Must-see entertainment in Croatia

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    Booze & Blues

    Zagreb

    It does what it says on the tin. Perched at the top of the buzzy Tkalča strip, this haven of jazz, blues and soul rhythms stands out with its weekend live…

  • Santos Beach Club

    Rab Island

    This summer-only beach club is about 10km from Rab Town, far away from any complaining neighbours in a remote spot near the Mišnjak car ferry (shuttle…

  • Moreška Cultural Club

    Korčula Island

    Enthusiastic townspeople perform the traditional Moreška sword dance, accompanied by a brass band, in an hour-long show. The event usually includes…

  • Croatian National Theatre Ivan Zajc

    Rijeka

    In 1885 the inaugural performance at this imposing theatre was lit by the city’s first lightbulb. These days you can catch dramas in Croatian and Italian,…

  • Strossmarte

    Zagreb

    During the summer months, the Strossmayer promenade in the Upper Town hosts live music most nights, with makeshift bars. The mixed-bag crowd, great city…

  • Croatian National Theatre

    Zagreb

    This neobaroque theatre, established in 1895, stages a regular program of opera and ballet performances and plays. Check out Ivan Meštrović’s sculpture…

  • Rojc

    Pula

    For an arty underground experience, check out the program at Rojc, a converted army barracks that houses a multimedia arts centre and studios with…

  • Tvornica

    Zagreb

    Excellent multimedia venue showcasing a variety of live-music performances, from Bosnian sevdah (traditional music) to alternative punk rock. Check out…

  • Zagrebačko Kazalište Mladih

    Zagreb

    The Zagreb Youth Theatre, better known as ZKM, is considered the cradle of Croatia's contemporary theatre. It hosts several festivals and many visiting…

  • Lazareti

    Dubrovnik

    Housed in a former quarantine centre, Lazareti hosts cinema nights, club nights, live music, folk dancing, art exhibitions and pretty much all the best…

  • Arsenal

    Zadar

    This huge former shipping warehouse is now mainly used for concerts, art exhibitions and private functions. Check the website to see what's on when you're…

  • Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall

    Zagreb

    This is the city’s most prestigious venue in which to hear symphony concerts, jazz and world-music performances; it also stages theatrical productions.

  • Croatian National Theatre Split

    Split

    Theatre, opera, ballet and concerts are presented at this gorgeous theatre, built in 1891. Tickets can be bought at the box office or online.

  • Kino Europa

    Zagreb

    Zagreb's oldest cinema's 'Subtitled Tuesdays' program shows (usually art house) movies with subtitles in English as well as Croatian.

  • Dock 69

    Rab Island

    This slick lounge bar has a harbour-facing cafe terrace and a clubby interior where DJs ramp up the volume at weekends.

  • Ulysses Theatre

    Brijuni Islands

    Come summer, theatre aficionados make their way across the channel to the Minor Fort on Mali Brijun for performances by this theatre company. You can buy…

  • Bačvice Summer Cinema

    Split

    The after-dark entertainment zone of Bačvice is a perfect venue for open-air cinema among the pines. The Mediterranean Film Festival is held here in June,…

  • KSET

    Zagreb

    This student's club (run by Zagreb University's Faculty of Engineering) regularly hosts bands, from alternative to hip-hop acts. Saturday nights are…

  • Stadion Maksimir

    Zagreb

    Dinamo is Zagreb’s most popular football team; it plays matches at Stadion Maksimir, on the eastern side of Zagreb. Take trams 4, 7, 11 or 12 to…

  • Pogon Jedinstvo

    Zagreb

    Pogon – Zagreb Center for Independent Culture and Youth – hosts occasional contemporary dance and theatre, concerts, parties, public lectures, exhibitions…

  • Cibona Tower

    Zagreb

    Basketball is popular in Zagreb, and the city is home to the Cibona basketball team. This tower is the team's base. Tickets should be purchased in advance…

  • Kinoteka Zlatna Vrata

    Split

    Classic films, art flicks and retrospectives are screened at this university-affiliated cinema. It has few screenings during July and August.

  • Summer Cinema

    Vis Island

    Look out for posters advertising what's screening at the outdoor cinema, which sprouts seasonally on a terrace halfway between Kut and Luka.

  • Split City Puppet Theatre

    Split

    Although shows are mainly in Croatian, there's a fair chance your toddlers can speak fluent puppet.

  • Kino Karaman

    Split

    Mainstream cinema serving up local releases and Hollywood movies with subtitles.

  • CineStar is set in the courtyard of Dvori Lapad complex

    CineStar Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik

    With two RealD 3D auditoriums and one Extreme, CineStar delivers a world-class viewing experience. Movies are shown with Croatian subtitles, but animated…

  • Jadran Cinema

    Dubrovnik

    An open-air cinema in the heart of the old town, often used for screenings during the Summer Festival.

  • Slavica Cinema

    Dubrovnik

    Screenings start after sundown at this open-air cinema. Large live sporting events are sometimes featured on the big screen as well.

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