Finding your way around Zagreb

I first moved to Zagreb two years ago. Coming from Budapest, Lisbon and Brussels, Zagreb seemed the most small and peaceful capital in Europe. Immediately, I didn't waste time and I started discovering my way around. The language barrier was my main problem.

When I tried to find accommodation the only available popular website http://www.njuskalo.hr/ was in Croatian. I had to use Google translate and hope that the advertiser speaks good English which was the case most of the time.

As a student I had the privilege to a discounted transportation card which is only 120kn per month (Around 17 Euros), the cheapest among all the European cities I have been to.

 After settling down, my next thought was what to do?

I found three main escapes where the locals spend their weekends.

- Maksimir park

- Jarun Lake

- Sljeme

Yes it is a very green city with parks and trees everywhere.

Then there is the center of all events, which is Ban Jelačić Square. Below the famous clock in the square is a land mark for people to meet. Then they head to any of the cafe's which is all over the city center or actually on every corner of the city streets, offering drinks and a delicious selection of pastry. The only disadvantage here is that nonsmoking cafe's are not much. People are still not used to this new rule of smoking outside.

The main square witnesses many festivals, concerts and events. It is almost rare to pass by and not notice something new happening.

First thing I did was visiting the upper town which hosts the Dolac Market, a local market for vegetables, fruits, flowers and beside it you can find, meat, fish and chicken, everything needed for a fresh delicious meal and maybe a good opportunity to practice your basic Croatian.

(City center celebrating the Chinese new year)

Then walking around the upper town will lead you to Zagreb city museum, the unique museum of broken relationship and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. Don't finish your tour before climbing Lotraščak tower, I was lucky enough to reach the top and take as much photos as I can of the whole city of Zagreb.

My biggest problem in Budapest was dubbing the films. Luckily this is not happening in Zagreb unless it is a cartoon film for children. You can find the new blockbuster movies in this Cinestar cinema.

You also have alternative cinema in Kino Europa  or Tuškanac 

The expat meetups were limited to a monthly meeting in a cafe, then the International women club meetups. For me that wasn't enough, I found the city lacking English speaking activities and events compared to other capitals, so  I founded a website and started organizing events in English. We visited the flea market once, we had a photography tour in Sljeme, then another tour documenting the Christmas decoration in Arena Shopping mall and many times I organized an English speaking dish sharing event where the world gathered around one table. I still have more ideas for English speaking events so stay in touch.

I hope sharing my experience in Zagreb, provides you with the needed information to begin your life here, socialize and enjoy this peaceful, green city.

Flea Market visit

Arena Christmas decoration photography tour

 Dish Sharing event

Photo gallery