Look at any suggested Croatia itinerary from any blogger and they’ll recommend Zagreb. This charming city has been nicknamed ‘Little Vienna’ for its beautiful architecture, similar colours used for buildings, and grand parks.
As Croatia’s capital, it’s an obvious place for tourists, students, and people to visit on business so there are a lot of accommodation options.
This guide highlights the best places to stay in the city and will help you find where to stay in Zagreb first by deciding the ideal area for you then finding a place that is within your budget. From cheap hostels in Zagreb to the best hotels in Zagreb, this guide has you covered from budget to luxury.
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Best Areas to Stay in Zagreb
These are the best areas to stay in Zagreb, all of which are easily accessible by public transport. Take your pick!
Gornji Grad (Upper Town)
BEST FOR: Being in the middle of the action
You really can’t go wrong with staying in Gornji Grad, it’s the Upper Town, named so because this part of Zagreb is literally higher than the rest. This is the most historical part of Zagreb and many Zagreb tourist attractions will be within walking distance. As one of the best places to stay, the downside is that it is a tourist area so expect higher prices.
Donji Grad (Lower Town)
BEST FOR: Being close to everything and better prices
Donji Grad is the newer part of Zagreb but it still has fabulous architecture. There are beautiful gardens in this area, lots of shopping and tons of restaurants. There are larger streets here so it can be noisy depending on if you are staying on a main street or not.
Tresnjevka
BEST FOR: Local living
Tresnjevka is a residential neighbourhood that is further out from the city centre. This is the perfect area for you to stay in if you love to see how locals live, enjoy finding unique cafes and charming city streets. There are still quite a few attractions in the area but less restaurants and shopping.
Best Mid-Range Zagreb Accommodation
Discover the best places to stay from Zagreb apartments to hotels that are totally affordable.
Garden Hotel
Garden Hotel is located in the heart of Zagreb with main attractions such as the old town and multiple museums that can be reached by foot.
The hotel is simple yet modern with an attractive price for its central location. A restaurant is on-site with a coffee bar and a terrace to enjoy some relaxation time.
The main bus and train stations are close-by and a tram stop is located outside of the hotel for further exploration of Zagreb.
B&B Cool Centre Zagreb
Ignore the cheesy name, this B&B is ideal for those on a budget. This charming place to stay in Zagreb has an ideal location right in the heart of the city.
The city’s most popular market, Dolac Market along with the Museum of Broken Relationships (a highlight in Zagreb) are both 400-500 metres away.
Breakfast is served on the property which previous guests have left good comments about and each room is equipped with a kitchen, a sitting area and some have views of the city.
Irundo Zagreb – Downtown Apartments
Since Zagreb hotels come with a hefty price tag an excellent way of paying less for accommodation is to book an apartment, which are oftentimes nicer than hotel rooms.
Irundo Zagreb is a collection of apartments in Zagreb’s city centre that are all within 100 metres of the main square meaning that everything to see in Zagreb is accessible by foot.
Each apartment is beautifully styled and are equipped with a kitchen, a seating area and entertainment facilities.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Find more hostel options on Booking.com.
Best Luxury Zagreb Accommodation
These Zagreb luxury hotels will spoil you with their location, beautiful architecture and modern amenities. Zagreb five-star hotels are something else.
Palace Hotel Zagreb
One of the best hotels in Zagreb, the beautiful Palace Hotel Zagreb is a four-star hotel housed in an art nouveau building that is gorgeous just walking up to it.
The hotel is right in the centre of the city, overlooking one of Zagreb’s best parks for a peaceful atmosphere but is still within walking distance of Ban Jelacic Square.
International and local cuisine is available at the on-site restaurant. This hotel offers a fitness centre, and previous guests have left excellent reviews of the tasty breakfast and helpful staff.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a stunning, grand, 5-star hotel built in 1925 in an art nouveau style.
Amenities on-site include a fitness centre, sauna and spa. The restaurants in the hotel serve traditional Croatian cuisine and French favourites while the bar has award-winning bartenders serving up special cocktails.
Each room has elegant marble bathrooms with complimentary L’Occitane cosmetics. Ban Jelacic Square is less than a kilometre away and the train station is very close.
Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria
Don’t let the Best Western name fool you, this luxury Zagreb hotel is an elegant hotel in the centre of the city.
Mornings can be spent enjoying coffee and reading in the Glama Bar which serves high tea in the afternoons and cocktails in the evenings.
Free parking and Wi-Fi is available through the hotel and the location is ideal, close to the train station and surrounded by some of Zagreb’s best architecture.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Find more hotel options on Booking.com.
Best Budget Zagreb Accommodation
Find the best hostels in Zagreb for mature backpackers who love to socialize as much as they love a pretty space to sleep in.
Swanky Mint
This is the hostel I wish I stayed at in Zagreb as it’s one of the best. I went to hang out with one of the girls who works the reception and learned that this hostels attention to detail is amazing. The staff really makes an effort to get the guests together.
The common area is unreal with an awesome bar and some of the best cocktails in Zagreb. There’s a swimming pool and a bit more of a mature vibe at this hostel. The location is also a prime spot.
Private, modern rooms and separate apartments along with your standard dorm rooms with privacy curtains are available. The overall style is pretty awesome too, the building was converted from a warehouse for a fun, industrial look.
The Dots Hostel
Forget dorms, this hostel has private rooms for single travellers and for up to groups as large as 5. There is a mix of private and shared bathrooms and a common area with a dining room and bar so that you can still socialize and get to know other travellers without worrying about getting a good nights sleep!
Hostel Bureau
Right in the heart of Zagreb and only a short walk to the majority of the best Zagreb attractions, this hostel is a mix of dorm and private rooms for up to 4 people with dorms being no larger than 6 beds. A shared lounge including a billiards table and kitchen are available for guests.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Find more hostel options on Booking.com.