Your hotel in the heart of Zagreb
As Croatia's capital and largest city, Zagreb offers visitors a delightful mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture, vibrant café culture, and rich cultural heritage.
The city's compact center makes it highly walkable, with excellent public transportation options for venturing further afield.
Whether you're seeking historic charm, proximity to museums and attractions, bustling nightlife, or tranquil green spaces, Zagreb has a neighborhood that perfectly matches your preferences.
This guide explores the best areas to stay in Zagreb, along with accommodation recommendations across various price points to help you find the perfect base for your Croatian adventure.
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The Upper Town represents Zagreb's historic heart, characterized by cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, gas lanterns, and medieval architecture.
This charming area houses some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark's Church with its distinctive tiled roof, the Stone Gate, Lotrščak Tower, and several museums including the renowned Museum of Broken Relationships.
Dating back to 1827, Hotel Jägerhorn is Zagreb's oldest standing hotel and offers an elegant blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Located at the foot of the Upper Town, this boutique property features a peaceful courtyard garden, and excellent service.
Price Range: €120-180 per night Address: Ilica 14, Zagreb Features: Free breakfast, garden terrace, historic building, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi
Located near the funicular connecting Upper and Lower Town, Rooms Zagreb 17 provides convenient access to major attractions while offering more affordable rates than luxury options in the area.
Price Range: €70-110 per night Address: Tomićeva 5, Zagreb Features: Modern design, air conditioning, soundproofed rooms, excellent location
Located near the Upper Town, this colorful hostel offers both private rooms and dormitory options. With its artistic decor and friendly atmosphere, Mali Mrak provides budget travelers with a comfortable base from which to explore Zagreb's historic center.
Price Range: €15-40 per night Address: Medveščak 55, Zagreb Features: Garden, communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, bicycle rental
The Lower Town represents Zagreb's modern center, developed mainly during the 19th century. With its elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture, wide avenues, and green squares, this area serves as the city's commercial and cultural hub.
Here you'll find the famous "Green Horseshoe" – a U-shaped series of parks and squares housing important cultural institutions, along with excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
This iconic five-star hotel has been a symbol of elegance since 1925 when it was built to accommodate passengers of the Orient Express. Its central location near the main railway station makes it convenient for both business and leisure travelers.
Price Range: €150-300 per night Address: Mihanovićeva 1, Zagreb Features: Luxury spa, fitness center, award-winning restaurants, marble bathrooms, concierge service
This boutique hotel offers stylish, contemporary rooms in a renovated building close to the main square. With its minimalist design and excellent service, Hotel 9 provides great value in a central location.
Price Range: €80-130 per night Address: Avenija Marina Držića 9, Zagreb Features: Modern design, soundproofed rooms, free parking, buffet breakfast
Housed in a former textile factory, this design hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms with an industrial-chic aesthetic. Its central location and lively bar make it popular with younger travelers.
Price Range: €15-50 per night Address: Ilica 50, Zagreb Features: On-site bar, swimming pool (seasonal), common kitchen, mixed and female-only dormitories
Located west of the city center, the neighborhood around British Square offers a more residential feel while still providing excellent access to central attractions. It's also close to Ilica Street, one of Zagreb's main shopping thoroughfares.
Housed in a historic building that once served as a bank, this elegant hotel offers sophisticated rooms with high ceilings and classic-contemporary design. Its location provides easy access to both British Square and the city center.
Price Range: €120-200 per night Address: Jurišićeva 22, Zagreb Features: Restaurant, bar, fitness center, business facilities
These well-appointed apartments offer the comfort and convenience of a home away from home. Each unit includes kitchen facilities and modern amenities, making them ideal for travelers who prefer self-catering options.
Price Range: €60-90 per night Address: Near British Square, Zagreb Features: Fully equipped kitchens, living areas, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning
This modern hostel offers clean, comfortable accommodations with both private and dormitory options. Its location provides good access to British Square's market and cafés.
Price Range: €20-45 per night Address: Ivana Kukuljevića 6, Zagreb Features: Common room, shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, lockers
Kaptol forms part of Zagreb's historic core alongside the Upper Town and is centered around the magnificent Zagreb Cathedral. This ecclesiastical center has been an important religious site since the 11th century.
The area features historic buildings, traditional restaurants, and the bustling Dolac Market – Zagreb's main farmers' market with its distinctive red umbrellas.
