Following a scorching summer, Zagreb has finally succumbed to the autumn and it’s time to start thinking about ways to explore the city while keeping warm. From literary sanctuaries to cat cafés and jazz-infused bars, Zagreb offers a range of inviting venues to cosy up and unwind.
Booksa
This literary club/cafe is an ideal spot for those looking to slow down the pace of a visit to the centre. Alongside its scenic outdoor terrace and homely atmosphere inside, Booksa also hosts lectures, discussions, readings and more from heavy hitters in the local literary world and beyond. Get more information here. Martićeva ulica 14D. Open Tue-Fri noon-5.30pm, Sat 10am-3pm.
Cat Caffe
With an extensive drinks menu - from teas and coffee to cocktails - this inviting café is an obvious choice for cat lovers. Over 15 feline friends call it home, all of whom you can get to know on their website. Come with friends and play a board game from the café’s huge collection, or bring some headphones and a good book – either way, the living-room atmosphere and cast of curious kittens make this a perfect spot to escape the cold. Dragojla Kušlana 6. Open Mon-Thur 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm
K&K Milčec
Founded by famous Zagreb journalist Zvonimir Milčec, this café is just a minute’s walk from Trg Bana Jelačića, Zagreb’s main square. Given its central location, it’s surprising just how relaxed and intimate this two-floored café feels. Perfect for those wanting to take a quick break without straying from the heart of the capital, K&K Milčec is as snug as it gets. For more information, explore the café's Facebook page. Jurišićeva ulica 5. Open Mon-Thur 7.30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7.30am-midnight
Bacchus Jazz Bar
On the livelier side of ‘cosy’, this popular bar is a stone’s throw away from Zagreb central train station. The city scarcely offers any competition for its beautiful tree-shrouded and stone-floored terrace, and its partially underground interior is unique for playing exclusively jazz music. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live performance while settling down for some drinks with friends. Find more information about this much-loved spot here. Trg Kralja Tomislava 16. Open Mon-Thur 10am-midnight. Fri 9am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 5pm-midnight.
Old Pharmacy Pub
Styled after classic old English pubs, Old Pharmacy is an excellent refuge from the autumn evening chill. With plenty of comfortable seating, warm lighting and a great selection of drinks, this pub in the wider centre of the city is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Ulica Andrije Hebranga 11. Open Mon-Thur 8am-midnight, Fri 8am-2am, Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 4pm-midnight.