What To Buy In Zagreb, Croatia

what to buy in zagreb
Philip
Philip 
Published
| 5 min read

Croatia’s capital has much to enjoy. Famed for its impressive 18th- and 19th-century architectural delights, it is also home to stunning medieval wonders like Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church. Those who love a vibrant cafe culture will also enjoy indulging in the delights of some of the outdoor cafes. Naturally, Zagreb’s status as the biggest city in the country and its capital means you’ll also find a myriad of excellent museums and art galleries featuring famous paintings. And if you explore away from the city centre you’ll also find some pleasant parks and the water of Jarun Lake with its watersports centre. Whatever your plans though, you’ll probably want to set aside some time to spend a little of your hard-earned cash on souvenirs and mementos, not just for yourself but also your friends and loved ones. Read on to find out what to buy in Zagreb, Croatia.

1. Šestine Umbrella


These colourful traditional umbrellas would make an excellent - and practical - souvenir for you or a friend. Dating back to the 18th century, these umbrellas have become a symbol of the Šestine region from which they came. Predominantly bright red with colourful horizontal lines at the base and top of the brolly, they are a part of traditional folk costumes from this corner of Croatia. Indeed, so popular are they that you’ll undoubtedly come across many examples during your stay - they even act as sunshades at the city’s Dolac market. What’s more, if you buy one of your own, they’ll make for a real statement product the next time you step out in wet weather.

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2. Nautical bracelets from Break Time


If you’re a fan of all things nautical, then you may wish to stop off at the local branch of Break Time during your visit to the capital. This family-run business, which was set up on the Adriatic coast in Split, has since expanded to outlets in Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and one in Zagreb at Ilica 14. Its range of handmade jewellery is all inspired by the sea and nautical themes. What’s more, the pieces are water-resistant and can be custom fit. Collections range from nautical rope bracelets to ones with little mini-boat or anchor fastenings.

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3. Samobor crystal

Antique crystal bowl (9066476134)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sheila Sund used under CC BY 2.0

Croatia’s small town of Samobor is known for its impressive crystal. Artisans and glassblowers produce a wide range of crystal products featuring intricate designs and motifs. Everything from beautiful decanters to ornate bowls and even cherished heart-shaped keepsakes are among the impressive products available for purchase. The town itself lies just 23 km (14 miles) to the west of Zagreb, should you wish to head out there and see it at source, but you should also be able to find it on sale in Zagreb itself, if you’d rather save yourself the trip.

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4. Croatian lace

Lepoglavska čipka
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Suradnik13 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Croatia is famous for its lacemaking traditions. So much so, in fact, that in 2009 the country’s lacemaking history and skill was recognised by the UN as being an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” - an official designation marking its importance. A number of areas of the country are known for their fine skills - from the islands of Hvar and Pag to the town of Lepoglava. Unsurprisingly, given its cultural significance, you’ll be able to pick up some fine examples from shops in Zagreb during your stay.

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5. Wooden toys

Croatia-00671 - Toy Maker's House (9370325327)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dennis Jarvis used under CC BY-SA 2.0

And speaking of culturally significant homemade goods, parts of Croatia have also been recognised by the UN for their tradition of crafting fine children’s toys out of wood. Beautiful wooden creations have been making their way out of the town of Hrvatsko Zagorje since the 19th century and the practice and design of much of them has remained unchanged for decades. Today you can pick up everything from pipe whistles to animal-shaped toys and wooden trains and cribs. What’s more, the markets and shops of Zagreb stock a fair range of these impressive and colourful toys - making for an excellent gift for your children or those of your friends’ back home.

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6. Zovnica bag


These traditional hand-woven wool bags come in an array of sizes and layouts - often featuring bright, colourful designs that make good use of geometric patterns and shapes. Whether you want to pick up an eye-catching souvenir for a friend, or are looking to make a fashion statement the next time you step out back home, you’ll likely want to have a look at some of the products on sale in Zagreb’s shops.

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7. Rakija

Лозова Ракија од Тиквеш
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Иван Ж used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Head to any of the Balkan nations and you’ll likely stumble upon this fruit brandy. Indeed, in Croatia, it is the nation’s most popular spirit. The herbal variety - Travarica - is a popular option with meals, where it is usually consumed at the start of dining. Naturally, the popularity of the drink and the versatile choice of ingredients means there are an array of different varieties available, from Hvar’s version, which is mixed with Myrtus, to Dubrovnik’s and its addition of anise. Homemade versions are also popular with the nation’s residents. Of course, you won’t have time to make your own, but you’ll be sure to find plenty of different rakija varieties on sale in Zagreb.

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8. A miniature replica of an Istrian kazun

Kazun Vodnjan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Litany used under CC BY 3.0

A kazun, which literally translate as ‘little house’, will be a familiar sight to travellers in Croatia. These traditional round dry-stone buildings - complete with conical stone roofs - have been used for centuries by shepherds as shelters in more remote fields. Closely associated with the Istrian peninsula, where they are more numerous - indeed, there are over 3000 in the area around Vodnjan alone - they have become a symbol of the countryside. Little wonder then that miniature versions are a popular souvenir among visitors to Croatia, eager to take a little symbol of the nation home with them.

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9. Sopile

Sopile
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Croq used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’ve musical talent, or simply seek a memorable souvenir, then you may wish to give a sopile a go. These traditional woodwind instruments date back all the way to antiquity and are closely linked to Croatia. Several of the regions, from Istria, where it originated, to Vinodol, have associations with the instrument, which is similar to an oboe. What’s more there are large and small varieties, which are intended to be played together, but give you added options when seeking to pick up your own sopile from one of Zagreb’s shops.

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10. Licitar Heart

Licitars2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Seanpu1 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Those with a sweet tooth or looking to make a romantic gesture will be unable to resist picking up the last entry on this list. Licitars are a cultural symbol of Croatia and are perhaps most closely linked to Zagreb where thousands often adorn the city’s main Christmas tree over the festive season. These brightly-decorated biscuits are produced using honey dough and are often presented to others at weddings or other romantic occasions, making them a great gift for the one you love. What’s more, they have been given as gifts for at least the past 500 years, making them an indelible part of the country’s culture - so much so, in fact, that you’ll be able to find them on sale everywhere from airports to gift shops. Why not pick up a couple - one to eat and another to keep to admire its ornamentation.

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Take a piece of Zagreb home

From ornamental tokens of affection to colourful attire, and from culturally-important fine lace to tasty brandies - there are a whole host of great things to buy during your visit to Zagreb. All you’ve got to do now is decide what you want to purchase.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Philip, a writer and photographer situated in the heart of the picturesque Scottish Highlands, is a seasoned professional journalist with a rich portfolio of contributions to various newspapers,...Read more

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