Some would say that it's not the big institutions that define a city so much as the neighbourhood social hubs.
Caffe Bar Crni Mačak
You’ll find a little bit of everything at Crni Mačak (“Black Cat”), from excellent coffee to interactive theatre and everything in between. Everything the cafe does is in tune with the local community, and the schedule of events is one of the most varied in town. Look out for the frequent quizzes, or simply rock up for a hot cup of coffee and a board game of your choosing. Mesnička 12
Super Klet
Super Klet is a studio gallery that hosts everything from exhibitions to concerts via workshops, flea markets, fairs, and even small festivals, as well as film screenings and a broad range of promotions. In short, it is a place to celebrate and showcase creativity in all its forms, with the works of young artists getting special attention. Ilica 73.
Chez Marie
While we don’t want to overdo the alliteration, the best word to describe this charming ceramic cafe is “cosy.” The premise is simple: choose yourself a ceramic piece, pick up your paints, and get to work painting the thing, but there is more to the experience than that. Chez Marie is a place to enjoy quiet socialising while letting your creative juices fly, with plenty of drinks and snacks available throughout. Maksimirska 31
Analogni Zvuk
The 21st century might be a digital world, but write off the magic of analogue at your peril. True music lovers already know that you can’t beat the sound of a good vinyl record, and there are plenty of those stacking the boxes at this excellent record shop. The shop was the brainchild of Toni and Tatjana, two music lovers on a mission to bring life back to sound, and the results are plain to see. Nip in, pick up a record or two and enjoy some delightful conversation as you do. Dubrava 31
Živi atelje - Gong Fu Tea Ceremony
The name literally means “making tea with skill,” although you don’t need to worry about technique and ability here. It is all about the atmosphere and the immense humanity that springs forth, and there are few experiences in Zagreb more in tune with peace, harmony, and curiosity. You’ll learn plenty here, but you’ll also experience a truly open atmosphere that transcends international cultures and boundaries. The Wandering Art Tea Academy gatherings take place weekly. Ilica 110
Urania
This exciting new space is a former cinema repurposed by internationally renownedCroatian architects Studio 3LD, as their new studio retaining a public and community function. The wonderfully restored space is a venue bringing to life the architects’ ethos of cooperation across creative disciplines and cultures. Public events include concerts and film screenings, theatre and dance performances, readings and book promotions on subjects as diverse as gender, ecology and, of course, architecture. Kvaternikov trg 3
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. Marulićev trg 6
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