Darija Stojanovic 
Dobar dan (g’day in Croatian), welcome to my blog post on where to stay in Zagreb! As someone who’s visited this beautiful city and has tons of friends and cousins living there, I’ll be your trip-planning gal for the perfect stay in Croatia’s capital!
I have prepared this simple, easy-to-read guide in which I discuss the 5 best areas, sorted by interest and price! I also share top-rated, guest-favorite accommodation options in each area!
Stay in the Lower Town (Donji Grad) for your first visit to Zagreb: the walkable city center with the train station, main square and most sights. Choose the Upper Town for nightlife and views, Jarun for families by the lake, or Maksimir for parks and the zoo.
Areas run first-timers first, and every hotel is picked for its current Booking.com guest score and fit to the area and budget.
Just keep in mind that you have to book in advance to get the best deals, especially the mid-range and budget ones. Those sell out quickly!
Croatia adopted the euro in 2023, so all prices below are in euros (EUR), not the old kuna.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here’s a short list of all the best hotels for your stay in Zagreb:
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
And here is a map showing the top 5 areas to stay in Zagreb for your easy reference:
- LOWER TOWN: for first-timers
- UPPER TOWN: for nightlife
- JARUN: for families
- NOVI ZAGREB: for socialist architecture
- MAKSIMIR: for outdoor activities
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Top hotel pick (Booking score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Town (Donji Grad) | First-timers, sights | Central, grand, walkable | Esplanade (9.0) |
| Upper Town (Gornji Grad) | Nightlife, views | Historic, romantic, hilly | Boutique Hotel HOH (9.7) |
| Jarun | Families, lake | Relaxed, green, sporty | Hotel Jarun (9.5) |
| Novi Zagreb | Budget, architecture | Modern, residential, quiet | Sundial Boutique Hotel (9.2) |
| Maksimir | Outdoors, parks | Leafy, local, near the zoo | Anastasia Suites (9.2) |
1. Lower Town (Donji Grad) – where to stay in Zagreb for the first time
Lower Town, or Donji Grad, is the part of Zagreb City Center with charming Austro-Hungarian architecture and wide streets. It’s the perfect choice if you’re traveling to Croatia’s capital for the first time and arriving at the central train station here!
This area is super convenient since you won’t even need to take the bus to get around, as everything is within walking distance!
Start your visit from the central square, Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića, situated on Ilica Street. As a symbol of the city, the horse statue of this celebrated Croatian army general welcomes locals and visitors from across the world.
We spent a good portion of our visit in a bookstore on the main square (as always). But there are plenty of things to do in Lower Town, like strolling in the Park Zrinjevac (map) and exploring local squares (Cvjetni Trg or Flower Square, Britanski Trg or British Square).
Here, you’ll also find plenty of museums; no matter what your interests, there’s a museum for you. Learn more about the world of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum, dive into human history at the Archaeology Museum, and discover more about science and technology at the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum.
During our stay, we stayed in a hotel near Park Zrinjevac, and I loved how we could walk literally everywhere. The hotels near parks are great because the surrounding area is quiet, yet you’re just a few blocks from the vibrant nightlife!
Did you know that Advent in Zagreb is actually one of the best ones in Europe? You’ll find 25 Christmas Markets across the capital’s numerous squares, so you’ll certainly enjoy visiting in December!
You’ll also find plenty of hotels and public transportation options, so you can make it to any part of town relatively quickly.
I love the classical-elegant touch of this Lower Town Zagreb luxury hotel. It looks like a modern palace! Not to mention the art-nouveau, spacious rooms with amazing views of the heart of the city! You can hit the gym or spa in the morning, and then go to the hotel’s terrace restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal! This is one of the best places to stay in Lower Town!
