Experience in Zagreb, Croatia by Ivona

What is it like to live in Zagreb? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Zagreb is consists out of the upper old town which is usually visited by the tourists while the lower old town is the most frequent area during the day. The centre has a lot of shops, cafes, parks.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Zagreb?

The students have to be present in class due to Bologna educational system, but between the classes they usually hang out and drink coffee (for hours) or beer. Most of the students eat in the cafeteria (menus are relatively cheap and there are several cafeterias scattered around the city). Thursday night is regulary a party night, but it can extend to Saturday.

How much does it cost to live in Zagreb?

• Coffee in the centre costs around 1, 50 euro, outside the centre it can be found from 1 euro.
• Beers and sodas in bars from 1, 50 euros.
• Bread, milk from 1 euro.
• Tuna can 1, 50 euro.
• Chocolate 100g 1, 20 euro.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Zagreb? Is there any advice you can give?

There is always a lot of ads online on web-pages:

• oglasnik
• njuskalo

Be aware that the prices are for the whole apartment, not per person! And you should always ask if the utilities are included, but usually they are not and you pay the amount that you spent. Sometimes the deposit is required. Here the prices are in HRK and EUR. Always check that 3-room apartment includes 3 beedrooms, because sometimes it means 2 bedrooms and a living room. Here you can directly contact the advertiser by sending and e-mail or there is usually a mobile number.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

• Northern Croatia: Eingemahtec, Štrukli, Turkey with "mlinci", Strudels, "Orahnjača and Makovnjača", Stews, Potato polenta, špek, tenka gibanica, fresh cow cheese with sour cream (this could be bought on a market Dolac), kremšnita.
• Southern Croatia: Arambašići, Pašticada, Octopus salad, grilled fish ("na gradele"), fritule.
• Eastern Croatia: paprikaš, čvarci.
• Eastern influence: burek and ćevapi, but adored in Croatia.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Zagreb?

Museum of Broken relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza - you can find it on google maps), you can stroll around the centre (St. Marko's church, Museum of Natural History, Cathedral, Dolac open market with the specific Šestine umbrella - you can buy suveniers here; funicular that leads from main Ilica street to the upper old town), Zrinjevac park, Zoo in Maksimir, Britanski trg (on sundays there is an antique market). A bit from the centre you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art which is in the vicinity of the Bundek lake, or you can go to Medvednica moutain and visit the Medvedgrad fort or cave Veternica.

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If you have the time to travel a bit outside of Zagreb - you can go to Krapina for the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, or to Varaždin or Samobor (Samobor is famous for it's kremšnita cake which should be eaten warm). And of course visit Plitvice lakes, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik if you have the time and money.

Is it good to eat out in Zagreb? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Usually students eat in cafeteria or homemade food. Eating out is only when you're hungry: McDonalds, bakeries. We do not usually eat in restaurants.

Is the nightlife good in Zagreb? Where is good to go?

Not perfect. You choose the club depending on your music preference. "Sax" plays live music.

What advice would you give future students heading to Zagreb?

Eat the local food, visit local Pivnica's, party with other students, travel (use the discounts) and learn something if you have the time!