Croatia has long been known as one of the best party spots in all Europe, and the capital Zagreb is no exception. While it may not have beautiful beaches and epic festivals, the Zagreb nightlife scene is still not to be missed.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best areas in Zagreb for partying as well as the best nightclubs and bars that must be on your list. Zagreb is one of the cheaper party destinations in Europe, so you can splurge, and have a good time without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking to go on a pub crawl or do it yourself, you’ll find everything you need to know here.
Where to Party in Zagreb
Tkalčićeva Street is one of the most popular streets for nightlife in Zagreb and is lined with bars, clubs, and cafes. It’s a great place to start your night and is known for its lively atmosphere and great drinks.
The central square, or Trg Josipa Jelacica, is where the night tends to kick off from. The square comes alive with the sounds of street artists and musicians performing on summer evenings, making it a popular gathering spot for those looking for a relaxed evening out. The bars here tend to close around midnight, so plan accordingly if you’re looking for a late-night party.
Jarun Lake area is located just a few minutes outside of the city center and is a popular spot for those looking to party. The lake is surrounded by open-air clubs, bars, and restaurants, and is a great place to enjoy an epic night out in the Croatian capital.
Opatovina street is where you want to go if you’re into craft beer, of which Zagreb has become one of the best spots in Eastern Europe for the growing craft beer scene.
Radićeva Street – This street is located in the city center and is known for its variety of bars and clubs. It’s a popular spot for those looking for a more low-key night out and is a great place to enjoy a drink and listen to live music.
How Expensive is it to Party in Zagreb
The cost of partying in Zagreb can vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of venue you choose, the drinks you order, and the time of year you visit. Zagreb is definitely cheaper than most major cities in Europe (especially Western). On average, you can expect to pay the following to enjoy the Zagreb nightlife scene:
Cover charge: $3-$10 USD
Bottle of beer: $2-$5 USD
Cocktail: $3-$10 USD
Bottle service: $50 – $150 USD
Zagreb Nightlife & Safety Tips
The nightlife scene in Zagreb is most active between the months of September and June, then gets relatively quiet as most people go to the islands on the coast to party in the warm weather.
Dress to impress – Zagreb is a stylish city, and many of its bars and clubs have a dress code, so make sure to dress nicely.
Start early – The Zagreb nightlife scene gets going early, so if you want to experience all that the city has to offer, make sure to start your night early.
Best Bars in Zagreb
Swanky Monkey Garden
Located on a beautiful terrace/garden at the back of the popular Swanky Monkey hostel, this quaint and beautiful bar and restaurant is frequented by both locals and hostel guests, making it an excellent spot to meet others.
Bulldog Zagreb
Bulldog is a bustling bar located in the heart of Zagreb. It’s a popular spot among locals, especially during the summer when the crowds spill out onto the streets. The bar offers a range of craft beers, wines and fancy cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a drink with friends. Additionally, Bulldog has a concert hall downstairs where you can enjoy live music such as rock, jazz and blues.
Vinodol
Vinodol is located in the city center and is known for its cozy atmosphere and great drinks. The bar offers a large selection of wines and beers, as well as a variety of other drinks, and is a popular spot for those looking for a more low-key night out.
Valhalla Beer Bar
If you’re a craft beer aficionado then you’ve come to the right place. Valhalla Beer Bar, located on the happening Opatovina street evokes certain goth/metal vibes but don’t let that deter you to enjoy perhaps the best craft beer selection you’ll find in Eastern Europe.
Tuškanac Summer Stage
Tuškanac is located just outside of the city center and is known for its lively atmosphere and great drinks. The bar offers a large selection of beers and cocktails, as well as live music and other entertainment, and is a popular spot for those looking to party.
Bacchus Jazz Bar
Bacchus is a quaint and charming jazz bar near Zagreb’s main square. With a vintage feel of antiques and vinyl records, it offers a nostalgic atmosphere and live jazz performances in winter. Summer brings a quaint garden terrace for guests. A popular spot for catching up with friends and enjoying music, Bacchus is almost always full.
The Garden Brewery
Another must-visit for craft beer lovers, housed in a transformed warehouse space in Zagreb’s industrial east area, this factory is a charming venue that’s perfect for after-work drinks and all-night parties. With plenty of seating and a sprawling garden complete with picnic tables, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing IPA on a warm summer day.
As a leader in Zagreb’s emerging craft beer scene, The Garden Brewery also doubles as a sought-after late-night spot, attracting international DJs, and local talent. With parties thrown every weekend, make sure to head there on Saturdays for DJ-led club nights and an unforgettable experience.
Bornstein
Bornstein is a renowned wine bar in Zagreb, offering a wide range of Croatian wines in a cozy cellar setting. The passionate and knowledgeable staff leads enlightening wine tastings and is always on hand to share their wine expertise. A destination for wine lovers, this rustic bar attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to taste the finest wines and enjoy delicious snacks.
Best Nightclubs in Zagreb
Spunk
The unique coffee-break bar and alternative music venue called Spunk, located beneath the National University Library (NSK), transforms from a popular hangout for students during the day to a lively bar for boho crowds at night.
The bar serves as a stage for indie and cover bands, who play in the corner of the room, while DJs keep the crowds dancing on weekends with their garage-rock tunes. With its eclectic atmosphere and artistic flair, this bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for a truly unique Zagreb nightlife experience.