Other accommodation options in Lower Town (Donji Grad)
Located on the city’s central square, this iconic hotel has the perfect location and complimentary breakfast
Stay in Zagreb in this cozy studio with all the basic amenities and a perfect location
One of the best apartments in the City Center that has a garden, free parking and a lovely kitchen
Things to do in Zagreb Lower Town (Donji Grad)
- Join a walking tour of the city
- Go food tasting with the locals
- Have fun at the Museum of Hangovers
- Get the cable car to the Upper Town to do some sightseeing
- Explore the Lenuci’s Horseshoe (map) group of squares
- Take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes or the Medvedgrad castle (map)
2. Upper Town (Gornji Grad) – best place to stay for nightlife
The Upper Town forms the other half of the beautiful City Center of Zagreb. It’s also known as the Old Town, and it’s simply amazing! If you want to enjoy the city’s nightlife in between museum hopping and history lessons, this part of town is perfect for you.
You won’t get prettier views of the city than from the hilly Upper Town! Definitely pack those comfy shoes! Luckily, there’s one of the world’s shortest funiculars (66 meters or 216 feet long, map) that can take you up or down!
The old houses and cobbled streets look amazing from up here, but fear not—the streets are not quiet! They are packed with friendly tourists, lively bars and restaurants, and other Zagreb attractions. Here, you can also explore the vibrant street art scene (notably around Park Ribnjak, which also encompasses an Art Park).
Walk around the beautiful Jelacic Square, and oh, get ready to have some fun on Tkalciceva, the famed “bar street” and my favorite street in town! I totally recommend you go beer tasting at Mali Medo (map), the largest brewery in town! We tried a set of local craft beers and loved every single one!
One of the top sights is the Museum of Broken Relationships, with artifacts of ex-lovers offering a completely new take on broken hearts. Seriously, Zagreb has some of the weirdest museums I have seen – museums of selfies, mushrooms, and hangovers, just to name a few.
A small sub-area here, Kaptol, is the city’s religious center, and the atmosphere is quite nice. You have the lovely villas and the Zagreb Cathedral (map) here, which is the tallest building in Croatia at 108 m (354 feet)!
In this part of Zagreb, you’ll find many other historical landmarks, as well as some shopping stores and good restaurants. Make sure you stop by the Dolac Market (map) and get a cool souvenir!
A bit further north is the Mirogoj Cemetery (map), one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe, according to National Geographic! It was designed by Hermann Bollé, an Austro-Hungarian architect who mainly worked in Zagreb and Ljubljana. He also designed the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb.
The closest it can get to luxury in Zagreb’s Upper Town is over at HOH! Fully modern rooms with a lovely patio/terrace where you can have breakfast, featuring a fitness center, a spa, and the most accommodating staff!
Other accommodation options in Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
This 4-star hotel is situated on a central street, has great breakfast, and spacious rooms
A great place to stay, located near the Ban Jelacic Square (the main square), this hostel has a terrace and air conditioning in the rooms
Stay in Zagreb, Croatia, in a quirky, affordable apartment that has a kitchen, free parking, and Wi-Fi
Things to do in Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
- Have fun at the Museum of Broken Relationships
- Visit the St Mark’s Church in Upper Town (map)
- Learn about Zagreb’s history at Zagreb City Museum
- Hike on the romantic Strossmayer Promenade through the Upper Town
- Catch daily cannon blasts at Lotrščak Tower (map)
- See some cool stuff at the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
- Check out an art exhibition at the Grič-Tunnel
- Take a day trip to Ljubljana and Lake Bled
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3. Jarun – where to stay in Zagreb for families
Are you traveling to Zagreb, Croatia, with your family, and don’t know which neighborhood will keep your kids entertained? Jarun, which is 6 km (3.7 miles) Southwest of the City Center, is the perfect place!
Jarun is named after the artificial lake that runs through the area, also known as the Zagreb Sea. You can try numerous activities at the lake, such as swimming, paddling, surfing, skating, and more. My cousin, a former Zagreb local, recommended this area as one of the most activity-dense in the city!
You can watch the swans and just chill, but you’ll still be close to the City Center’s hustle and bustle. Even though the area has a good bus connection to the Center, you might consider renting a car so you can get around easily with the little ones. As another option, you can take Tram 17 to the City Center; the ride is around 40 minutes.
There’s a great selection of luxury hotels and budget hostels here as well, plus tons of restaurants and cafes, so you’re really in for a treat in one of Zagreb’s trendiest areas!