While technically at the edge of Kaptol, this five-star property offers upscale accommodations with all the amenities expected of an international luxury hotel. Its location provides easy access to both Kaptol's historic sites and Lower Town's attractions.
Price Range: €130-250 per night Address: Kneza Borne 2, Zagreb Features: Indoor pool, spa facilities, fitness center, multiple dining options, business center
This boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms in a restored historic building near the cathedral. Its garden terrace provides a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing.
Price Range: €75-120 per night Address: Valentina Vodnika 13, Zagreb Features: Garden terrace, free breakfast, air conditioning, satellite TV
As the name suggests, this hostel is centrally located near Zagreb's main square and offers easy access to Kaptol's attractions. The modern facility provides clean, basic accommodations for budget-conscious travelers.
Price Range: €15-40 per night Address: Tkalčićeva 7, Zagreb Features: Central location, common room, free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen
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For travelers seeking a break from the urban environment, the neighborhood around Lake Jarun offers a refreshing alternative.
Located southwest of the city center, this recreational area features a large artificial lake with beaches, sports facilities, and numerous cafés and nightclubs along what locals call "Zagreb's sea."
While not directly on the lake, this four-star hotel is the closest upscale option to Jarun. It offers comfortable rooms, many with expansive city views, and good transportation connections to both the lake area and city center.
Price Range: €100-180 per night Address: Trg Krešimira Ćosića 9, Zagreb Features: Panoramic views, multiple restaurants, fitness center, conference facilities
This aparthotel offers spacious accommodations with kitchenettes, making it ideal for families or extended stays. Its location provides good access to both Jarun Lake and transportation to the city center.
Price Range: €60-100 per night Address: Krapinska 69, Zagreb Features: Kitchenettes, free parking, air conditioning, family rooms
This modern hostel offers affordable accommodations with easy access to Jarun Lake. The colorful, contemporary design and friendly atmosphere make it popular with younger travelers.
Price Range: €15-40 per night Address: Horvaćanska cesta 17, Zagreb Features: Common areas, shared kitchen, bicycle rental, free Wi-Fi
Developed mainly after World War II, Novi Zagreb lies south of the Sava River and represents the city's more modern face.
Characterized by residential blocks, shopping centers, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, this area offers a glimpse into everyday life for many Zagreb residents. The neighborhood is well-connected to the city center by tram and bus services.
This modern hotel offers upscale accommodations with international standards of service. While located between the city center and Novi Zagreb, it provides good access to both areas.
Price Range: €110-200 per night Address: Ulica grada Vukovara 269a, Zagreb Features: Indoor pool, spa facilities, restaurant and bar, fitness center, business services
This practical hotel offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, with easy access to both Novi Zagreb attractions and transportation to the city center.
Price Range: €50-80 per night Address: Slavonska avenija 59, Zagreb Features: Restaurant, free parking, air conditioning, business facilities
While actually located just north of the river, this popular hostel offers affordable accommodations with easy access to Novi Zagreb. Its social atmosphere makes it a favorite with backpackers.
Price Range: €12-40 per night Address: Tomićeva 5A, Zagreb Features: Bar, common areas, organized activities, free walking tours
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Zagreb experiences four distinct seasons, each affecting your accommodation needs:
Zagreb offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to every preference and budget. The city's compact size means that even if you're not staying in the center, you're never too far from major attractions.
By matching your accommodation choice to your travel style and priorities, you'll create the perfect base from which to explore all that Zagreb has to offer – from its museums and monuments to its cafés and cuisine.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend city break or using Zagreb as a starting point for a longer Croatian adventure, the perfect stay awaits in this captivating capital city.
For first-time visitors, the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) or Lower Town (Donji Grad) areas are ideal. These central neighborhoods put you within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants, and shopping.
Zagreb is generally more affordable than coastal Croatian destinations like Dubrovnik or Hvar, especially outside the Christmas market season. Budget travelers can find hostel beds for €15-25 per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost €60-120.
For visits during peak periods (Christmas Market season in December, summer months, and during major festivals), booking 3-6 months ahead is advisable. For off-season visits, 1-2 months in advance is usually sufficient.
Unless you have a very early departure or late arrival, staying in the city center is recommended. Zagreb airport is about 15-20 km from the center, and transfer options are readily available.
Zagreb is generally a safe city with low crime rates, and there are no areas that visitors need to specifically avoid for safety reasons. However, some outer residential districts offer little of interest to tourists and have fewer amenities.