Zagreb Shopping and Districts

(Zagreb, Croatia)

Zagreb is rather losing its uniqueness when it comes to shopping, with its burgeoning supply of 'samey' malls and huge department stores. These are useful for rainy, cold days and also come with entertainment and eating, yet if you hanker for some traditional Zagreb shopping, it is best to stick with the Upper Town, where the Dolac Market resides.

While you can pick up designer clothing in Zagreb, most of this is imported and very steeply priced. Ilica is the city's principal shopping street, with trendy fashion brands standing out from the rather plain buildings. In general, the best deals can be had buying local produce, including handicrafts and textiles.

When to Shop and Where

As with eating out in Zagreb, the Lower Town is the best bet for shopping, where there are many large malls and big-name stores, along with the odd trendy boutique and antiques shop. The Upper Town has less space for large malls and is mostly about souvenir shopping and arts and crafts.

Crystal and china are popular traditional items to buy in Zagreb, while wicker-ware and pottery are also well priced. Croatian wines are becoming sought after, too, being tasty and cheap. The 'Turisticki informativni centar' on the Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica is excellent for souvenirs, while on Radiceva Street is a noted gallery.

The Kaptol Centre, near the Upper Town, has a good selection of upscale shops and also comes with several cafés and bars, plus a multiplex cinema. Further popular Zagreb shopping centres include the two Importanne Malls, which are situated near the main train station and on the Iblerov Trg.

The biggest malls in Zagreb are the King Cross at Jankomir and the aptly named City Centre Mall. These have dozens of stores that come with brand names, as well as all sorts of eateries and entertainment options. Some shopping malls open later on a Monday, although remain open relatively late all week anyway.