One of the best luxury hotels in Zagreb, this place looks super fancy, and they have two saunas and a hot tub! There is an elegant terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee (together with your pet!) before heading to the lake. The breakfast is really good, too!
Other accommodation options in Jarun
A lovely hotel in Zagreb with complimentary breakfast, a terrace, fitness center, and spacious rooms
A nice stay for up to 4 guests, featuring modern amenities, free private parking, and AC
Fit the entire family in this beautiful, renovated apartment within walking distance from the lake
Things to do in Jarun, Zagreb
- Enjoy a picnic at Jarun Lake
- Have a delicious dinner at Il Secondo (map)
- Sunbathe on one of the lake beaches
- Take the kids to eat dinner at Burger Bar Zagreb (map)
- Rent a paddleboard or paddle boat at the lake
Novi Zagreb is located South of the City Center, just across the Sava River. It’s the new (when I say new, I mean built after WWII), socialist neighborhood that gives away the old-school Yugoslavia vibe.
There are plenty of urban spaces here, including attractions like Zagreb University, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Bundek City Park (map), where you’ll find locals BBQing and having picnics!
The hotels in Zagreb are also quite affordable here, as the area is not as packed with tourists as the others. Like any other modern neighborhood in town, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants here.
In Western Novi Zagreb, you’ll find Arena Zagreb, which is the main event venue in town, as well as a shopping mall (also called Arena) adjacent to it.
If you want to visit the Gornji Grad Upper Town or the Lower Town, you can easily take the tram to either part of the city and get there in less than 30 minutes.
This brand-new 4-star hotel in Novi Zagreb has a tastefully decorated interior, from the rooms and bathrooms to the lobby. A gym and private parking are at your service, along with an on-site bar and super-friendly staff.
Other accommodation options in Novi Zagreb
One of the best boutique hotels in Zagreb, with modern amenities, a terrace, and spacious rooms
This spacious apartment has a convenient location, 2 rooms, and a full kitchen
I love the Mediterranean colors of this apartment together with all the basic amenities
Things to do in Novi Zagreb
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb
- Take a walk in the Bundek City Park and relax by Bundek Lake
- Admire some beautiful flowers at Floraart
- Have fun at the Karting Arena
- Admire the surroundings in Park Mladenaca
- Go with your friends to a Laser Tag Center in Zagreb
5. Maksimir – where to stay for outdoor activities
Located in the eastern part of the city, some 4.6 km (2.8 miles) from Zagreb’s main square, this area is perfect for you if you enjoy spending time in nature and shopping at the best stores! Home to the largest and oldest parks in Zagreb and the Maksimir Stadium (map), there are tons of activities to try here!
Who knows, maybe if you’re coming during the football season, you might catch a game! I’m sure all sports enthusiasts would love that!
The Park Maksimir (map) is really beautiful, especially in autumn, when the leaves are falling, and the color palette is mesmerizing. The locals love to stroll here for hours on weekends, and I totally recommend it if you want to spend time outdoors!
This park is also home to the Zagreb Zoo! Because most of this part of Zagreb, Croatia, was built in modern history, you’ll find many cafes, luxury restaurants, and a great shopping mall!
Don’t forget you’re on holiday; don’t get caught up with all the museum visits, and remember to eat some good food and buy that expensive piece of clothing! You deserve it!
A relaxed 4-star hotel tucked in the green belt right by Maksimir Park, with its own restaurant, free parking, and plenty of leafy calm just a tram ride from the center (great if you want the park and zoo on your doorstep).