The Best
Living up to its name, this may be the best nightclub in the city, if not then certainly the most popular. Located just outside of the city center, it’s known for its lively atmosphere and great music. The club offers a variety of music genres, including house, techno, and hip-hop, and is a popular spot for those looking to party.
Aquarius
Aquarius is one of the largest and most popular nightclubs in Zagreb, known for its lively atmosphere and top-notch entertainment. From live music to DJ sets, there’s always something happening at Aquarius.
Johann Franck
Johann Franck is a sophisticated café that’s located in a prime central spot. During the day, it’s a refined spot to relax and enjoy a coffee, but as the night falls, it transforms into an elegant three-story disco. On weekends, the club is packed with partygoers, all looking to dance the night away to the best music curated by the resident DJs.
If you’re looking to experience the Zagreb nightlife scene to the fullest and meet some friendly Croatian women, Johann Franck is the place to be.
Gallery Club
Situated on Lake Jarun, Gallery is a club that exudes elegance and sophistication. With a track record of hosting world-renowned DJs, this club is a destination for those seeking a chic and stylish night out. The interior is funky and fashionable, with soft lighting, glamorous dance floors, and stunning chandeliers adding to the club’s allure.
The club is known for its lively themed parties and Friday nights dedicated to hip hop and R’n’B, while Saturday is all about house music. This place is not to be missed if you’re looking for the best Zagreb nightlife.
Club Roko
For two decades, Club Roko, located on the Sava River has been the hub of entertainment in Zagreb, attracting the most famous and successful musicians in the region for concerts and university-themed parties that draw in young people from all over the city.
Tvornica Kulture
Tvornica Kulture is a must-visit spot in Zagreb for a lively music and entertainment experience. It’s a spacious club with three rooms regularly hosting concerts and club nights with DJs. A youthful crowd frequents this venue for its electrifying nightlife and concerts by both local and international artists. Meaning “Factory of Culture,” Tvornica Kulture is a go-to destination for a true taste of Zagreb’s bustling nightlife.
Funk Club
The Funk Club may look like a typical café-bar during the day, but it transforms into a lively hot spot at night. The thumping beats can be heard coming from the basement, where a spiral staircase leads you to a small, unadorned room with stone-vaulted ceilings.
Here, DJs bust out music ranging from house to jazz to EDM, and the dance-happy crowd grooves to the beat from Tuesday through Saturday. If you’re looking for a night of non-stop dancing and upbeat energy, the Funk Club is the place to be.
Zagreb Pubcrawl
If you’re looking to do a pub crawl and join other partying travelers Zagreb has 2 different pub crawl options to choose from, the Walking Pub Crawl and the Zagreb Bar Crawl.
Zagreb Walking Pub Crawl
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Zagreb and embark on an unforgettable pub crawl filled with excitement and camaraderie. This thrilling 4-hour experience promises a night of fun and adventure as you immerse yourself in the city’s most famous bars and pubs.
Gather with party enthusiasts from all over the world and partake in thrilling drinking games like beer pong, where winners are awarded the coveted trophy. Your evening begins with a warm welcome shot and an opportunity to learn how to toast in Croatian.
As the night progresses, engage in various challenges, including drinking your beer upside down and engaging in a lively limbo dance. To add a touch of excitement, a special Zagreb scavenger hunt awaits, guiding you through the area’s hidden gems.
With an energetic party guide leading the way, skip the lines and enjoy a seamless experience at each venue. Relish in the lively atmosphere, make new friends, and revel in Zagreb’s vibrant nightlife.
Experience Zagreb’s ultimate Pub Crawl: 3 bars, 1 club, and non-stop fun with party people. Take on exciting challenges with rewards, enjoy 4 shots of rakija, and get free entrances. Let local guides spice up your night out. Join us at the main square next to the statue at 8:45 pm. Unforgettable memories await! Not suitable for children under 18 years.
Zagreb Bar Crawl, Rakija, Beer or Wine tasting & Party
Experience the ultimate Zagreb Pub Crawl, where the fun never ends and memories are made! This thrilling 4.5-hour adventure takes you to three fantastic bars and one exciting club, where you’ll revel in the company of like-minded party people.
Get ready to unleash your competitive spirit as you take on crazy challenges with tempting rewards for the winners. The night begins at the main square next to the statue at 8:45 pm, where enthusiastic local guides await to lead you on this epic journey.
Prepare for an epic night filled with drinks, laughs, and new friendships. Sip on four shots of rakija, one at each location, to kickstart the excitement. A beer pong table, complete with beers, awaits you at one of the bars, adding an extra dose of fun to the night. Enjoy seamless access to the club, bypassing the lines, and dance the night away in style.
Embrace the vibrant atmosphere and let loose with your fellow partygoers. The guides are always ready to infuse the night with excitement and ensure you have the time of your life. From thrilling challenges to fantastic rewards, this pub crawl promises an unforgettable evening in Zagreb.
Please note that this activity is not suitable for children under 18 years of age. Join the adventure, make new friends, and experience the best pub crawl that Zagreb has to offer!
Zagreb Nightlife Summary
Zagreb offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of options, including jazz bars, rock bars, wine bars, nightclubs, concert venues, and an excellent craft beer scene.
Popular destinations include Bacchus, Bulldog, Opera Club, Tvornica Kulture, and the famous club on the Sava River, offering live music, drinks, and a diverse range of events. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to have the time of your life partying in Zagreb.
