Throughout the previous months, we talked with the people from all around the world who came to visit Zagreb. Australia, USA, Portugal, and Argentina are just a few countries they came from. But for this month we decided to see how our neighbors see Zagreb. We talked with Nikola, a medical student from Belgrade, Serbia who visited Zagreb for the first time. Here are some of his impressions.

Image credit: Nikola Stojković

Why have you decided to visit Zagreb?

Well, I’m a medical student, and I got an invitation from the Comity for international cooperation of medical students to come and join the Symposium of public health which was held in Zagreb. I was happy to have this opportunity and gladly accepted the invitation.

This was my first time in Zagreb, and I can say I was positively surprised. I loved everything - the city, its energy, and people.

Zagreb gives the impression of a true European city. It is a clean and quiet town, but on the other hand, it also offers a lot of things to do and is full of historical sights. Of course, I’ve visited all the main attractions: the main Ban Jelačić square, the Cathedral, King Tomislav square and lots of other places. I was especially impressed by St. Mark's church and Art Pavilion. 

Image credit: Nikola Stojković

Did you meet any locals during your stay in Zagreb?

Of course! I got to know a lot of my colleagues, medical students from Zagreb and other places also, who also participated in the Symposium. Some of them I already knew as we often see each other at these kinds of events. I also had a chance to meet up with a few friends from Zagreb that I’ve met during my time as an exchange student. I have to say they were the best company during my time on a study exchange and we stayed in touch after it.

Image credit: Nikola Stojković

How would you compare Zagreb to Belgrade? Are there any differences you noticed?

I can’t really say that they are different. In Zagreb, I felt comfortable, like I was still in my own country. Probably because our language is so similar, and people are quite alike. There aren’t many cultural differences I’d say.

The only thing I could say I didn't like and is different is the number of nightclubs. In Belgrade, in the evenings the city is full of young people going out clubbing, at least at the weekends. But in Zagreb, that's not really the case. I've visited a few clubs during my stay in Zagreb, but I have to say I'd choose Belgrade's nightlife over Zagreb's. 

But I'd come back to Zagreb, for sure. And I would also recommend it to all of my friends who haven’t visited it yet, to do so.

Header image credit: M. Vrdoljak, TZGZ

Author: Darija Ilić