Other accommodation options in Maksimir, Zagreb
Stay in this Zagreb hotel that offers room and travel agency service and is located near the restaurants and cafes
A long-running hostel just 500 m from Maksimir Park, and no better-rated budget spot this close to the park
Situated in a new building, this modern flat is perfect for famRFilies or long stays
Things to do in Maksimir, Zagreb
- Take a long relaxing walk in Maksimir Park
- Enjoy a day in the beautiful Botanical Garden
- Take the family to the Zoo Zagreb
- Visit the Zagreb Stadium
- Go to the Supernova Garden Mall (map)
- Eat a delicious meal at Duksa Pizza (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | €130 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €90 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €40 |
| 📍 Best area: | Lower Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Esplanade |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hotel Dubrovnik |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Piccolo Apartments |
BONUS 1: Best day trips from Zagreb
Croatia and the Western Balkans are such a diverse region with plenty of interesting sights, so if you have some spare time, I recommend day trips to one of the following places:
NOTE: I sorted the destinations below by distance (they’re all equally fun, depending on what you want to see or do), starting with the locations closest to Zagreb.
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is a national park 133 km (82 miles) South of Zagreb, and it takes around 2 hours to get here by car. This is probably the most popular natural tourist attraction. And it’s the one we learned about in school as one of the most beautiful natural parks in the Balkans.
The park has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, and its surreal beauty is equally attractive in winter and summer. You’ll be welcomed by stunning waterfalls, dozens of lakes, and 18 km (11 miles) of hiking trails.
I found a tour that takes you from your hotel to Plitvice, AND it even includes a stop at a 17th-century fairy-tale village called Rastoke! The price is around $70 per person, which is a great deal!
Ljubljana
Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, is also a 2-hour drive from Zagreb! It’s an ideal day trip idea if you want to explore another major city in the region.
I’ve traveled far and wide around the world, but Ljubljana (and Slovenia in general) is one of my favorite places on Earth. I definitely recommend a trip there. You can enjoy the beautiful Austro-Hungarian architecture, Western culture, Italian energy, and Balkan hospitality all in one small city!
For more inspiration on things to do in Ljubljana, check out this article! And if you decide to visit, there’s an awesome tour for US$130 that takes you from Zagreb to Ljubljana, with a stop at the beautiful Lake Bled! Just Google this place, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with its beauty!
Istria
Istria is the most beautiful region of Croatia and the largest peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. The peninsula is located about 220 km (136 miles) from Zagreb, and it takes about 3 hours to reach the nearest coastal cities. The region encompasses medieval towns that were once part of the Venetian Republic, such as Pula, Rovinj, Hum, Porec, and many others, all of which exude charm and history.
If you need specific reasons to visit Istria, I have a whole article dedicated to it!
The best way to visit Istria is on a tour. This way, you can visit all the important cities and taste their delicious wines without worrying about driving! This fully private tour is a great option, and it costs around $260 per group.
Trieste
Trieste is 227 km (141 miles) West of Zagreb, and it’s a charming city located at a cultural crossroads between Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia. One of its most famous residents, James Joyce, a celebrated Irish writer, just loved the cultural vibrancy of Trieste, which is why he lived here for 15 years!
I visited Trieste and Venice on a 2-day trip from Ljubljana, and if you have the extra time or plan to rent a car in Zagreb, I totally recommend this 4-day itinerary: Zagreb-Ljubljana-Trieste-Venice! I’ll gladly help you plan ahead; just drop me a comment below!
BONUS 2: Where to stay near Zagreb Airport (ZAG)
Zagreb Airport is about 16 km (9 miles) from the City Center, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the main square by car, while the bus trip takes about 1 hour. For a bus ride, you need to take a bus to the main bus station and then switch to another line that takes you to the Center.
If you’re short on time, you may not be able to afford spending 1-2 hours getting to the City Center and back for your layover. And if you have an early flight, you definitely want to avoid the morning traffic (it can get bad in Zagreb) and get a few extra hours of sleep before the flight.
That’s why, for these 2 scenarios (short overnights and early flights), I totally recommend staying near the airport. I handpicked the top-rated hotels and sorted them by budget just to make your life a bit easier!
Luxury (€140 and up):
- Hotel Garden Hill – Modern and comfortable rooms with 2 single beds, ideal for couples or single travelers. There’s a 24-hour front desk, an airport shuttle service, and free parking.
- Best Western Airport Hotel – An excellent value for money, great if you’re visiting with a car with easy highway access. You can enjoy an on-site fitness center and wellness and spa, use their free parking, and enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast.
