Croatia's Most Under-Rated Markets
Visit Croatia's most under-rated markets.
By:
Valerie Conners
Strolling through these town markets, typically held outdoors in a central square, gives visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the day-to-day life of locals. Whether you're there to ogle the veggies, fruits, meats and cheeses, or to purchase a handmade basket or tablecloth, you'll be delighted to explore our 5 favorite Croatian markets.
Dolac Market
iStock
Plan your visit keeping in mind that the outdoor-level vendors sell veggies, textiles and plants, while the indoor vendors hawk meat, fish, cheese, herbs and olives. Keep an eye peeled for the folks selling sir i vrhinje, a cheese and cream combo that's so gooey, you'll need a spoon to devour it.
Pazar Market
Reuters
The market's produce vendors will be selling whatever's in season, from wild asparagus and strawberries in spring and summer, to pomegranates and potatoes in fall and winter, but you'll also be able to buy flowers, clothes, toys and even kitchen utensils. The market opens around 7 a.m. and closes by 2 p.m., but plan to head there late-morning when it's possible to bargain for slightly lower prices with the vendors.
Bjelovar Market
iStock
Dairy lovers should make a special trip to seek out homemade prgica, fresh or smoked pyramid-shaped blocks of cheese, which are a delicacy in the region. To see the greatest variety and market bustle, plan to visit the market on a Thursday or Saturday. Vendors from other regions proffer their goods alongside local sellers, a tradition that began centuries ago when farmers from around the country brought their livestock to the market on those 2 days.
Gundulićeva Poljana
Jennifer Boyer, flickr
Spend time meandering through the many stands, scoping out whatever fruits and veggies are in season and admiring the fish vendors, though you'll also find folks hawking nuts, olive oils, homemade wine and fruit brandy, as well as non-edible goods like hand-sewn tablecloths. While the boisterous market is one of the most popular events to occur in the square, Gundulićeva is also a scenic spot to stop for an afternoon coffee and a venue for evening concerts in warm weather.
Britanski Trg
oranges and lemons, flickr
Souvenir seekers may think they've hit the proverbial jackpot, bringing home with them one of the unique wares being proffered. Think your parents might need an antique doorknob? You're in luck! For reasons unbeknownst to us, doorknobs aplenty fill a number of the stalls, though you'll also find more traditional keepsakes, like old postcards from around the globe.
Next Up
Best Outdoor Markets in Buenos Aires
Best outdoor markets in Buenos Aires.
World's Best Flea Markets
If the words rummage, swap, bargain, bric-a-brac or collectible excite you, then you might have an itch for a flea market.
Paris Shopping Guide
Shop L-atitidue shares with us their favorite shops in Paris.
Guide to Croatia's Wine Country
Take a wine tasting tour of Croatia's wonderful wine country.
10 Luxury Shopping Spots
These top 10 luxury shopping spots are filled with enough high fashion and designer labels to make shopaholics and style mavens swoon.
L-atitude’s Monte Carlo Shopping Guide
L-atitude, the premier shop by destination site, shares their picks for where to shop in Monte Carlo.
Offbeat Shopping Streets
Here are four offbeat shopping streets, where you can set your sights on retail therapy of the non-chain genre.
Can't Get to Europe This Summer? A Scottish Highland Games is a Close Second
Experience the British Isles without the pricey airfare. There are many great Scottish festivals in North America where you can watch ancient athletic games (caber toss!), enjoy excellent food, beer and whisky all while listening to traditional bagpipers or modern Celtic music.
Croatia's Sexiest Beaches
Croatia's main tourist attraction is, and has been, its beaches.
Top 10 US Shopping Malls
Take a trip to the top 10 shopping malls in the US.
