Photo credit IG @travelernika
As a follow up to my recent post about some of the “strange things Croatians do,” I’ve put together a list of some Croatian habits I love and think everyone should adopt! Having lived in Croatia for over 8 years now, I've definitely picked up a bunch of these, myself!
Eat your big meal of the day when it counts, don’t take coffee to go, don't ever eat sliced bread, and never visit a home with a newborn. Take PLENTY of vacation (along with four-day weekends), see friends often, and top up the parking meter with a simple text message!
Read on to find out more about some of the best habits Croatians live by!
Eat your big meal of the day when it counts, don’t take coffee to go, don't ever eat sliced bread, and never visit a home with a newborn. Take PLENTY of vacation (along with four-day weekends), see friends often, and top up the parking meter with a simple text message!
Read on to find out more about some of the best habits Croatians live by!
1. Big Lunch, Small Dinner
Croatians typically eat a big, hearty lunch and a smaller, lighter dinner. In my opinion, this is a much better way of arranging your meals than people tend to do in North America.
Following the “big meal at lunch” routine makes it so you’re getting a huge amount of your energy in the daytime, right when you need it - when you’re working, when you’re getting things done, when you’re burning the most energy.
If you eat your main meal at 6 or 7pm, you’ll likely relax afterwards and not be overly active in the hours leading up to bedtime. That leaves your big meal sitting heavy in your belly through the night.
Following the “big meal at lunch” routine makes it so you’re getting a huge amount of your energy in the daytime, right when you need it - when you’re working, when you’re getting things done, when you’re burning the most energy.
If you eat your main meal at 6 or 7pm, you’ll likely relax afterwards and not be overly active in the hours leading up to bedtime. That leaves your big meal sitting heavy in your belly through the night.
2. Coffee - Don’t Take It To Go!
Generally, Croatians don’t take coffee to go. Coffee isn’t just about coffee. It’s about sitting down, taking a little time to breathe throughout the day, chatting with friends or coworkers, and enjoying the whole experience, which I’ve grown to absolutely love!
Croatians can leisurely drink a teeny tiny cup of coffee for hours on end (as opposed to gulping down an extra large to-go cup in 5 mins or less).
Coffee is very much enjoyed, both for its taste and for the company it brings.
Croatians can leisurely drink a teeny tiny cup of coffee for hours on end (as opposed to gulping down an extra large to-go cup in 5 mins or less).
Coffee is very much enjoyed, both for its taste and for the company it brings.
Turkish coffee - Photo credit IG @nina.knep
Now, there are a few places you can get coffee to go if you’re in a pinch and just need a quick caffeine fix, but Croatian “coffee culture” definitely beats western “coffee-to-go-culture” by leaps and bounds.
3. Start Earlier, End Earlier
I love this about Croatia - most people start work around 8am (some even start at 7am), which means a typical work day ends around 4pm! Then you have the rest of the day to be with your family, do an activity, relax at home, take a walk, you get the idea.
An early finish just leaves so much more of the day free. Yes, it means waking up an hour earlier, but let’s face it - you’re going to be tired whether you get up at 6am or 7am.
One hour isn’t going to make a huge difference in the morning, but an extra hour in the afternoon after work makes all the difference!
An early finish just leaves so much more of the day free. Yes, it means waking up an hour earlier, but let’s face it - you’re going to be tired whether you get up at 6am or 7am.
One hour isn’t going to make a huge difference in the morning, but an extra hour in the afternoon after work makes all the difference!
4. Everyone Gets 4 Weeks of Vacation
Based on Croatian labor laws, all jobs in Croatia start with a minimum of 4 weeks vacation every year. YES, 4 WEEKS even with an entry level job!
Two of those weeks MUST be taken together each year. This means you are forced to take two solid weeks of uninterrupted vacation, and then you can break up the other two weeks as you see fit.
Two of those weeks MUST be taken together each year. This means you are forced to take two solid weeks of uninterrupted vacation, and then you can break up the other two weeks as you see fit.
Croatians love their vacation time
Croatians typically go to the coast for at least 2 of their 4 weeks, and many use almost all of it at once to have a wonderfully long stay by the Adriatic each summer!
