Where to Stay in Zagreb (And the 2 Areas You Should Avoid)
St. Mark's Church in Zagreb and Croatian Museum of Naive Art (Zagreb)
Croatia, and especially the city of Zagreb, I consider my second home. I have lived in this city for more than 5 years, and now I’m going to tell you which are the best areas to stay.
And by the way, I’ll also share all the places that might interest you to complement your trip, which are not usually found online because the other guides haven’t been written by people like me, who have lived here for so long.
I recommend you take at least 5 minutes to read this so you don’t pick the wrong area .(as other blogs mention zones that, for me as a local, make no sense for a tourist and are a waste of time) or simply so you can avoid booking a «so-so» hotel.
Oh, and at the end of the article, the comments are open in case you need extra help, want to confirm if a hotel is good, or if you catch me in Zagreb and want to grab a coffee haha. ☕
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PS: At the end of the article, you can ask me anything you want, and I'll help you out.
Table of Contents Read this first!
Map of the Main Areas to Stay and Summary
For me, the best area is (1) inside the pink square. You can get anywhere in 10 minutes on foot.
1. Donji Grad (Lower Town): The Best Area for Your First Time in Zagreb
Donji Grad (Lower Town) Tomislava Park. I love walking here in the mornings.
This is, without a doubt, my favorite area.In fact, I have an apartment here, and whenever I return to the city, I stay in this part, whether to visit friends or because I have a wedding or a dance festival (yes, I dance salsa and bachata 💃🕺), and if you need to know about dance parties, just write me, and I’ll tell you where to go hehe.
The advantage is that it doesn’t matter if you choose to stay a bit further north, south, east, or west: as long as you stay within the pink square you see on the map above, you will be perfectly located.
What’s best about this area:
The main square (Josip Jelačića), the heart of the city.
The central parks Zrinjevac and Tomislava (the one in the photo above, where they set up Christmas markets, food trucks, summer cinemas, events, etc.).
The botanical garden, ideal for a stroll.
The morning markets, with fresh fruit, lots of flowers, and a local atmosphere.
The theater and nearby cafes.
And, of course, the street of bars and restaurants, «Tkalčićeva» (‘Kalchicheva’ Street for us Spaniards who can’t pronounce it right hahaha)
A beautiful street near Josip Square (Main Square)
Tomislava Park in winter 2024
Tomislava Park in Summer 2025
Croatia National Theatre
Josip Square in Eurocup 2024
Josip Square
Train Station and Tomislava Park
Best Hotels in Lowert Town Zagreb
Any of these options I’m listing below will be a great choice for your stay. If you have a larger budget, the hotel will be better, but if not, I’ve also selected options with great reviews and good locations in Donji Grad.
Donji Grad - Flowers square (because they sell tons of flowers haha)
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly hostel, I recommend two:
Chill-Out Hostel. Price: about €20/night. Well-located, good reviews, and it has a bar on-site with group games, music, cocktails… a young atmosphere in general. I haven’t stayed there, but I’ve been to the bar several times and it’s lively.
Stay Swanky Hostel. Price: about €20/night. Another hostel a bit further west. Same style. A cafe-bar combined with double and shared rooms. Just like Chill-out Hostel, I haven’t stayed, but I’ve been to its cafe-bar because it’s quite famous in Zagreb.
🙋♂️ Extra Local Recommendations
And if you stay here, be sure to visit these places because they are a guaranteed hit.
Boogie Lab Coffee. The best croissants I have ever tasted in my life. I’m not exaggerating.
Esplanade Coffee. If you can’t afford to stay in the most luxurious hotel, you can still have a coffee for $4. The service is 10/10 and the decoration is very beautiful.
VK Virtual Reality Cinema. The owner is a travel enthusiast and has films he made himself with African tribes. It’s in English.
Trjianka Restaurant. Good-priced local food from a stone oven. It’s a 15-minute taxi/bus ride away, but it’s worth it because you’re guaranteed to enjoy it.
2. Gornji Grad (Upper Town): Historic and Romantic but Full of Hills
Gornji Grad (Ciudad Alta) Bonita, bien ubicada pero muchas cuestas y escaleras...
