To Zagreb, with Love

The city has come a long way in the last couple of years. Although the lifeline of our capital starts in the 11th century, I would dare say that one of the major developmental stages and the most important one is happening right now. In the last 2 years, our capital  has been nominated as a best European destination twice. This does not surprise me because the change is so clear that it is literally at your doorstep. Maybe the best examples are noticed during the summer.  At the moment, there's an ongoing construction of our new airport terminal that should double the frequency of travellers here. Coincidence? I think not. Zagreb is preparing itself for something big.

Image credit: Vedran Tomac

You can feel the beat of the streets that are giving you a shout out and embracing your whole being. Now we have tourists from all over the world roaming them and discovering hidden gems of the city. They caused a chain reaction which manifested in growing number of new businesses. From local traditional restaurants and junk food stands, we have managed to evolve and get all types of different cuisines of the world and everything is in the walking distance. You can experience half of the world through your tummy. Some claim that we have the highest number of museums in the world per square kilometer. The peculiar ones that will catch your eye are the museum of Broken Relationships and the Mushroom museum. I like Zagreb during the popular ‘’Night of Museums’’ manifestation. The museums are opened during the late-night hours so Zagrebians decide to broaden their horizons and visit as much as possible. There is no entrance fee and at one point in your life you have to be culturally awakened, why not in the middle of the night?

Why do I like Zagreb, you ask? Mostly because of the amazement and awe in the eyes of the newcomers. Let’s be realistic, a lot of people who visit Zagreb have already travelled all around the world prior to visiting the Balkans. Then they hear about our small but lovely and big-hearted country Croatia. This states that our capital is truly a new star on the European sky. And it is shining stronger and stronger. I encounter a lot of tourists in our metropolis and they always put an emphasis on things that I, as a local, was not aware of. For instance, our city is one of the cleanest and safest in Europe. Even though the citizens take this for granted, the tourists really appreciate it because it gives them a boost in their positive overall experience.

Image credit: Vedran Tomac

Why do I like Zagreb, you are still wondering? Well, because of the people! Zagreb is a big melting pot that carves you into a better person. It gives you a piece of an advice and wisdom free of charge. Take for example local grandmothers, also known as ‘’kumice’’, on our biggest farmers' market Dolac. I often say that every student of business or economics should come to the farmers' market for a lesson or two. Observe these women (and men) making a perfect pitch of their product. It does not matter if you are selling a car or a freshly grown spinach from your garden. Their sales techniques are undisputed. So hit the market, buy their 100 % organic products and observe how they immediately put a smile on your face while taking your money.

Why do I like Zagreb, the question comes to your mind? Because of the river Sava that is not flown but it treasures one of the coolest stories that the city has to offer. Do you know the story about the Ottoman Empire guys who decided to invade Zagreb back in the 16th century? They set up a camp next to the river Sava. The citizens of Zagreb were aware that they were outnumbered, outgunned and that they were not skilful warriors as the Ottomans were. So they decided to fire a warning shot from the famous Gric cannon from the Upper town. The legend says that the cannon ball hit a rooster that was being served for lunch to their pasha at midday. The Ottomans were so frightened that they never invaded. To commemorate this event our city still has a fully functional cannon that fires every day exactly at noon. Interesting story and an innovative way to scare away the pigeons or the tourists unfamiliar with this dynamic.

The river also divides Zagreb into two parts - the older part and the newest part conveniently named New Zagreb. Among dozen bridges that connect the two parts, one stands out immediately. Ever heard of Jimmy Hendrix? Once upon a time, to this day an unknown person, decided to climb the green railway bridge and write on it: HENDRIX. All of a sudden, all of the locals started calling this bridge the Hendrix Bridge. The name stayed in our hearts and minds. The problem occurred when the local authorities decided to repaint the bridge and the inscription. They caused an uprising among the locals which led to an initiative and a formal petition to name the bridge officially as the Jimmy Hendrix Bridge. It passed! During the battle for the name, somebody once again climbed the bridge and wrote Hendrix on it.

Image credit: Vedran Tomac

Why do I like Zagreb, you still do not understand? Because of the green surfaces in the strict town center. The famous green horseshoe of Zagreb or the park-forest Tuskanac are a true oasis of peace. Even though we burnt witches in Tuskanac forest in the 18th century, today it is perfectly safe and it is one of the most beautiful places to go for a stroll in the city. Another surface my body yearns for is the coffee shops surface. As a proud citizen of Zagreb, coffee drinking is an essential part of my culture, tradition, and bloodstream. Be a part of the big lounge the city turns into with the first rays of sunshine. Why do I like Zagreb? Because it is the only city in Croatia that gives you a proper glimpse of the colorful lifestyles seen in the big metropolis of the world. On the other hand, it is still small enough to have that friendly vibe. Since the city is developing rapidly, everybody gravitates towards it. Especially young people from different regions of Croatia that are becoming an essential part of the charm the city is dispensing.

I do not like Zagreb, I love it. Why? Because it offered me comfort, freedom, joy, growth and love. A few things I was never given by my ex-girlfriends.  Feel the pulse of the city and be part of the ongoing change that is making it in one of the most awesome cities in the world. Sometimes it’s more prudent to fall in love with a city than a person. Zagreb I love you, and we've just started.

Header image credit: Vedran Tomac

Author: Filip Donadic