5. Making Even More Vacation Time
Who loves vacation? Based on the previous point, Croatians do! They have a total of 14 days of public holidays each year.
These 14 days are amazing to begin with, but here’s the best part: if the holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, they’ll connect that holiday with the weekend and give you the Monday or the Friday off, so you end up having a 4 day weekend!
These 14 days are amazing to begin with, but here’s the best part: if the holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, they’ll connect that holiday with the weekend and give you the Monday or the Friday off, so you end up having a 4 day weekend!
6. Picking Up the Tab
When you’re out with a friend for coffee or a drink, one person will usually pick up the tab instead of each person paying for what they ordered (typically, if you are the one who organized the get together and invited the other person, then you’re the one who picks up the bill).
If you have second round, the other person will probably fight you to pay, or they’ll pick up the tab the next time you’re out. It’s not about splitting pennies here, it’s about friends wanting to treat friends, catching up and enjoying each others’ company.
Check out our Croatian culture & etiquette blog post to learn more about this and other customs!
If you have second round, the other person will probably fight you to pay, or they’ll pick up the tab the next time you’re out. It’s not about splitting pennies here, it’s about friends wanting to treat friends, catching up and enjoying each others’ company.
Check out our Croatian culture & etiquette blog post to learn more about this and other customs!
7. Soup Before Every Meal
Chicken soup - Photo credit Zvona Catering
Who doesn’t love a nice, warm, nourishing bowl of soup!? Most of the time, a main meal will begin with a bowl of delicious homemade “juha” (usually a chicken or beef broth base with little egg noodles).
It’s believed here that soup opens up your appetite, allowing you to eat even more of the main course that will follow.
It’s believed here that soup opens up your appetite, allowing you to eat even more of the main course that will follow.
8. NEVER Buy Bagged Bread
One other delicious habit Croatians have is that they always buy fresh bread from the bakery (and typically a new loaf each day). Bagged & sliced bread that lasts for days is basically a sin in Croatia.
Fresh bread in Croatia
I grew up on bagged/sliced bread back home in Canada, but now that I’m in the habit of buying fresh bakery bread on the daily… I haven’t turned back! The best part is when you get to the bakery and they pull some fresh loaves out of the oven - then you’ve really hit the jackpot!
Fresh bread is part of most meals in Croatia, including breakfast. Read our recent post about what Croatians eat for breakfast to learn more!
Fresh bread is part of most meals in Croatia, including breakfast. Read our recent post about what Croatians eat for breakfast to learn more!
9. Daily Trips To The Grocery Store
I remember growing up back home in the suburbs and going to our huge local grocery store for a giant shop every couple of weeks. The cart would be completely full, toppling over with food that would last us for a week or two.
In Croatia, people tend to do little shops on a daily basis (or every other day). They pick up what they need for the next day or two, and that’s it!
There is much less wasted food because you only buy what you know you’re going to need & eat over the next 24-48 hours.
There are many little grocery stores scattered around every neighborhood (typically about the size of a convenience store), so it makes it easy to run out and do a super quick shop.
It also helps to keep cupboard spaces under control, and you don't end up with 1200 half-empty bags of pasta!
Another plus to this, is not having to carry 100 bags from the store to the car, and then from the car to your kitchen. And then unloading those 100 bags and putting everything away.
Lastly, you don’t have to plan your meals for longer than a couple days, so mentally, it’s easier, too!
Daily shopping is super manageable, less wasteful and much less work!
In Croatia, people tend to do little shops on a daily basis (or every other day). They pick up what they need for the next day or two, and that’s it!
There is much less wasted food because you only buy what you know you’re going to need & eat over the next 24-48 hours.
There are many little grocery stores scattered around every neighborhood (typically about the size of a convenience store), so it makes it easy to run out and do a super quick shop.
It also helps to keep cupboard spaces under control, and you don't end up with 1200 half-empty bags of pasta!
Another plus to this, is not having to carry 100 bags from the store to the car, and then from the car to your kitchen. And then unloading those 100 bags and putting everything away.
