Croatia Shopping and nightlife

Shopping in Croatia

Traditional handicrafts like embroidery, intricate lace from the island of Pag, small decorative ‘hearts’ from Zagreb, lavender bags from Hvar, locally made glass jewellery, woodcarvings and ceramics make good souvenirs, while Croatian wines and spirits, olive oils and truffle products also make excellent gifts to bring home. Local fashion label I-GLE (www.i-gle.com) has stores in Zagreb. Fairs and festivals can be a good place to buy souvenirs, or seasonal markets such as those in central Zagreb around Easter, and there are a number of shops (particularly in Zagreb and Dubrovnik) selling a good range of local products (try Bakina Kuća, www.bakina-kuca.hr). Tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than 500 Kn. Visitors should ensure that all receipts are retained after any purchase is made, as financial police have the power to fine visitors without relevant documents. This is to prevent VAT evasion by shopkeepers.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat 0800-1400/1500. Some shops in cities may open on Sundays.

Nightlife in Croatia

The year-round nightlife scene centres on the capital, Zagreb, which buzzes with everything from swanky cocktail bars to alternative cultural clubs patronised by students. However, come summer, the lion's share of the inland action moves to the tourism-boosted coast. Venues include everything from informal beach bars and pavement cafes through to style bars and glitzy nightclubs. Some of the most up-market clubs are in Dubrovnik, and frequently hit the gossip magazines as they attract both foreign and local celebrities. Likewise, the bars and clubs in trendy Hvar Town on the island of Hvar - dubbed the new Ibiza - are patronised by the glamorous international yachting crowd.