Mid-range (€60 – €130):
- Royal Airport Hotel – A 4-star comfort at a mid-range price just 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from the airport. They have various room setups suitable for couples and families, an on-site restaurant, and provide airport transfers for an additional fee.
- 4TREES Airport Apartments – Probably the top-rated stay near the airport, 4TREES has a seasonal pool, free parking, and modern apartments, from 1-bedroom flats to large 4-room apartments for up to 10 guests!
Budget (up to €60):
- Filipovic Rent a Car and Apartments – This popular budget stay has modern rooms, a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and it’s just 1 km (0.6 miles) from the airport. They can even arrange a shuttle service for you.
- WooW Apartments – Located just a 5-minute drive from the airport, this property offers free parking, an airport shuttle (pre-arranged), and flexible check-out times.
FAQs about where to stay in Zagreb
🤔 How many days should I spend in Zagreb?
I suggest spending at least 1-2 days in Zagreb. Most of the important landmarks are within walking distance, but you’ll want to give yourself enough time to sample some great local delicacies and experience the vibes of less central areas like Jarun or Novi Zagreb.
🏨 Where to stay in Lower Town Zagreb?
One of the best hotels in Zagreb, located in the Lower Town, is Esplanade. You will feel like you’re in a palace, with all the furniture and Art Deco design.
💲 What’s the best place to stay in Zagreb on a budget?
Stay in Zagreb, Croatia, with Hostel Bureau in the Lower Town. The area is perfect if you’re a budget traveler, as you’ll find some of the best deals here, plus stay near all the attractions.
👪 What are the best hotels for families in Zagreb?
If you’re wondering where to stay in Zagreb with the whole family, I recommend the Admiral Hotel in Jarun or the International Hotel in Lower Town.
🤔 Is it better to stay in the Upper or Lower town in Zagreb?
Both are great for first-timers and are literally just a continuation of each other. The lower part has more attractions, and the Upper Town is more romantic.
✖️ Where not to stay in Zagreb?
Zagreb is a safe city overall, so there are no specific areas you should avoid for safety. Although for an easier commute and greater comfort, avoid the areas too far East.
🚶 Is Zagreb a walkable city?
Absolutely! I walked in all areas of Zagreb! It’s pedestrian-friendly, flat, and beautiful to explore on foot.
🪩 Where to stay in Zagreb for nightlife?
Anywhere in the City Center, but notably around Kaptol, is great for nightlife, as you’ll find tons of late-night bars, clubs, and eateries.
🚊 How do you get around Zagreb?
On foot, with trams, buses, and taxis. Of course, you can also rent a car if you’re planning a visit to other Croatian cities. Otherwise, you don’t really need a car to get around Zagreb.
✈️ How do you get from Zagreb Airport to the city center?
The Pleso prijevoz shuttle bus runs from Franjo Tudman Airport to Zagreb’s main bus station in about 30 minutes, and a tram takes you into the center from there. A taxi or rideshare is around 20 to 25 minutes. The airport is located southeast of the city, near Velika Gorica.
📅 When is the best time to visit Zagreb?
Late spring (May to June) and early September bring mild weather and thinner crowds. December is magical for Advent, Zagreb’s Christmas market that was named Europe’s best three years running (2016 to 2018), though it gets busy and cold.
Conclusion
I hope this article on where to stay in Zagreb helped you decide whether you want to stay in the Upper Town, Lower Town, or another area!
I know I’ve offered so many options for where to stay in Zagreb during your holiday, but here are my top two favorite ones. Make sure you book in advance, as they are top tourist destinations year-round!
- Esplanade – enjoy the royal treatment in this elegant hotel in Zagreb
- International Hotel – one of the best places to stay with spacious rooms
Have fun in Croatia’s capital city, explore the beautiful old streets of the Upper Town, and head to the Zagreb Cathedral to admire this iconic piece of architecture!
If you have any more questions about Zagreb, the tourist attractions, or anything else, feel free to leave a comment, and I will do my best to help you!
Safe travels,
Darija
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