This area is very touristy, and I recommend it for visiting St. Mark’s Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and for its cobblestone streets in general.
Besides that, though, it doesn’t have much else to offer. From time to time, in the «Plato Gradec» square, there are markets and stalls with mulled wine and food that are quite nice, but they aren’t always there.
Gornji Grad (Upper Town) with a view of Zagreb Cathedral (which has been under repair since the 2020 earthquake... they go at their own pace...)
You can see the entire Gornji Grad (Upper Town) area in a couple of hours.
Keep in mind that this area is full of hills and stairs, so if you are traveling with someone with reduced mobility, it will be more difficult (though not impossible). For that reason, it’s a quieter area with less of a buzz.
There are very few hotels in this area, but one I recommend because I stayed there in 2023 is the Hotel Academia. The room was very clean and comfortable, it’s well-located, and I’d give the facilities an 8/10.
Another hotel is the Boutique HOH. It’s an old building renovated into a chic hotel. It’s the highest-rated hotel in all of Zagreb, and although I haven’t stayed there, I recommend it for that reason.
Unfortunately, there are no budget-friendly options in this area, as the accommodation offering is very limited, with just a couple of hotels and a few apartments.
Submarine, my favorite burger restaurant (despite sometimes I order salads haha)
A beautiful street in the Upper Town
Viewpoint on Strossmayerovo šetalište Street (if you want to take a walk)
Ul. Ivana Tkalčića (If you want to eat, Otto Frank is right there, a very, very good place)
More hills...
Bar Pri Nami - Upper Town
🙋♂️ Extra Local Recommendations
And if you stay here, be sure to visit these places because they are a guaranteed hit.
Nutellino Café: If you like pancakes and ice cream, this is one of my favorite spots in Zagreb.
La Struk: You can’t leave Zagreb without trying Strukli, a typical dish similar to a lasagna made with cheese and cottage cheese. (Yes, it sounds strange, but it’s delicious!).
Otto Frank: If you want a good brunch (though the price is around €15).
Pivnica Mali Medo: This is your classic, reliable, and affordable restaurant that has a bit of everything. When I don’t know where to go for dinner, I go there because I know it will be good.
⚠️ 3. Areas That Others Recommend and I, as a Local, DO NOT Advise for Your Tourist Stay
One of the things that surprises me most when reading other guides is seeing recommendations for areas that, for someone who has lived here for 5 years, simply don’t make sense for a tourist. It’s not that they are «bad» areas, but they aren’t practical and will make you waste valuable time.
My goal is to make your trip perfect, so let me be completely honest and explain why you should avoid staying in these neighborhoods, even if you see them mentioned elsewhere:
Kaptol (3): Well-Located but with Noisy Bells
Kaptol is a very quiet and well-located area, but I personally don’t like it because every day the cathedral bells ring very early in the morning, and they will definitely wake you up.
If you don’t mind that, it’s a well-connected area and a 5-minute walk from the main square.
The only well-located hotel that isn’t a hostel is the Art Hotel, with a price of about $130 per night.
As it is a relatively small area with squares, gardens, and the Zagreb Cathedral, there isn’t a wide selection of hotels.
🙋♂️ Extra Local Recommendations
And if you do stay here, make sure to visit these places because they are a guaranteed hit.
Eggspress. A café focused on eggs that serves breakfast. Eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs… I’ve had breakfast here countless times, which is why I recommend it. The only issue is that on weekends you need to make a reservation (by phone or by stopping by in advance).
Maksimir (4): A Bit Far, but You Have the Park and the Zoo
Maksimir is a bit further from the center, but you can get there in 20 minutes by tram without a problem.
Its main attraction is Maksimir Park, which is worth visiting at least once. If you stay here, there’s nothing like grabbing a coffee and taking a morning walk. To give you an idea, it’s like «Central Park» (considering the differences ofc! haha)
Pros:
Cheaper than the city center.
Much quieter (bars close early and there are no nightclubs).
Well-connected by tram and bus.
Cons:
You’ll have to take the tram almost every day to see the main sights in the center.
To the north, there are some quite steep hills.
There are no hotels; most of the options are short-term vacation apartments.
I recommend it if you want to save a bit of money without being too far out.
