Tired of your repeated visits to high-street fashion brand stores and gourmet shops? Of course you're not. However, it doesn't hurt to step out of one's comfort zone and check out what else is out there - you might end up with unique, creative, and locally made products you'll be proud to give as presents, but will also probably get a piece or two for yourself. Here's a list of five places where you can both shop and enjoy the all-around vibe:
1) Pločnik
(Image source: Pločnik Facebook)
Pločnik is a multi-functional space dedicated to music on multiple levels, both literally and metaphorically: there's a club in the basement, a bar on the ground floor and a record store on the first floor. The place was founded with a wish to "bring the festival spirit into the city", and provide people with an alternative living room where one can hang out all day, eat, drink, listen to records and enjoy the fantastic interior design. Check it out, buy some records, then stay for a night out. Follow their Facebook page for event updates!
Međimurska ulica 21
Opening hours: 9 AM – 2 AM daily
2) Croatian Design Superstore
(Image source: CDSS Facebook)
Located in the vibrant Martićeva street, CDSS has become the core of design culture in Zagreb since its opening in 2014. The shop presents a wide range of products created by Croatian designers and offers a unique opportunity to get one-of-a-kind souvenirs instead of tacky magnets and cups. A visit to CDSS is a first-class visual delight, as the store is painted bright red and all featured items are extremely aesthetically pleasing. The place includes a small bistro where you can get brunch, cocktails, or just a cup of coffee to perk up after a long shopping spree.
Martićeva 4
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 9 AM – 9 PM
3) Jasmina i lutkice
(Image source: Jasmina i lutkice Facebook)
Jasmina i Lutkice (Jasmina and the dolls) boasts one of the most charming window displays you'll come across in Zagreb. Costume designer by trade, the owner Jasmina Kosanović started making dolls after a stint of organising art workshops in Dubrava; the hobby turned into a passion, the passion turned into a business. Jasmina's dolls nowadays reside in a shop that resembles a fairy tale house, and it's hard not to be taken by the eccentric characters like foxes, mice, bunnies, and lovely ballerinas. Get a couple of dolls as presents, keep them for yourself.
Petrinjska 40
4) Museum of Broken Relationships / shop
(Image source: Museum of Broken Relationships Facebook)
If you've been to Zagreb in recent years, you've probably seen this original exhibition. (If you haven't, go at once.) The collection is composed of donated items once belonging to people who used to hold onto them as keepsakes after they had broken up with their partners. "Out with the old, in with the new" obviously applies to a lot of areas in life, and it's fascinating to walk around seemingly random objects and know they are emotionally charged to a degree that's hard to fathom. Fortunately, the adjoining museum shop doesn't sell anyone's emotional baggage, but instead offers a selection of everyday items that serve as clever jokes: a bookmark reads "turn over a new leaf", a small pot says "I want to share it with you.... not!" As you look around, you'll probably smile a lot. Great for souvenirs, presents and passive-aggressive messages to those who need them.
You can browse the museum shop on location, and you'll also find a webshop here.
Ćirilometodska 2
Opening hours: 9 AM – 10.30 PM daily
5) ROBA
(Image source: ROBA Facebook)
ROBA is a Zagreb-based fashion label that was founded in 2007 by Branka Šćepanović and Maja Šimunović, the latter leaving the brand in 2010. As many other designers out there, they started out by making clothes they wanted to wear but couldn't find on the market, ending up with a great set of designs that are edgy but wearable. Most items work as statement pieces, and even though the collections vary in style, the pieces are usually asymmetrical and monochrome. ROBA was named one of three "need to know Croatian fashion designers" by Forbes – drop by their shop and find out why.
Preradovićeva 34
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM, Sat 10 AM – 3 PM