Lastly, you don’t have to plan your meals for longer than a couple days, so mentally, it’s easier, too!
Daily shopping is super manageable, less wasteful and much less work!
10. Open Markets / Farmers' Markets
To add to my previous point about shopping small, there are these lovely open markets all around Croatia where people come and sell their fresh produce (as well as cheese, eggs, nuts, milk, oil, meat, fish & more).
People in Croatia have a habit of going to these local markets to buy fresh products right from the farmer / producer (especially on the weekends).
Everything tastes a little (or a lot) better than store-bought and it makes a great stop after Spica in Zagreb on Saturday mornings.
People in Croatia have a habit of going to these local markets to buy fresh products right from the farmer / producer (especially on the weekends).
Everything tastes a little (or a lot) better than store-bought and it makes a great stop after Spica in Zagreb on Saturday mornings.
11. Fish on Fridays
Croatians have a habit of eating fish every single Friday because they “shouldn’t” eat other types of meat on Fridays. It’s related to traditions in the Catholic Church, and most people follow this tradition even if they’re aren’t very religious.
Regardless of the reason behind the habit, it’s a great way to build fish into your weekly meal rotation and eat it on a regular basis!
Fish is super healthy and I feel like people just turn to red meat or chicken 99% of the time. This habit kind of forces you to switch it up and I’ve come to love it!
Regardless of the reason behind the habit, it’s a great way to build fish into your weekly meal rotation and eat it on a regular basis!
Fish is super healthy and I feel like people just turn to red meat or chicken 99% of the time. This habit kind of forces you to switch it up and I’ve come to love it!
12. Obligatory Stew Once a Week
Croatians have a habit of eating something “with a spoon” at least once a week because they believe it’s good for your digestive tract. This usually ends up being some type of stew, or a big huge pot of beans with a very large chunk of bacon floating around.
I’m not so much a fan of the huge pot of beans, but stews are great, so this habit makes the list!
A nice hearty stew throughout the week is also an amazing way to use up any veggies you have that are close to going bad. Add some meat, beans or lentils and voila! You’ve got yourself a healthy, hearty meal in a pinch!
I’m not so much a fan of the huge pot of beans, but stews are great, so this habit makes the list!
A nice hearty stew throughout the week is also an amazing way to use up any veggies you have that are close to going bad. Add some meat, beans or lentils and voila! You’ve got yourself a healthy, hearty meal in a pinch!
13. Meat and Cheese Platters
When you’re invited into someone’s home, oftentimes there will appear this wonderful platter of cured meats and cheeses, along with fresh bread, some olives and pickles. Croatians are incredible hosts and they love their platters.
Platter with spek, homemade sausage and cheese/Photo credit IG @marijanamarosevic
Croatians are genuinely worried about their guests (and their kids / other family members / pets / stray cats & dogs) being hungry, so this is something they can prepare beforehand and put out right away to ensure no one will starve at their house!
14. Spica in Zagreb (or Saturday get togethers)
Croatians have this lovely little ritual on Saturday mornings, where they all get together and have coffee with their friends in town (in Zagreb, this ritual is called Spica, but other cities around Croatia probably have various other names for it).
People tend to use this occasion to dress up nicely / stylishly (even a bit over the top if you ask me) to meet at the local city square and walk to a nearby cafe.
During spica (~9am-1pm every Saturday), all of the cafes in the center of Zagreb seem to be at max capacity. Saturday mornings are a cherished time for catching up with friends. What a great habit for your mental health!
People tend to use this occasion to dress up nicely / stylishly (even a bit over the top if you ask me) to meet at the local city square and walk to a nearby cafe.
During spica (~9am-1pm every Saturday), all of the cafes in the center of Zagreb seem to be at max capacity. Saturday mornings are a cherished time for catching up with friends. What a great habit for your mental health!
15. Pay Bills at the Grocery Store
For those non tech-savvy individuals, this one is great! You can bring your bills to the grocery store when you’re doing your regular shopping and pay them right at the cash register along with the rest of your groceries.