Novi Zagreb (Extra): A Residential and Distant Area
I’m including the Novi Zagreb area because I’ve seen other blogs mention it. But let’s be clear, there are no hotels, no entertainment, nothing at all here (except a mall). It’s a residential area.
I only recommend this area for those looking for a long-term stay, as it’s well-connected to the center (although you can’t avoid the 30-40 minute bus and tram ride) and rents are cheaper than in more central areas.
This is the area where I usually work when I’m in Zagreb, since the city’s main coworking space is located there. So, yes, I also know good cafés and bars in this area hehe.
Remember, if you’d like me to help you with additional recommendations about Zagreb, you can leave a comment at the end of the article.
Rainbow on Dubrovnik Avenue in Novi Zagreb
Me playing ping-pong at the coworking space haha
Victor, co-founder of Descubriendo Viajes, at 10:31 p.m. on a Friday. After work, off to a disco.
5. ℹ️ Practical Tips for Visiting Zagreb
Tips for Booking Apartments (Airbnb)
Zagreb had an Airbnb boom between 2021 and 2023, and the licensing process was out of control.
Be careful because most Airbnbs are basements or «more-or-less fixed-up» attics that look good in photos but then have issues with dampness, are noisy, and the attics get very hot in the summer, etc.
Check the photos to see if the apartments have normal windows (like any house) or small windows near the ceiling. This indicates that it’s a basement, and you will definitely have dampness, no matter how many dehumidifiers they have.
If you’re staying for two days, I totally recommend a hotel or, if you have the budget, a high-end Airbnb.
Best Time to Visit Zagreb:
For me, any time of year is good. In winter, you have many night markets with food trucks, Advent markets, and it might even snow, which makes everything look very beautiful. Whereas in spring, the city is greener, the weather is better, and you can visit nearby areas like lakes or the coast.
Transportation
Tram or bus, everything is quite close. A ticket costs (0,53€) $0.60 at the kiosks located at the stops and stations, or $0.80 if you buy it directly on the tram.
Parking
If you rent a car, keep in mind that the entire city center is paid parking. Outside the center, like in any other city, you might get lucky and find a spot, or you could end up driving around for 20 minutes.
How Long to Stay
I don’t recommend staying for more than 3 nights; 2 is enough. Zagreb is a small city and really only has a handful of things to see. If you have 3-4 nights, I recommend spending 1 or 2 nights in Zagreb and another in Ljubljana (the capital of Slovenia, which is very, very beautiful) which is an hour away by bus.
How Much It Costs to Eat in Zagreb
Very similar to other European cities. Years ago, Zagreb was very cheap, but Croatia has been the country with the highest inflation in the EU in recent years.
We have already been there and can help you personally (at no cost and sometimes with private discounts).
Leave us a comment with what you need and we’ll get back to you. Remember: the more information you give us, the better we can help. It’s best if you share as many details as possible—travel dates, exact vacation days, what you’d like to do, how many people… etc.
If you know of another accommodation you liked and it’s not on our list, feel free to share a short experience you had there and we’ll add it so other users can learn about it.
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Where to Stay in Zagreb (And the 2 Areas You Should Avoid)
Croatia, and especially the city of Zagreb, I consider my second home. I have lived in this city for more than 5 years, and now I’m going to tell you which are the best areas to stay.
And by the way, I’ll also share all the places that might interest you to complement your trip, which are not usually found online because the other guides haven’t been written by people like me, who have lived here for so long.
I recommend you take at least 5 minutes to read this so you don’t pick the wrong area .(as other blogs mention zones that, for me as a local, make no sense for a tourist and are a waste of time) or simply so you can avoid booking a «so-so» hotel.
Oh, and at the end of the article, the comments are open in case you need extra help, want to confirm if a hotel is good, or if you catch me in Zagreb and want to grab a coffee haha. ☕
PS: At the end of the article, you can ask me anything you want, and I'll help you out.
Table of Contents Read this first!
Map of the Main Areas to Stay and Summary
1. Donji Grad (Lower Town): The Best Area for Your First Time in Zagreb
This is, without a doubt, my favorite area. In fact, I have an apartment here, and whenever I return to the city, I stay in this part, whether to visit friends or because I have a wedding or a dance festival (yes, I dance salsa and bachata 💃🕺), and if you need to know about dance parties, just write me, and I’ll tell you where to go hehe.
