Your guide to the best Zagreb gay bars, LGBT venues and events
Croatia
Croatia’s capital city hosts the country’s biggest LGBTQ+ scene, be sure to visit Zagreb gay bars, clubs, saunas, and fetish parties!
Explore the progress of LGBTQ+ rights across the world all in an easy to read charts, graphs, and tables. From public sentiment to protections find it all here so you know when holding hands gets you a look or a sentence.
Visit EqualdexJust pick any trg (public square) surrounded by cafés and bars. If you’re not sure where to start, head north to Gornji Grad, Zagreb’s medieval-era upper town, and Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića (Ban Jelačić Square) for vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife all within pub-crawling distance of each other. You’ll find more watering holes north of Jelačić Square in the trendy Kaptol neighborhood, as well as around Lenuci’s Horseshoe to the south. Or take a jaunt from the city center to Jarun Lake’s nudist beach, which is particularly popular with gay men in the summer. The lake’s sports venues, music festivals, and nightclubs have universal appeal.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll need good coffee to fuel your day out in Zagreb. The city’s café culture is spectacular, and so are the views. Take your time to admire Zagreb’s cobblestone streets and architecture from the Austro-Hungarian Empire era.
For those who revel in the joy of discovery, the winding lanes of Zagreb are dotted with quaint cafes and vibrant bars, each with its own unique flair. The city's thriving café culture is more than just a pastime; it's a way of life. Sip on a perfectly brewed coffee at one of the outdoor terraces in Tkalčićeva Street, where the pulse of the city's heart is palpable, and the people-watching is unparalleled, then hit some of the best gay bars in Zagreb and dance the night away.
As its Little Vienna nickname suggests, Zagreb is often compared to other European cities, but you’ll want to explore this city on its own terms. You can’t miss Zagrebačka Katedrala (Zagreb Cathedral), a Gothic landmark. It withstood earthquakes in 1880 and 2020, with the last quake breaking one of the cathedral’s twin spires.
Speaking of breakups, the unique Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique and poignant exploration of love and loss that resonates with a universal truth - reminding us of the shared experiences that bind us together, irrespective of orientation, is a short walk away from the church. Meanwhile, the Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art stands as a testament to the city's forward-thinking and innovative spirit, offering thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge and inspire. The Museum of Hangovers is another relatable standout in the City of Museums.
Nature explorers are not left wanting in Zagreb. The city is a gateway to natural splendor, with Medvednica Mountain offering a serene escape just a stone's throw away. Here, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of lush forests, hike to medieval fortresses, or simply enjoy a picnic with a view. For a more leisurely experience, the enchanting Jarun Lake beckons with its peaceful waters, ideal for a day of relaxation or a romantic evening stroll.
Zagreb is a place all its own, and its community is becoming more accepting. Here, you’ll find Croatia’s first LGBTQ+ center. The Zagreb LGBTIQ Pride March in September is one of the most successful in southeastern Europe, emphasizing equity and entertainment. Furthermore, the Life Partnership Act enshrined marriage equality in Croatia as of 2014. Public displays of affection call for caution, so get extra frisky when you’re in a safe space like your accommodations! Zagreb, however, has good reason to be proud. The city’s age-old architecture belies its progress and its contemporary charms. No traveler’s visit to southeastern Europe would be complete without a stop in Zagreb, just don't be surprised when you fall for this special city!
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