Here in this Zagreb Gay Travel Guide, we will try to convince you to visit magnificent Croatia’s capital. Furthermore, we will try to show you what to see and where to go as a gay traveler.
Zagreb Gothic Cathedral©@istock.com/Dreamer4787
A few facts about Zagreb
It is Croatia’s largest city and the only metropolitan area of more than one million people. Secondly, Zagreb has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. However, the last 100 years have been the most turbulent, with World War 2 and the Croatian War of Independence bringing the conflict to the city.
Nowadays, Zagreb is a bustling metropolis and cultural hub with a vibrant cafe culture, exciting museums, excellent shopping opportunities, and architecture reflecting its medieval and communist past.
Party in the Taboo club © @timeout.com
Gay Scene in Zagreb
Despite considerable progress in recent years, Croatia is known for its socially conservative culture. So, we recommend you avoid overt displays of affection in public. Zagreb has a small gay scene, which is more low-key than cities like Berlin and Madrid. There is no designated gay district, but most venues are conveniently located within walking distance of each other.
Gay Bars and Clubs
HotSpot
As the only dedicatedly queer venue in the city center, Hotpot is a significant meeting point for the city’s gay and lesbian communities. This compact-sized club…
Pink Flamingo Bar
There’s a simple gay pub where you can have some drinks and nibbles, watch silly music videos, and mingle with other queer individuals. It’s a popular spot in Zagreb, which is great if you’re looking to meet some local queer people. Plus, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Gay Saunas
The only still operating gay sauna is Sauna Centar; the former Sauna Mobilus has opened again at a new site.
Modern gay sauna in Zagreb in a lovely landscaped space.
Features a Finnish sauna, showers, cruising area, private cabins, and bar.
Ban Jelačić Square
© @istock.com/joyt
Getting to Zagreb
By Air
Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is the largest airport in Croatia and with excellent connections to most of Europe. Furthermore, it even offers a few flights to the Middle East and seasonal service to Toronto.
A shuttle bus from the airport takes you to the central bus station. Journey time is around the 30-minute mark, and the arrival of each scheduled flight organizes services.
The taxi journey into central Zagreb takes around 30 minutes.
By Rail
Zagreb train station has connections throughout the Balkans and Central Europe.
Getting around Zagreb
On Foot
Zagreb is a compact city; you shouldn’t have problems walking around. More importantly, it’s also a better way to feel the town and take in the sights.
By Tram and Bus
The city has an excellent public transport network with 15 tram lines. Full service is from 4 am to midnight; a night service is on four lines.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available, but be wary of unregistered cabs. More importantly, taxis outside the bus and train stations are often more expensive. So, walking a bit before flagging one may be worthwhile.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
While Zagreb has many gay-friendly accommodations, we have selected just three because they offer excellent facilities and friendly owners. Most importantly, you can book a room for an affordable price. They provide great value.
Situated in the heart of Zagreb, Hotel Jadran offers easy and quick access to all the sights and attractions of the city center.
Jarun Studios offer well-appointed accommodation in a relaxing ambiance, a great choice for budget-minded travellers!
The host has committed to follow the COVID-19 cleaning protocol issued by misterb&b to offer travelers the greatest level of safety.
Things to See & Do
- Museum of Broken Relationships – don’t let the name put you off; this is a surprisingly poignant and unique museum filled with artifacts that symbolize failed relationships.
- St. Mark’s Square is in the old part of the town, called Gradec or Gornji grad (English: Upper town). St. Mark’s Church is located in the center of the square. There are also critical governmental buildings: Banski dvori (the Government of Croatia), Croatian Parliament (Croatian: Hrvatski Sabor), and the Constitutional Court of Croatia. Until 2020, the square was also the site of the inaugurations of Croatia’s presidents.
- Ban Jelačić Square – Zagreb’s main square and bustling hub of life. Perfect for people-watching.
- Zagreb Cathedral, on the Kaptol, is a Roman Catholic cathedral. It is the second tallest building in Croatia and the most monumental sacral gothic building southeast of the Alps.
Grade: This was the secular part of Zagreb’s medieval core, populated by artisans and merchants. Today, it’s a quaint old district, ideal for walks as the pedestrian cobblestone streets. - Zagreb City Museum – established in 1907- documents and charts Zagreb’s turbulent past.
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
©@istock.com/iascic
St. Mark’s Church
© @istock.com/majaiva
King Tomislav Square on Christmas
© by D. Rostuhar
What and where to eat in Zagreb
While plenty of good restaurants can be found in the city, there isn’t enough space to dedicate this article to name the entire collection. More importantly, for Croatia first-timers, we will select a few who offer regional cuisine or good old Balkan pljeskavica or čevapčiči.
If you are a fan of traditional and regional cuisine, this place is a must on your list. What’s even more impressive, that it is a very cheap place to dine.
If you are a fan of traditional and regional cuisine, this place is a must on your list. What’s even more impressive, that it is a very cheap place to dine.
If you are a fan pljeskavica, čevapčiči or lepinja, you have to come here to taste it. Simply, delicious!
Zagreb Travel Guide Organised Tours
Varaždin is particularly remarkable for its monumental and artistic heritage. In addition, you will get to see one of the most charming castles in the region.
Avoid the limiting itinerary of a walking-only excursion and explore beyond the city center on a comprehensive tour that includes outlying sights such as Mirogoj Cemetery and Jarun Lake.
Board and disembark at any of the conveniently located stops along the way, exploring at your own pace with unlimited use of the service for 24 hours.
The Conclusion of this Zagreb Gay Travel Guide
While the gay scene may not be as present as in other European capitals like Madrid or Berlin, Zagreb still offers something unique. More importantly, it offers something for everyone. Therefore, we encourage you to visit this beautiful city. If not in the summer, see it in December to experience one of Europe’s most magnificent Christmas markets.
So, now it is your turn. Have you ever been to Zagreb? And if so, what did you like the most?
Read also
References and sources:
Photo credits:
Featured photo credits: GETTY IMAGES