Every bill you get in the mail has a QR code, so the cashier just scans the paper, you pay the amount, and you’re good to go!
I know most people use internet banking these days, but this is such a great option for those who don’t, and MANY people here pay their bills this way.
Every bill you get in the mail has a QR code, so the cashier just scans the paper, you pay the amount, and you’re good to go!
I know most people use internet banking these days, but this is such a great option for those who don’t, and MANY people here pay their bills this way.
16. Pay Parking With Your Phone (Text Message)
I love this one! When you park in town but don’t have any change for the meter, you can pay via sms and it just gets added to your phone bill at the end of the month. It’s SO convenient, we use it all the time.
It’s also great if you’re out somewhere and you’ve only paid for an hour, but you end up being stuck somewhere and you know you won’t make it back before your time runs out. In this case, you can just send a text and pay for another hour instantly! No more parking tickets - hooray!
It’s also great if you’re out somewhere and you’ve only paid for an hour, but you end up being stuck somewhere and you know you won’t make it back before your time runs out. In this case, you can just send a text and pay for another hour instantly! No more parking tickets - hooray!
17. Weddings
Croatian wedding
Croatian weddings are just grand! A three day celebration of love & togetherness of the couple, their families and their friends. Croatians are experts at celebrating, and other countries could definitely learn a thing or two ;) Check out our blog on why Croatian weddings are the best to find out more!
18. Pregnant Women are Treated Like Gold
If you’re pregnant in Croatia (and noticeably showing), get ready for the royal treatment!
People are so kind to pregnant ladies, it’s unbelievable. If you step on a tram in the city, 5 people will instantly offer you their seats. If you are in a store and there’s a big line, everyone will push you on through to the front so you don’t have to wait, and they won’t take no for an answer.
You also get an ultrasound at each of your monthly check ups with regular public care, and the government forces you to go on maternity leave a month before your due date so you can rest and prepare for your baby.
(I should also mention, Croatians have a superstition about going against a pregnant woman’s wishes - they say it will give you a stye in your eye! You basically have to do anything a pregnant woman asks :)
People are so kind to pregnant ladies, it’s unbelievable. If you step on a tram in the city, 5 people will instantly offer you their seats. If you are in a store and there’s a big line, everyone will push you on through to the front so you don’t have to wait, and they won’t take no for an answer.
You also get an ultrasound at each of your monthly check ups with regular public care, and the government forces you to go on maternity leave a month before your due date so you can rest and prepare for your baby.
(I should also mention, Croatians have a superstition about going against a pregnant woman’s wishes - they say it will give you a stye in your eye! You basically have to do anything a pregnant woman asks :)
19. Babinje - Leave the Newborns Alone!
In Croatia, they have a habit of leaving newborns alone (let me explain). The general rule is that you don’t go visit a newborn baby for the first 40 days after he or she is born (this period is known as “babinje”).
This habit is one of my favorites. Having given birth three times in Croatia, I so much appreciated this quiet time with immediate family only. (Read more about my experience giving birth in Croatia here!)
It gave me over a month to heal, bond with my baby, have my older babies bond with the new baby, and be able to peacefully establish breastfeeding without people coming and going.
The best part is, you never have to say no to anyone’s request to come over, because no one ever asks or suggests it. Everyone respects this rule and gives new families space in the beginning.
It’s also great because it doesn’t put any pressure on you to host anyone in those first weeks after childbirth.
And germs. It’s also great because it significantly reduces the number of germs coming into contact with the baby when he or she is so so new.
I’m not normally a germaphobe, but when I have a newborn baby, I definitely am.
Once the 40 days are up, extended family and friends slowly make their way to meet the new addition. Everyone is feeling a little more on their feet by this stage, and it’s easier to have people over.
In my opinion, everyone should adopt this tradition of babinje!
This habit is one of my favorites. Having given birth three times in Croatia, I so much appreciated this quiet time with immediate family only. (Read more about my experience giving birth in Croatia here!)
It gave me over a month to heal, bond with my baby, have my older babies bond with the new baby, and be able to peacefully establish breastfeeding without people coming and going.
