Shopping in Croatia
Croatia is a wonderful country for shopping, thanks to being an inexpensive destination compared to many European countries. Prices for many products are lower than in "classical Europe" and, of course, much lower than in Israel.
While it does not have a "Primark" (its northern neighbor Slovenia does), it features branches of other discounted European chains, outlet malls full of brands, large shopping centers, markets, and supermarkets with wonderful and cheap goods (alongside small bakeries, vegetable shops, and grocery stores where it is fun to buy fresh, quality, and cheap goods occasionally for top-ups later in the trip).
Naturally, the city with the widest variety of shopping options is Zagreb, and shopping enthusiasts are recommended to focus on it.
However, other cities such as Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split, and even lively tourist towns also have plenty to offer shopping lovers.
Most stores and shopping centers in Croatia are open 7 days a week (including Sundays! Not taken for granted in many European countries) most of the year. Even on many national holidays, shopping centers continue to operate. Opening hours are quite extensive, usually on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM. On Sundays, centers open a bit later and close slightly earlier.
Parking at most shopping centers across Croatia is well-organized, abundant, and most importantly—free!
Our articles for travelers in Croatia:
Recommended accommodation in Dubrovnik and its surroundings
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Itinerary in Croatia from Dubrovnik to the Island of Korčula
Vacation and trips in picturesque resort towns in the Dalmatia region of Croatia
Chain stores with nationwide coverage:
Decathlon – The popular discount sports goods chain that also has branches in Israel. Of course, prices in Croatia are much more attractive than here. It has branches in Zagreb and its suburbs, Split, Zadar, and Rijeka (on the Istria peninsula).
Kik- A discount chain in the style of "Max Stock" with home products, toiletries, makeup, clothes for all ages, including children's clothing and underwear at attractive prices and good quality. The chain has many branches all over the country from Dubrovnik to Istria, including of course several branches in Zagreb. www.kik.hr/
OFFERTISSIMA - Another discount chain in the same style and level as "Kik", full of cheap and quality local products. This chain has very many branches in Zagreb and its suburbs, including east of Zagreb, but not in the popular coastal resort towns and cities.
Muller - A very popular and widespread high-quality German department store chain in shopping centers in Croatia is Muller
Successful supermarket chains (where other products are also sold):
LIDL- My absolute favorite discount supermarket chain, with many branches all over Europe. In Croatia too, it has numerous branches across the country: from Dubrovnik to the Istria Peninsula (with many branches on the peninsula), including branches even on some of the country's large islands (like Brač, Krk, and Cres) and of course branches in Zagreb. The chain offers extremely high-quality products at the most attractive prices.
Konzum - The largest supermarket chain in Croatia with many branches all over the country. Convenient prices and a large variety.
INTERSPAR Hipermarket- Another popular European supermarket chain with many branches across Croatia. The chain features medium-sized supermarkets but is especially successful for shopping at its large hypermarkets where there is a large variety of products.
Another large supermarket chain is Plodine Plodine www.plodine.hr
Shopping in Zagreb:
There are many shopping centers in Zagreb, both in the city and its suburbs. Especially recommended:
West Gate West Gate
The largest shopping center in the Zagreb area, located about half an hour northwest of the city center. The mall features many brands such as Adidas and H&M alongside local labels, branches of popular chains such as C&A or KIK (see above), and of course plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Address: Zaprešićka 2, 10290, Jablanovec, Croatia
Arena Centar Arena Centar
A large, popular, and very successful mall in the south of the city (about a 15-minute drive from the city center and about 15 minutes west of the airport). Full of brands and branches of European chains, restaurants, as well as cinemas and entertainment for children. Wonderful for spending a few hours before the flight back home.
Address: Ul. Vice Vukova 6, 10020, Zagreb, Croatia
Recommended accommodation near the Arena Centar shopping mall:
Hotel Jarun – A 3-star hotel located 2.1 km from the Arena Centar shopping mall. The hotel has double rooms and suites for four. All rooms are air-conditioned, with a private bathroom and a minibar. The hotel features a bar and a gym, close to a bus station and a tram stop. Free internet and parking.
Ella Apartman Zagreb - An air-conditioned vacation apartment located about 700 meters from the shopping center. The apartment has two bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, a balcony, and one bathroom. Suitable for 4 guests. Free internet and parking.
Shopping center chain City Center One
A shopping center chain with two branches in Zagreb: in the east and west of the city, and another branch in Split.
Address of the eastern branch: Slavonska avenija 11d, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Address of the western branch: Jankomir 33, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Designer outlet center DESIGNER OUTLET CROATIA
Located in eastern Zagreb about half an hour from the city center and about 15 minutes north of the airport. It has more than 100 stores of most of the world's most popular brands. From Armani and Michael Kors to Nike, Levi's, and Crocs, all at discounts of 30-70 percent. The center also features restaurants, cafes, and a children's playground.
