Pula
This artsy hideaway, 2km south of the centre in Veruda, has a cosy wood-beamed interior, eclectic objects and rock portraits on the walls, dim lighting,…
Must-see nightlife in Istria
Pula
Occupying the porch of a decaying Habsburg-era mansion, this hip, dishevelled bar is an oasis of boho cool with a long cocktail menu and a laid-back…
Pula
Housed in a former bank on the Forum (the huge safe is used as a storeroom), this is Pula's hippest cafe, scattered with random Tito-era furniture, the…
Rovinj
Clinging to the old-town sea cliffs, this gorgeous little bar feels like a secret. It's not, of course – Rovinj's fashionable set are already here,…
Central & Eastern Istria
The old loggia was the centre of Hum life in Venetian times and it remains so today, thanks to this friendly little bar. Drop by to sample local wine and…
Pula
A statue of James Joyce greets you at the entrance to this bar named after his famous novel (which occupies the ground floor of a building where Joyce…
Poreč
Poreč's hippest bar is a dimly lit den with oddball art, mismatched chairs, little round tables, big metal-dome lamps, mezzanine seating, a fridge full of…
Rovinj
Rovinj's rowdiest live-music bar has the most rarified of settings, occupying a grand old building with a very pleasant front yard. In summer there's a DJ…
Pula
The name marks it as one of a dying breed, but this colourful, art-strewn cafe is no digital dinosaur. Yes, there are a couple of free internet terminals,…
Poreč
This sweet little wine shop has a clutch of tables on an atmospheric lane, where you can try local wine varietals such as malvazija and refošk, cure any…
Istria's West Coast
Facing the water on the old town's southern edge, this hip bar has a good selection craft beer, photos of Bowie and Lou Reed on the wall, and a collection…
Poreč
There's no more atmospheric place for a glass of wine in winter than the cosy, candlelit interior of this medieval tower. In summer take the steep stairs…
Poreč
Grab a seat on the lane and give in to its charms, and those of the wine and waitstaff at this bar. Snacks such as toasted sandwiches, bruschetta and…
Poreč
On summer weekends, celebrity guest DJs crank out electro-house tunes at this humongous open-air club, 3km south of town. Expect to pay up to €25 for…
Pula
Going strong since the 1960s, the legendary Pula club these days caters to a young party crowd who come for its range of themed weekend parties and…
Rovinj
Locals grab a seat outside this old-town cafe-bar for their morning caffeine hit, then return later for a drink in one of the booths in the cosy, dimly…
Rovinj
Premium cocktails and champagne seem like the appropriate poison at this high-end spot. There are fantastic views from the cushions scattered on the water…
Central & Eastern Istria
The spectacular valley views from the terrace are the main draw of this cafe-bar at the end of the village. It also serves ice cream.
Rovinj
Rum-based cocktails, Cuban cigars, straw parasols and the shade of tall pine trees make this open-air bar a popular spot.
Poreč
A black-and-white plastic theme runs throughout this waterfront hang-out, where the young and beautiful sip caffeine-based beverages by day, and alcoholic…
Pula
This slick bar on the harbour, next to the rowing club, really comes into its own late on summer weekends when it stays open till 5am. During the day,…
Pula
Après-beach fun is on the menu at this beach bar in Saccorgiana Bay on Verudela. Inside, large photos of revolutionaries (Che, Tito, Ho Chi Minh, Michael…
Pula
Stop at this humble cafe-bar for outdoor seating with an unrivalled view down into the amphitheatre. The view and the cheapish drinks make it a good place…
Rovinj
Cosy cafe-bar with small candlelit tables and cushions laid out on the stairs leading to the old town's hilltop. It serves tasty snacks and good Prosecco.
Central & Eastern Istria
The best place for a drink on the Rabac strip is this open-air bar under the pines by pebbly Sv Andrija beach. There's often live music at night.
Poreč
Kick back by the water and watch the sun go down, grab a quick espresso or have a leisurely nightcap cocktail at this low-key cafe-bar.
Pula
It doesn't live up to the intrigue implied by its name, but this vaguely train-carriage-themed place is a popular local gathering spot.
Rovinj
Perched right on the water's edge, this low-key cafe-bar has unsurpassed views of the Adriatic and Sveta Katarina across the way.
Central & Eastern Istria
This slick Rabac beach club serves cocktails on a wooden terrace set around a small pool.
