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Zagreb souvenir shops reveal what tourists are buying
🇭🇷 Croatia /Culture & Society

Zagreb souvenir shops reveal what tourists are buying

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Tourists in Zagreb seek authentic souvenirs, with popular items including traditional "licitar" heart magnets, Šestine umbrellas, Croatian flags, and local food products like chocolate, oil, and liqueurs.
  • While magnets are a classic choice, visitors also inquire about handcrafted items and traditional crafts, with lighter items being preferred for travel.
  • Souvenir shop owners note that while magnets and flags are consistently popular, some tourists also purchase higher-end art pieces or specific items like football jerseys, such as Luka Modrić's.
  • The demand for souvenirs varies seasonally, with younger tourists often opting for smaller, less expensive items during summer.

Tourists visiting Zagreb are on the hunt for mementos that capture the essence of Croatia, with a diverse range of items proving popular. Beyond the ubiquitous "licitar" heart magnets and cathedral motifs, visitors are actively seeking out more traditional and authentic pieces.

What a tourist will eventually put in their suitcase also depends on the time of year. In summer, more young people come to Zagreb, so smaller items and cheaper objects like keychains, badges, magnets, and T-shirts are bought more often.

— Souvenir shop employeeExplaining seasonal trends in souvenir purchases by tourists in Zagreb.

Šestine umbrellas and Croatian flags are frequently requested, alongside inquiries about local delicacies such as chocolate, olive oil, and liqueurs. Shopkeepers emphasize that while classic magnets remain a staple, there's a growing interest in handcrafted goods and items reflecting local artistry. The practicality of souvenirs, particularly their weight for air travel, is a significant consideration for many.

Do you have a Šestine umbrella?

— TouristAsking about a specific traditional souvenir at a shop in Zagreb.

While smaller, more affordable items like keychains, badges, and t-shirts are common purchases, especially among younger travelers during the summer months, some tourists are willing to invest in more substantial pieces. This includes paintings by local naive artists, which can fetch up to 600 euros, though these tend to be favored more by domestic buyers for special occasions.

Tourists like local products and handmade items, and locals think similarly when visiting other countries.

— Gallery Cico saleswomanCommenting on tourist preferences for authentic souvenirs in Zagreb.

Specific requests, like a grandmother seeking a Luka Modrić football jersey for her grandson, highlight the varied motivations behind souvenir shopping. Even items featuring motifs from various Croatian cities, not just Zagreb, are popular, indicating a broader interest in national symbols. The demand for Croatian flags, in particular, saw a surge during the World Cup.

The grandson plays football and loves jerseys. He wants to collect one from each country, so he asked me to bring him one from Croatia, Luka Modrić's.

— Tourist from Los AngelesExplaining her specific souvenir mission in Zagreb.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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