Address: Ulica Alfreda Nobela 4, Sop, Sesvete-Kraljevec, 10361, Zagreb, Croatia
Another successful factory outlet center is: Roses Designer Outlet Centar
Located about 45 minutes (50 km) north of Zagreb, it also features branches for many brand stores: Adidas, Lee Cooper, Puma, Diesel, Benetton, Calvin Klein, and many others alongside restaurants, cafes, and a children's playground. Because it is further from the city and a bit smaller than the previous designer center, it is less crowded, and special sales are frequently held in addition to permanent discounts.
Address: Vrankovec 1, 49223, Vrankovec, Croatia
The most popular shopping street in Zagreb is Ilica Street Ilica
The lively street along its entire length (about 6 kilometers!) features shops of the best international brands alongside charming local stores. You can find everything you are looking for at very reasonable prices. It is worth stepping out from it into its side alleys which also abound with several successful and unique shops. The street also features a variety of cafes and restaurants, many with outdoor seating.
Address: Ilica & Frankopanska ulica, Zagreb,Croatia
DOLAC Market
The most successful and largest market in Zagreb is the DOLAC market located in the city center near St. Mary's Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. The market features stalls of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh pastries, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Beneath it is a fish and meat market. It is fun to wander around and enjoy the delicacies and especially the atmosphere. Open every day of the week, but closes by noon on weekends.
Address: Dolac 8, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Recommended accommodation in central Zagreb near the shopping street and market:
Hotel Dubrovnik - A 4-star hotel located in the main square of Zagreb, about 200 meters from the market. The hotel has a gym, bar, and restaurant. Free internet. Parking at an additional charge.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel - A luxury historic central 5-star hotel. Located near Zagreb's main railway station, about a kilometer from the market. Art Nouveau double rooms and suites with marble bathrooms. The hotel features a quality restaurant and a bar. Free internet. Parking at an additional charge.
Hotel Capital - A 4-star hotel with elegant Art Deco and Art Nouveau influenced rooms in a central location about a 4-minute walk from the main square, about 400 meters from the market. The hotel has a gym, bar, and restaurant. Free internet. Parking at an additional charge.
Successful shopping centers across Croatia:
The city of Zadar - Zadar
Supernova SUPERNOVA - Zadar
The largest shopping center in Zadar ZADAR (in the center of the Dalmatia region) and the most successful of all. This is a large mall spreading over one floor with international brand stores, alongside local brands and branches of various chains. The center also features supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
Most shopping centers also have children's play areas including babysitting options while parents shop:
Address: Ul. Akcije Maslenica 1, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
Accommodation recommendations in resort towns near Zadar in the article: Vacation and trips in picturesque resort towns in the Dalmatia region
The city of Split - Split
The central city in Dalmatia and the capital of the Split-Dalmatia County in Croatia. The city is located on a peninsula on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest along the coast.
Mall of Split - Mall of Split
The largest and most successful shopping center in Split Split and one of the best in all of Croatia. It has everything: brand stores ranging from Skechers to Calvin Klein, Pandora to Benetton, Swarovski to Lego, supermarkets, and of course plenty of restaurants, cafes, as well as cinemas and entertainment facilities for young children.
Address: Ul. Josipa Jovića 93, 21000, Split, Croatia
Pazar market in Split
In Split, about a quarter of an hour (10 km) from the large shopping center, there is an iconic, colorful, and fresh food-packed market named:Pazar located near the eastern wall of Split's famous palace: Diocletian Palace and surrounding the Church of St. Dominic. The market resembles a Turkish bazaar in style.
Address: Croatia, Hrvojeva 3, 21000, Split, Croatia
Main tourist sites in Split:
● Diocletian Palace DIOKLECIJANOVA PALACA considered one of the most beautiful and impressive palaces from the Roman period.
View of the city from the bell tower of the palace church.
● Peristyle Square PERISTIL.
It is fun to get lost in the narrow alleys of the old town which abound with markets, shops, and atmosphere.
♦ Cruise port
Many cruise ships arrive in Split. Passengers can take guided tours to various places from the port.
Guided tours from the cruise port in Split:
Shopping on the Istria Peninsula Isteria
The most successful shopping centers on the popular Istria Peninsula Istria, which is full of tourist towns and successful beaches, are:
Max City Max City
In the city of Pula where there are over 60 stores, restaurants, and cafes, 3 cinemas, and also entertainment for toddlers.
Address: Stoja 14A, 52100, Pula, Croatia
ZTC in the city of Rijeka
In the largest and most central city in the region (which also has an international airport) – Rijeka Rijeka. In the modern 3-story center located near the bay and coastline, there are over 50 stores and restaurants. www.ztc-shopping.hr/
Address: Zvonimirova ul. 3, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
Placa market in Rijeka
In Rijeka there is also a large and popular market named Placa also located on the waterfront near the port (about 4 km east of the shopping center) where fresh produce of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and fish are sold.