The advantage is that it doesn’t matter if you choose to stay a bit further north, south, east, or west: as long as you stay within the pink square you see on the map above, you will be perfectly located.
What’s best about this area:
The main square (Josip Jelačića), the heart of the city.
The central parks Zrinjevac and Tomislava (the one in the photo above, where they set up Christmas markets, food trucks, summer cinemas, events, etc.).
The botanical garden, ideal for a stroll.
The morning markets, with fresh fruit, lots of flowers, and a local atmosphere.
The theater and nearby cafes.
And, of course, the street of bars and restaurants, «Tkalčićeva» (‘Kalchicheva’ Street for us Spaniards who can’t pronounce it right hahaha)
Best Hotels in Lowert Town Zagreb
Any of these options I’m listing below will be a great choice for your stay. If you have a larger budget, the hotel will be better, but if not, I’ve also selected options with great reviews and good locations in Donji Grad.
Budget Friendly Hotels
Price: Medium ($70/night approx)
Online Rating: 8.0+/10
Hilton Hotel Zagreb
Price: Medium ($175/night approx)
Online Rating: 9.0/10
Personal Rating: 10/10
Hotel Esplanade Zagreb
Price: High-end ($400/night approx.)
Valoración online: 9.3/10
🙋♂️ Extra Local Recommendations
And if you stay here, be sure to visit these places because they are a guaranteed hit.
2. Gornji Grad (Upper Town): Historic and Romantic but Full of Hills
This area is very touristy, and I recommend it for visiting St. Mark’s Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and for its cobblestone streets in general.
Besides that, though, it doesn’t have much else to offer. From time to time, in the «Plato Gradec» square, there are markets and stalls with mulled wine and food that are quite nice, but they aren’t always there.
You can see the entire Gornji Grad (Upper Town) area in a couple of hours.
Keep in mind that this area is full of hills and stairs, so if you are traveling with someone with reduced mobility, it will be more difficult (though not impossible). For that reason, it’s a quieter area with less of a buzz.
There are very few hotels in this area, but one I recommend because I stayed there in 2023 is the Hotel Academia. The room was very clean and comfortable, it’s well-located, and I’d give the facilities an 8/10.
Another hotel is the Boutique HOH. It’s an old building renovated into a chic hotel. It’s the highest-rated hotel in all of Zagreb, and although I haven’t stayed there, I recommend it for that reason.
Unfortunately, there are no budget-friendly options in this area, as the accommodation offering is very limited, with just a couple of hotels and a few apartments.
🙋♂️ Extra Local Recommendations
And if you stay here, be sure to visit these places because they are a guaranteed hit.
Nutellino Café: If you like pancakes and ice cream, this is one of my favorite spots in Zagreb.
La Struk: You can’t leave Zagreb without trying Strukli, a typical dish similar to a lasagna made with cheese and cottage cheese. (Yes, it sounds strange, but it’s delicious!).
Otto Frank: If you want a good brunch (though the price is around €15).
Pivnica Mali Medo: This is your classic, reliable, and affordable restaurant that has a bit of everything. When I don’t know where to go for dinner, I go there because I know it will be good.
⚠️ 3. Areas That Others Recommend and I, as a Local, DO NOT Advise for Your Tourist Stay
One of the things that surprises me most when reading other guides is seeing recommendations for areas that, for someone who has lived here for 5 years, simply don’t make sense for a tourist. It’s not that they are «bad» areas, but they aren’t practical and will make you waste valuable time.
My goal is to make your trip perfect, so let me be completely honest and explain why you should avoid staying in these neighborhoods, even if you see them mentioned elsewhere:
Kaptol (3): Well-Located but with Noisy Bells
Kaptol is a very quiet and well-located area, but I personally don’t like it because every day the cathedral bells ring very early in the morning, and they will definitely wake you up.
If you don’t mind that, it’s a well-connected area and a 5-minute walk from the main square.
The only well-located hotel that isn’t a hostel is the Art Hotel, with a price of about $130 per night.
As it is a relatively small area with squares, gardens, and the Zagreb Cathedral, there isn’t a wide selection of hotels.
