Zagreb’s Captivating Cafe Culture
Coffee runs in Zagreb’s veins and is an integral part of the city’s social fabric. While it’s not prominently out there among the world’s great coffee destinations, the unassuming capital city has a vibrant scene that handsomely rewards cafephiles. But unlike many coffee capitals around the world, Zagreb’s coffee culture isn’t a modern phenomenon, but something that’s been brewing throughout its history. Today, coffee explorers visiting the city will find the comfort of the familiar with a touch of uniqueness in the many cafes sprinkled generously throughout the cityscape.
Here is a selection of unique cafes that you simply cannot miss in the city.
Botanicar
Mere steps away from the city’s lovely botanical garden, this cafe will make you feel like the greenery decided to tag along for a cuppa. Potted plants and delicate vines spring from every corner at Botanicar, lending it a refreshing vibe. The gray scheme accentuates the greenery, while the furnishings evoke an artist studio. The cafe also doubles up as an art gallery on regular occasions and offers coffee from local roasteries as well as a selection of craft beer and wines. The menu is drink-only, but you can indulge in some delicious fast food near the city center once you’ve had your caffeine fix.
Booksa
If the name isn’t enough of a hint, the packed bookshelves prominently visible through the glass facade make the cafe’s literary leanings clear. Booksa is run by the eponymous literary club in the city and is a hive for the creatives in general and bibliophiles in particular. A modest membership fee is all it takes to gain access to their expansive selection that’s heavy on Croatian authors, but has a good number of English titles as well. Cozy interiors and a fine selection of coffees and teas make it a perfect destination to settle down with a book on lazy afternoons.
Cogito Coffee
Beginning as a roastery, the Zagreb-born Cogito is the place to be if you take your cuppa more seriously than the average joe. A favorite with connoisseurs, they source their beans ethically from some of the world’s best coffee-growing regions. While their main location near the roastery sees a constant buzz of locals as well as visitors taking in the city center’s vibe with their brew, a nearly secluded second location close by on Varsavska will allow you to truly relish your coffee in peace.
Cat Caffe
Croatia’s affinity for felines is well-known, so it’s no surprise that the global phenomenon of cat cafes has touched the capital city as well. Cat Caffe, born in 2017 is the country’s first, offering the delightful experience of observing the dozen or so fascinating residents go about their business, as you sip on your brew. The cat-themed décor and interiors are delightfully quirky and they also offer some cute merchandise. And if you can’t get enough of them, you can check out their big cousins at the zoo nearby. Timings vary, so enquire in advance about Zagreb Zoo ticket price, timings and other details before you visit.
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