever I think how I've seen it all, something new surprises me. A new festival, a cup of coffee, a work of art, buildings, but most of all the people. I'm a student, and I'm usually struggling with the transport, the accommodation or finding new places to go to. However, I sometimes like to explore Zagreb and a new way of reaching my destinations.

First of all, Zagreb is a safe city whose doors are always open, a city with a tumultuous history teeming with interesting personalities. This city warmly invites all those who wish to get to know it and ensures fulfillment of all of your expectations. Over the centuries, the city was inhabited by people coming from all over Europe and, in the recent years, by people coming from different parts of Croatia, ensuring a rich cultural life. In this city, you can easily meet remarkable people, make new friends as well as enjoy special moments. I know this from my vast experience over the past four years.

 View from Upper Town, image credit: Sanja Kočiš

Hanging around the city centre

Hanging around the city centre is what I often do in Zagreb. If you don't have enough time to explore the whole city, you can feel the city vibe right there. Zagreb can be described as a city with the biggest lounge. The moment the sun appears in the sky in spring, restaurants, cafe bars and coffeehouse terraces open their doors to customers. Streets become promenades, places to get a cup of coffee, to relax or have a business meeting. Lounging in cafes has been a long tradition in this city. Flower Square is loved by artists and young people as well as an older crowd. Tkalciceva street used to be full of pubs and served as the red-light district, but nowadays, it is a trendy destination for rendezvous and relaxation for the whole family. The romantic ones among you can take the funicular on Ilica Street, the shortest funicular in the world used for public transportation – you'll reach the Upper Town in 55 seconds. All of these locations form a part of the phenomenon known as "špica". Every Saturday around noon, people of all ages come to the centre because that is the time and place to see and be seen. It seems nobody is working – perhaps because the reality is the majority of people isn't. In paradoxical contrast to the economic issues, Zagreb is one of the liveliest small-scale cities I have ever visited. People are happy.

Tkalciceva street, image credit: Lea Krušelj

As you can see, public squares play an important social role for the locals of Zagreb. Petar Preradović Square, also known affectionately to locals as Cvjetni trg – Floral Square, which I mentioned before, is no exception. Due to the colourful flower stands on the square, it has become a popular coffee-hotspot as one of Zagreb’s most favourite meeting points. Although one of the smallest in size, it continues to be overflowed with friends sharing the latest gossip, a place of doing business over coffee or simply the best people-watching venue in town.

Floral Square, image credit: Lea Krušelj

Living as Zagrebian

The thing I love the most and that I often see in Zagreb is this ritual: people slowly sip coffee, read the newspapers, stop at Dolac market to pick up fresh produce and then go home to prepare lunch. In every neighbourhood, there is a favourite meeting place where regulars feel welcome and where everybody knows your name which is amazing to see and to experience.

I have noticed that Zagreb people invest their time and money in personal betterment. I see that instead of big houses and fancy cars, people invest in activities such as exercising, socializing, and maintaining the city’s many parks and green spaces.

If I need to choose the best time of the year in Zagreb, I would say "Spring!". Everything is in bloom, and the sun is shining! In this time, I like to visit Upper Town and Strossmayer Promenade where I enjoy a beautiful panorama of Zagreb accompanied by the sculpture of the poet A.G.Matoš. Also, the advantage of the excellent weather is that you can find spaces for recreation almost anywhere around Zagreb. Park Zrinjevac, Bundek and Jarun lakes or park Maksimir are the perfect places for me to rollerblade or to simply sit down, enjoy nature and watch life passing by.

Jarun Lake, image credit: Sanja Kočiš

Although it is a small city when compared to other capitals in the region, Zagreb is the city that always holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit it or live in it. You can say that Zagreb is a pocket-sized metropolis with a pulsating energy which you can feel every day.

Header image credit: Sanja Kočiš

Author: Sanja Kočiš