What’s that we see? Is that the sun poking over the horizon? Scratch that; that’s the sun blazing in the sky, ready to shower the city in sunshine for the next few months. The best time of year? Yeah, we aren’t going to disagree. The best part? The many terraces of the cafes and bars begin to fill up, and the joys of enjoying a cup of coffee with the sun on your face make everything wonderful once again. There are plenty of terraces around Zagreb where people go to be seen, but we’re partial to something a little more intimate here at In Your Pocket. We’ve rounded up some of the best cafe and bar terraces in the city for your enjoyment, perfect for watching the world go by in a gorgeous environment with a cup of the good stuff in your hand.
Kinoteka
As the name suggests, this popular bar has its roots in Zagreb’s movie-going past and present. The bar has a gorgeous setting behind the Church of St Blaise, and its terrace is one of the most intimate spots in the city, a delightful place where shade can always be found, and the coffee is as good as it gets. There are also plenty of delicious wines available, making this the perfect spot for a crisp glass of white and a good book. Kordunska 1
Pri Nami
A proper “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of place, Pri Nami might just be Zagreb’s most magnificent secret spot. Wander up (or down) the Zakmardi stairs and stop at the large metal door, behind which lies a charming courtyard and a secret escape from the hustle and bustle of the summer city. Its name comes from a colloquial way of saying “at our place,” and that homely atmosphere permeates through every glass of beer, wine, or cup of coffee. It doesn’t matter what you drink here, because the ambience ramps up the enjoyment a notch or three. There is also the occasional live music evening or cultural event. Pri Nami is the sort of place that makes Zagreb so special.Mirna Koliba
A location in Maksimir Park gives you a good idea of the lush surroundings you can expect at Mirna Koliba. The name loosely translates to “peaceful cabin,” and you’ll find no shortage of serenity here, with gorgeous lake views to go with coffee, tea, squeezed juices and a small selection of beer and wine options for adults. Truth be told, you’re coming here for the tranquillity, not the booze, so drink it in and embrace peace.Figa Garden
You can’t beat a stylish bar hidden down a small alley, so it shouldn’t be a shock to hear that we are big fans of Figa Garden. Located on Gundulićeva, this hidden gem is a joyous option no matter what time of the day you find yourself here. The terrace of Figa Garden is pretty much the dictionary definition of peace, and a well-rounded selection of hot and cold drinks will keep the conversation flowing from hello to goodbye.Lemon Market
Wait, cocktails and doughnuts? Has a better combination ever been offered in the history of humanity? We’re not sure, but we’re more than willing to indulge in the duo, especially if it means we can do so in a place as stylish as Lemon Market. The bar is plenty sophisticated, but the real delights wait out on the terrace, a shaded spot tailor-made for clinking glasses and living your best life. A prime position opposite the Vatroslav Lisinski Hall certainly doesn’t hurt. Orljavička 3https://www.facebook.com/lemonmarketzg
NPU Cafe
NPU Cafe initially made its name with a wave of popularity on Instagram, but don’t hold that against the place. This is a cafe that focuses on doing things right, from the origin of its delicious coffee to the charming views enjoyed from its outdoor seating. The views of Sljeme Mountain are gorgeous, proving once again that a good view can enhance any cafe-going experience. The interior is plenty beautiful, and we’ll never tire of those pastel-coloured coffee cups. The name stands for “Non Plus Ultra,” and yeah, it probably doesn’t get any better than this.Palainovka
Situated on Ilirski trg, this is ideally placed to act as starting point, or finishing point, for those eager to explore the area outside the old walls of Zagreb. Around the corner you'll find a path leading onto Dubravkin put, which in turn takes you up a beautiful walk to the woods at the back of Ksaverska. If you're ending here, you'll be happy to know that you'll get your croissants or krafne on top of your tea and coffee. Comfy seats, great music policy, and an even better selection of beer.A most unusual garden
Enter a garden, not just any garden, a garden filled with decoration and as you begin to hear the chimes and rhythm, you’ll stumble across a tree house turn café. This architectural masterpiece is decked out in a lush bohemian style, fancy yet rustic. Hot'n'cold beverages are available all day round and you can choose to chill sky high or down to earth, if you know what we mean.
Bacchus Jazz Bar
Arrive early for a table close to the stage in the vaulted grotto, but the music is still audible if you're seated out in the courtyard on a step or stone wall, in an alcove or niche, or under a fig tree. The solitary can read one of the books from the shelves under the bar.Botaničar
Perhaps oddly located in one sense, but perfectly in another, Botaničar is a mix of art gallery, café, culture venue, situated only a few minutes from the Botanical Garden. This part of the city seems to attract ‘underground’ venues, and it’s easy to see why. Here you will find book launches, poetry nights and, more importantly, somewhere peaceful to enjoy your tea or coffee.Jolie Petit Pattiserie
What are we to do when cakes look this good? Take a picture first, of course, but don’t let the aesthetic awesomeness of the work at Jolie Petite Patisserie put you off from devouring these creations. Expertly made and meticulously designed, these are cakes from the heavens. Do they make cake in heaven? We’ll be very disappointed if they don’t. If you need a special cake made, look no further, although feel free to nip in for a bite, whatever your desire.
Hub Cooltura Pub
Hub Cooltura Pub might be considered ‘normal’ or it might be considered ‘different’. It looks like you’d expect a café or pub to look like… a combination of rustic, local styles, and it looks radically different at the same time, integrating more industrial motifs and imagery. Think a mix of steampunk and Doctor Who. All in all it’s relaxing, and welcoming. If you think this type of different is your thing, then you must try this place at least once. The nearest tram stop north of the pub is Olibska, the 2, 3, and 13 use this line, while you’ve also access via the 6, 7 and 8 lines to the southwest. That’s nearly half of all trams in Zagreb! The universe is telling you something!
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