Like Vienna - only more chaotic

The New York Times journalist, was delighted with Zagreb blondes, Velebit beer and rakija, but dismayed with ‘Spica’ chaos.

American journalist, Alex Crevar, spent 36 hours in Zagreb. He was delighted with capital's blondes, Velebit beer and rakija, but dismayed with ‘Spica’ chaos.

The New York Times published an article entitled '36 hours in Zagreb ' written by journalists Alex Crevar.  The author of the article concludes that the Croatian capital is going through identity crisis because it geographically belongs to Balkan peninsula, but how a true resident of Zagreb, gets heated when referred to as Balkans citizen.

The author adds that  Zagreb seems more similiar to Vienna than Belgrade, but how unlike Vienna, Zagreb can still feel chaotic at times.

During 36 hours spent in the Croatian capital, Crevar was particularly impressed with blondes, loud Slavs who entertained themselves late into the night, and street vendors. The article states that he was delighted with Tkalcic street, its many cafes and shops, and felt particularly enthusiastic about Velebit beer as well as Croatian rakija. While walking through the downtown Crevar also noticed a thing known as ‘spica’.

Sitting at ‘spica’ and checking the crowd out

According to Crevar, ‘spica’ is a Saturday ritual where all the trendy people gather around the city center and have a coffee.  This results in paparazzi showered fashion chaos.

- Those sitting in numerous cafes check the bystanders out, while the foreigners (you'll recognize them by their backpacks, waist bags and tennis shoes) cannot rise to the occasion due to strong fashion competition - writes New York Times reporter.

Cervar also notes that large number of immigrants from other parts of Croatia move to the capital, which makes Zagreb Croatia’s culinary capital as well.

He also noted that shops selling Tito’s portraits as well as old badges make him think that Croatia still feels a certain melancholy towards its Yugoslavian past.

In his article Cervar  listed many Zagreb bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, suggesting that he really made an effort and took a dip in Zagreb nightlife.