Croatia’s capital city offers an exciting LGBTQ scene. Visitors to Croatia’s LGBTQ capital can
enjoy old-world charm, abundant cafe culture, and year-round LGBT+ events.
Iskorak Centar’s Coordinator informed the Research Directorate in correspondence that their
NGO receives international funding to provide legal aid and psychosocial support for victims of
homophobic violence and discrimination (5 Mar 2013).
Zrinjevac Park
Zrinjevac Park (Croatian: Trg Nikole Subica Zrinskog, commonly referred to as Zrinjeva potkova
or “Lenuci’s horseshoe”) once served as an unruly livestock market; now, however, its lush
green oasis serves as an idyllic retreat for both locals and tourists.
Boasting beautiful fountains, statues, monuments, an elegant 19th-century music pavilion, and
an alley lined with plane trees, its once humble roots now offer romantic escape!
Snowfall adds an enchanting charm to Zagreb Park, and visiting it is one of the top winter
activities.
Since Croatia held its inaugural Pride parade last year, significant strides have been taken
toward LGBT rights. President Ivo Josipovic has spoken out to support full LGBT rights and met
regularly with activists to show his commitment.
Additionally, several center-left political parties including the Democratic Party of Socialists of
Croatia and RS Social Democrats offer strong backing to this community; together these form a
coalition that currently controls a majority in parliament.
The Cafe Culture
Croatia may not boast as vibrant an LGBT scene as many other European capitals, but its
vibrant capital boasts its own lively queer scene that can provide opportunities to meet local
people and develop community spirit.
Gay bars, clubs, and restaurants in Zagreb provide ample opportunity to do just this.
Croats value strong espresso or cappuccino drinks that they can sip while socializing at cafe
tables, with strong espresso or cappuccino being especially valued by them.
Cotton is an LGBT-friendly urban retreat featuring large leather Chesterfield sofas, industrial
lamps, and Slavonian oak wall panels in New Zagreb. Prohibition-themed bar offering cocktails
such as Hvar22 craft gin.
Moreover, Q-SPORT was established to support and encourage LGBTQ individuals who are
engaged in recreational and sports activities or who wish to develop recreational/sporting
activities, while simultaneously affirming them through cultural/social activities.
Christmas in Zagreb
Zagreb comes alive during Christmastime with festive decorations that provide an inviting
environment, inviting visitors to enjoy fresh gingerbread cookies, vanilla crescents, and walnut
or poppy seed rolls from local bakeries.
Kaptol lies at the city’s heart and boasts an exquisite cathedral featuring an iconic golden-
colored roof. There’s also a Nativity scene outside this church and many festive concerts held
here throughout the year.
The Nightlife
Even with Croatia’s progressive legislation and growing acceptance of homosexuality, the fight
for equality remains ongoing. Pride events offer LGBTQ community members a platform to
express the hardships they still experience and show that they are not alone in this journey.
At one time, LGBT community parades were marred with violence and several people lost their
lives due to this. Since then, however, the situation has improved substantially and cities are
much safer places now.
Rainbow Families, for instance, advocates on behalf of LGBTQ parents and children as well as
provides psychological and legal aid for victims of homophobic attacks.
One source claims that perpetrators of homophobic attacks tend to be either soccer “ultras” or
right-wing radicals like Nazi skinheads; it can be hard to corroborate this information, however.
LGBT community is active in educating police about homophobic crimes (Zagreb Pride 25 Feb
2013).