The best part is, you never have to say no to anyone’s request to come over, because no one ever asks or suggests it. Everyone respects this rule and gives new families space in the beginning.
It’s also great because it doesn’t put any pressure on you to host anyone in those first weeks after childbirth.
And germs. It’s also great because it significantly reduces the number of germs coming into contact with the baby when he or she is so so new.
I’m not normally a germaphobe, but when I have a newborn baby, I definitely am.
Once the 40 days are up, extended family and friends slowly make their way to meet the new addition. Everyone is feeling a little more on their feet by this stage, and it’s easier to have people over.
In my opinion, everyone should adopt this tradition of babinje!
20. Hospital Visiting Hours After Birth (or the lack thereof)
Visiting a mom & baby in the hospital is very strict. In public hospitals (at least here in Zagreb), visiting hours are extremely short - I’m talking 1hr/day or less with only one visitor allowed in the room at a time.
Oftentimes, the nurses will even bring the babies to the nursery during visiting hours so no one can hold or get close to the newborns. They do this to protect them (especially through cold & flu season), and I love it (as I mentioned before, I’m a slight germaphobe with newborns).
From what I see on Facebook with friends back home, there are always SO many people visiting and holding these fresh, teeny tiny babies in the hospital, hours after birth, and it kind of makes me twitch. Colds and flus can be so dangerous for these little humans.
Visiting hours here are more of a quick visit to check in on the new mom and give her some company (with uncomplicated deliveries, mom and baby stay 3 full days in hospital after birth).
So there you have it! The top 20 Croatian habits I think everyone should start embracing!
Croatians generally spend more time with family and friends, less time at work (than the west), they love to eat delicious food, sip strong coffee, and enjoy life!
What are some other habits I've missed? I know there are plenty out there! Leave a comment below!
Oftentimes, the nurses will even bring the babies to the nursery during visiting hours so no one can hold or get close to the newborns. They do this to protect them (especially through cold & flu season), and I love it (as I mentioned before, I’m a slight germaphobe with newborns).
From what I see on Facebook with friends back home, there are always SO many people visiting and holding these fresh, teeny tiny babies in the hospital, hours after birth, and it kind of makes me twitch. Colds and flus can be so dangerous for these little humans.
Visiting hours here are more of a quick visit to check in on the new mom and give her some company (with uncomplicated deliveries, mom and baby stay 3 full days in hospital after birth).
So there you have it! The top 20 Croatian habits I think everyone should start embracing!
Croatians generally spend more time with family and friends, less time at work (than the west), they love to eat delicious food, sip strong coffee, and enjoy life!
What are some other habits I've missed? I know there are plenty out there! Leave a comment below!
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Sarah Cosic
Royal Croatian Tours - Specializing in custom made, luxury trips throughout Croatia. We offer exclusive experiences all over the country, and we’re passionate about providing you exceptional service that goes above and beyond for your tailor made vacation! Send us an email or give us a call to start planning today! |
If you’re interested in reading a few of our other posts about Croatia:
- 25 Strange Things Croatians Do (And Would Never Do)!
- Croatian Culture, Etiquette & Social Norms: A Complete Guide!
- My Kids Don't Speak English: Raising Bilinguals is Tough!
- 15 Places in Croatia You've Probably Never Heard Of!
- 50 Insanely Spectacular Photos of Croatia: Start Packing!
- Croatia’s Best 20 Beaches: Sandy, Pebbly & Hidden Gems
- Is Croatia Safe? Read Our 20 Useful Safety Tips for Tourists
- 5 Reasons Croatian Grannies are Cuter than Kittens
- 8 Reasons You Should Never Swim in the Adriatic
- Top 10 Day Trips From Zagreb, Within 1hr Drive
- Croatian Money: KN or EURO, Exchanging $, and Daily Costs
- How I Learned to Speak Croatian as an Adult (in 7 Steps)
- Driving in Croatia (A Helpful Guide With Practical Tips)
- 38 Local Tips & Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Croatia
- Travel to Croatia With a Toddler or Baby (From Experience!)
- Tipping in Croatia: A Complete Guide With Suggested Amounts!
