Zagreb

Our introduction to Croatia was through Zagreb, a city located far from the Adriatic coast (Croatia’s real attraction to us). But all roads and train tracks in Croatia lead to or from Zagreb, and so we were forced to go through the city a few times – and thankfully we were!

Zagreb’s streets

Zagreb’s main square

Although Zagreb lacks the spectacular “must see” attractions of some other European cities, it has a great lively vibe that made it a fun place to spend a night or two. It is small enough to make walking easy; large enough to have numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, squares, and public transit options; and home to a socializing culture that brings people out into the streets and cafes and made strolls down the main avenues exciting. Just watch out for the drivers – we found they were the most aggressive in Europe, barely slowing down if you were in their way!

We started off with some great food at a home style restaurant that was so down-home the restaurant was just us and what appeared to us to be mobsters.

Jami + mobsters

But the food was great!

We strolled around the hills, which appeared to be where most of the nightlife was, and found the great Radiceva Street, a wide pedestrian only street lined with outdoor bars, each filled with customers. We had a great time just watching the action before joining the locals at the American music-filled “History” bar.

Radiceva Street

The daytime in Zagreb was just as lively – Radiceva Street’s bars turned into cafes, which were filled with older customers having what appeared to be the standard

Zagreb breakfast – cigarettes and a cappuccino (no joke, out of hundreds, we were the only people we saw having food for breakfast). The squares were still alive with markets and people. We even came across a high heel race.

The contestants

The finish

As we left Zagreb after a much better time than expected, we happened across a Slavic festival which different local companies selling their traditional goods – it was Jami’s first taste of the local brandy. After that shot, I don’t think she’ll be having much more of it!

Yum?

Jami with her stuff – heading out of Zagreb