🙋♂️ Extra Local Recommendations
And if you do stay here, make sure to visit these places because they are a guaranteed hit.
Eggspress. A café focused on eggs that serves breakfast. Eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs… I’ve had breakfast here countless times, which is why I recommend it. The only issue is that on weekends you need to make a reservation (by phone or by stopping by in advance).
Maksimir (4): A Bit Far, but You Have the Park and the Zoo
Maksimir is a bit further from the center, but you can get there in 20 minutes by tram without a problem.
Its main attraction is Maksimir Park, which is worth visiting at least once. If you stay here, there’s nothing like grabbing a coffee and taking a morning walk. To give you an idea, it’s like «Central Park» (considering the differences ofc! haha)
Pros:
Cheaper than the city center.
Much quieter (bars close early and there are no nightclubs).
Well-connected by tram and bus.
Cons:
You’ll have to take the tram almost every day to see the main sights in the center.
To the north, there are some quite steep hills.
There are no hotels; most of the options are short-term vacation apartments.
I recommend it if you want to save a bit of money without being too far out.
It’s perfect for both couples and families.
Best accomodations in Maksimir
Price: Medium ($70/night approx.)
Rating: 8.0+/10
Novi Zagreb (Extra): A Residential and Distant Area
I’m including the Novi Zagreb area because I’ve seen other blogs mention it. But let’s be clear, there are no hotels, no entertainment, nothing at all here (except a mall). It’s a residential area.
I only recommend this area for those looking for a long-term stay, as it’s well-connected to the center (although you can’t avoid the 30-40 minute bus and tram ride) and rents are cheaper than in more central areas.
This is the area where I usually work when I’m in Zagreb, since the city’s main coworking space is located there. So, yes, I also know good cafés and bars in this area hehe.
Remember, if you’d like me to help you with additional recommendations about Zagreb, you can leave a comment at the end of the article.
5. ℹ️ Practical Tips for Visiting Zagreb
Tips for Booking Apartments (Airbnb)
Zagreb had an Airbnb boom between 2021 and 2023, and the licensing process was out of control.
Be careful because most Airbnbs are basements or «more-or-less fixed-up» attics that look good in photos but then have issues with dampness, are noisy, and the attics get very hot in the summer, etc.
Check the photos to see if the apartments have normal windows (like any house) or small windows near the ceiling. This indicates that it’s a basement, and you will definitely have dampness, no matter how many dehumidifiers they have.
If you’re staying for two days, I totally recommend a hotel or, if you have the budget, a high-end Airbnb.
Best Time to Visit Zagreb:
For me, any time of year is good. In winter, you have many night markets with food trucks, Advent markets, and it might even snow, which makes everything look very beautiful. Whereas in spring, the city is greener, the weather is better, and you can visit nearby areas like lakes or the coast.
Transportation
Tram or bus, everything is quite close. A ticket costs (0,53€) $0.60 at the kiosks located at the stops and stations, or $0.80 if you buy it directly on the tram.
Parking
If you rent a car, keep in mind that the entire city center is paid parking. Outside the center, like in any other city, you might get lucky and find a spot, or you could end up driving around for 20 minutes.
How Long to Stay
I don’t recommend staying for more than 3 nights; 2 is enough. Zagreb is a small city and really only has a handful of things to see. If you have 3-4 nights, I recommend spending 1 or 2 nights in Zagreb and another in Ljubljana (the capital of Slovenia, which is very, very beautiful) which is an hour away by bus.
How Much It Costs to Eat in Zagreb
Very similar to other European cities. Years ago, Zagreb was very cheap, but Croatia has been the country with the highest inflation in the EU in recent years.
So if you were expecting cheap prices… nope.
Breakfast: €10
Lunch: €15-€20
Dinner: €15-€20 per person.
We can help you!
We have already been there and can help you personally (at no cost and sometimes with private discounts).
Leave us a comment with what you need and we’ll get back to you. Remember: the more information you give us, the better we can help. It’s best if you share as many details as possible—travel dates, exact vacation days, what you’d like to do, how many people… etc.
If you know of another accommodation you liked and it’s not on our list, feel free to share a short experience you had there and we’ll add it so other users can learn about it.