Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb is a hidden gem of Europe. Zagreb has amazing food, interesting architecture, and lots of culture. Every season is celebrated in Zagreb, from summer festivals to Christmas markets.

Zagreb has a public transportation system that includes trams that are affordable and easy to use, so no matter where you stay in Zagreb, you should be able to get to some of the best neighborhoods in Zagreb. There are many cool places to stay in Zagreb, from Zagreb apartments to hotels and hostels. No matter your budget or travel style, we’ve rounded up some of the Zagreb neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay in Zagreb Croatia.

We will cover off all types of Zagreb accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Zagreb hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Zagreb Croatia 2023, the best Zagreb hotels, best places in Zagreb to visit, the best places to stay in Zagreb, hotels near Zagreb attractions, Zagreb neighborhood guide and many more. 

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Upper Town – Where to stay in Zagreb for nightlife

Zagreb’s Upper Town has several names: Old Town, Upper Town or Gornji Grad. Located in the Zagreb city centre, Upper Town is the most historic part of Zagreb. This is where you’ll find Jelacic Square, Zagreb’s main square and the hub of most activity in Zagreb.  Tkalciceva is Zagreb’s “bar street” and extends out through Upper Town from Jelacic Square. Upper Town is also a great place to stay if you’re wondering where to stay in Zagreb for 1 night.

There is not a huge selection of accommodation in Zagreb Upper Town, but you’ll find several options in the nearby areas of the city center. If this is your first visit to Zagreb, and you like the option of walking everywhere, plus being close to all of the tourist attractions, Upper Town is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb, Croatia.

Best places to stay in Upper Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Upper Town:
Chillout Hostel Zagreb
Main Square Hostel
Taban Bar & Hostel
Love Croatia

Budget Hotels in Upper Town:
Apartments Top Center
Piu Trendy Rooms
Bed And Breakfast Kaptolski Dvori
Residence Park

Mid range Hotels in Upper Town:
Rooms Zagreb 17
Guesthouse Regal Residence
Dolac One Apartments
Hotel Jagerhorn

Family Friendly Hotels in Upper Town:
Art Hotel Like
Hotel Academia
Apartments Praska 8
Hotel Dubrovnik

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Upper Town:
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
Hotel Le Premier
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Hotel AS

Lower Town – Where to stay in Zagreb for first timer visitors

Zagreb’s Lower Town, or Donji Grad, is the more modern part of town and is where most Zagreb hotels are located. Within walking distance, Ilica Street runs through Lower Town, and is Zagreb’s shopping street, so you’ll likely find yourself strolling around Lower Town a few times during your visit.

Lower Town. Lower Town is also the commercial center of Zagreb, so if you are looking for a business-style or upscale Zagreb hotel, you should consider staying in Lower Town.

Unlike the narrow, cobblestone streets of Old Town, Lower Town has wide streets and lots of open space and parks. Lower Town is the cultural hub of Zagreb as well, with several art museums and performance halls. For proximity to the city center, and numerous accommodation options, Zagreb is a excellent place to stay in Zagreb. In my opinion, Lower town is the best area to stay in Zagreb.

Best places to stay in Zagreb Lower Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Lower Town:
Main Square Hostel
Hostel Centar
Hostel Shappy
Hostel Bureau

Budget Hotels in Lower Town:
Apartments Simple Teslina
Flowers Zagreb Downtown
Piu Trendy Rooms
Zagreb City Vibe Apartments & Rooms

Mid range Hotels in Lower Town:
Main Square Residence
Dolac One Apartments
Apartments Angel Main Square
Guesthouse Regal Residence

Family Friendly Hotels in Lower Town:
Tesla Boutique Apartments
Hotel Jadran Zagreb
Flowers Apartments & Rooms
Hotel Academia

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Lower Town:
Centroom Apartments Zagreb
City Plaza Zagreb
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

Kaptol – Where to stay in Zagreb on a budget

Kaptol is a sub-section of Upper Town, and is the historic religious center of Zagreb, offering some of the coolest places to stay in Zagreb. Kaptol is where the Zagreb diocese was founded in 1094 and home of the Zagreb Cathedral, Croatia’s tallest building that you’ll recognize from the currency.

As an older, less commercial area of Zagreb, apartments are the most common accommodation in this neighborhood. Zagreb city center is really quite small, so even Kaptol is only a few minutes’ walk from attractions like Jelacic Square.

Best places to stay in Kaptol

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Kaptol:
Hostel 63
Taban Bar & Hostel
Main Square Hostel
Kaptol Hostel

Budget Hotels in Kaptol:
Bed And Breakfast Kaptolski Dvori
Feels Like Home Apartments
Ilicki Place
Residence Park

Mid range Hotels in Kaptol:
Hotel Academia
Hotel Jadran Zagreb
Rooms Zagreb 17
Guesthouse Regal Residence

Family Friendly Hotels in Kaptol:
Centrum Omnia
Hotel President Pantovcak
Hotel Central
Boutique B&B Casablanca

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Kaptol:
The Westin Zagreb
Centroom Apartments Zagreb
Apartman Srce Zagreba
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Park Ribnjak – Where to stay in Zagreb with family

For a quieter place to stay in Zagreb, consider staying near Park Ribnjak, a neighborhood within the Upper Town district. Centered on a large park, this is one of the best neighborhoods in Zagreb for families.

Park Ribnjak was once part of the city’s fortification in the 15th century, and you can still see some parts of the medieval walls around the park. After centuries in private ownership, Park Ribnjak is now available for everyone to enjoy. There’s a children’s playground, walking paths and cultural attractions. You can find several Zagreb apartment rentals in this area.

Best places to stay in Park Ribnjak

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Park Ribnjak:
Hostel Centar
Love Croatia
Hostel Chic
Hostel Old Lab

Budget Hotels in Park Ribnjak:
The Place Apartments
Apartments Simple Teslina
Noble Apartment And Room
Zagreb City Vibe Apartments & Rooms

Mid range Hotels in Park Ribnjak:
Rooms Zagreb 17
Main Square Residence
Irundo Apartments

Family Friendly Hotels in Park Ribnjak:
Hotel President Pantovcak
Bed & Breakfast Villa Aria
Anastasia Suites Zagreb
Madison Luxury Apartments

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Park Ribnjak:
Hotel Le Premier
Art Hotel Like
Hotel Jagerhorn
The Westin Zagreb

Medvednica – Where to stay in Zagreb in the winter

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to stay in Zagreb’s mountain resort area. Medvednica is the mountain range on the north edge of Zagreb, about 20 minutes from the city centre.

Sljeme is the highest peak of the range, which can be reached by bus. If you are visiting Zagreb in summer, this is a great place to go hiking through the woods, or sightseeing from the chairlifts. However, visiting Zagreb in winter is the best time to head to Medvednica for skiing and snowboarding. At the top, there’s a mountain hut serving up tasty food.

Best places to stay in Medvednica

Budget Hotels in Medvednica:
Hotel Tomislavov dom

Mid range Hotels in Medvednica:
Tourist Apartments Snjezna Kraljica

Family Friendly Hotels in Medvednica:
Hotel Puntijar

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