Where to Stay in Zagreb, Lower Town, Donji Grad, Hotels, Croatia
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Where to Stay in Zagreb: 5 Best Areas & Hotels!

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Where to Stay in Zagreb: 5 Best Areas & Hotels!

The numerous fantastic places for where to stay in Zagreb will surely make your trip to the Croatian capital an unforgettable experience! Whether you are a couple, a single traveler, a family with children or friends, everyone will find a perfect accommodation in this vibrant city. Most of the places to stay are vacation rentals, but of course, you will also find a terrific selection of charming hotels, beautiful guesthouses and cheap hostels for backpackers. Moreover, Zagreb has 17 different neighborhoods, and so the question arises where is the best areas to stay in Zagreb. Some places are especially good for sightseeing, shopping and going out thanks to their location in the center. But what are the best hotels in Zagreb, which area is currently popular, and which accommodations are a particularly good choice for a city trip?

This travel guide is all about the best places to stay in Zagreb. We will show you the most recommended neighborhoods and places that are ideal for a visit to the capital of Croatia. In addition, there are many useful Zagreb hotel tips and information, perfect for your travel planning!

 

Lower Town (Donji Grad)

A hotel in the Donji Grad neighborhood, in the so-called Lower Town, is a fantastic choice, especially if you’re visiting the Croatian capital for the first time. It is located south of the Old Town and is considered the modern neighborhood in the center. Many of the most beautiful things to do in Zagreb can be explored from there via a walking tour of the city. Among them are the beautiful Main Square, the shopping street Ilica, the National Theater, several museums, the Art Pavilion and the Botanical Garden. This neighborhood is also known for its wonderful, lush parks, but also for the good opportunities for shopping and strolling. Moreover, in the lively area you can find numerous cafés, konabas and restaurants where you can soak up the unique flair of Zagreb.

Donji Grad is definitely the most popular place to stay in Zagreb. Here you live close to all the interesting attractions, and you can reach them on foot in no time. Furthermore, there is a fantastic range of accommodation in the Donji Grad neighborhood, including some of the best hotels in Zagreb. It’s a perfect choice if you want to stay in one of the most charming areas of the city while enjoying many amenities such as restaurants, bars, nightlife, and shopping.

Best Hotels and Accommodations:

  • 5-Star Luxury Hotel: The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a top choice for a very special trip. Guests can expect a luxurious, historic hotel with classy furnishings.
  • Charming Guesthouse: The A8 b&b is an absolutely charming place to stay in the center of Zagreb. Guests love the design, breakfast and central location!
  • Chic 4-Star Hotel: The Hilton Zagreb City Centre is a very popular and stylish 4-star hotel, in a prime location not far from the train station.
Zagreb Lower Town (Donji Grad)

Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

The charming neighborhood of Gornji Grad, known as Upper Town, is the historic center and definitely one of the most romantic places to stay in Zagreb. This neighborhood is located on a small hill above the Lower Town and is connected to it by numerous beautiful alleys as well as by the famous funicular railroad. Absolutely charming are the old town houses and monumental buildings, with some attractions even dating back to the Middle Ages. Moreover, the district is home to some of the best sights, foremost St. Mark’s Church, the famous Museum of Broken Relationships, and the market on Trg Dolac, where you can enjoy local life. Additionally, there are plenty of charming cafés and good restaurants to fall in love with. In addition, you will find a vibrant nightlife in the various bars and pubs in the pedestrian zone.

Gornji Grad is recommended for travelers who are looking for that very special Zagreb feeling. In this district, there are mainly privately run accommodations, a few nice hotels as well as guesthouses. The district is lively, it offers a vibrant nightlife and numerous restaurants with culinary delights. What is also fabulous is that the center of the city, as well as the main square, are within walking distance in no time.

Best Hotels and Accommodations:

  • Fantastic 4-Star Hotel: The Hotel Academia is a chic 4-star hotel. Its location on the pedestrian zone, where there are numerous restaurants and bars, is brilliant.
  • Charming Guesthouse: The Rooms Zagreb 17 is a great choice for a city trip. This accommodation is located right in the center and scores with individual design.
  • Beautiful Vacation Home: The Grič Eco Castle is an insider tip! Guests love the eco concept, the friendly furnishings and the great location.
Zagreb Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Old Town Kaptol

Kaptol is the historic center of Zagreb and a great tip for booking a nice and moreover cheap accommodation in Zagreb. In this area, you can find many excellent budget accommodation options that are perfect for a very special stay in the city center. Most of the accommodations are private-run apartments, but there are also charming hotels. Moreover, the location is great because from Kaptol you can reach the best highlights of the city, as well as the most popular neighborhoods via a short walk. In addition, Kaptol is home to the imposing Zagreb Cathedral, which is one of the most important landmarks of the capital, and the Zagreb City Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the city. For shopping, tourists should visit the shopping center “Centar Kaptol” in the neighborhood.

In the Kaptol area, prices are often a bit cheaper, and you enjoy the advantage of being in the center and nearby of most of the attractions. Likewise, the neighborhood has a mall for shopping, some excellent restaurants, and really cheap accommodations if you want to save some money.

Best Hotels and Accommodations:

  • Stylish Hotel: The Pod Zidom Rooms is a truly fantastic hotel in Zagreb. The rooms are absolutely stylish and the breakfast is a highlight too!
  • Apartment with a View: The Apartman Kaptol is a very sweet apartment in the heart of the old town of Zagreb and with a brilliant view of the cathedral.
  • Boutique Apartment: The Number 28 Boutique Apartment is very tastefully decorated with attention to detail. The quiet, central location is also remarkable.
Old Town Kaptol

Maksimir

Maksimir is located in the north-east of the city and is especially known for its wonderful Maksimir Park, where the Zagreb Zoo is also located. It is one of the largest neighborhoods in the Croatian capital and especially in the area around the park you can find some recommended places to stay. The residential area is absolutely attractive, and especially those seeking peace and quiet and those who like to do sports in the park will find their perfect accommodation here. Since Maksimir is a rather upscale neighborhood, there are also excellent restaurants, and a shopping center with cool stores and boutiques. The connection to the public transport system is also fantastic, and so you can be directly in the city center in a few minutes by tram or bus.

A wonderful accommodation in Maksimir is a good choice for those who want to stay a bit away from the lively city center of Zagreb and value quiet area. Thanks to its location, many of the accommodation options also offer free parking, which is a great advantage for drivers. Another plus point is, of course, the park, which is perfect for sports and for relaxing hours in nature.

Best Hotels and Accommodations:

  • Charming Hotel: The Hotel Vila Tina is located just outside in the green belt of Maksimir Park. Guests love the breakfast, and the free parking is also a plus.
  • Chic Apartment: The Apartman Zagreb Maksimir is a perfect, beautiful apartment in this neighborhood. The access to the center is also fabulous.
  • Fantastic Apartments: The Apartment Check In Zagreb offers two great, tasteful apartments. The free parking possibilities are also brilliant.
Maksimir

Novi Zagreb

The Novi Zagreb neighborhood, also known as New Zagreb, is an area in the south of the city and a great option for staying off the typical tourist routes. In this neighborhood, you can get to know the local life of Zagreb, there is typical Croatian street food and also the popular shopping center Arena Centar is located in this area. The main attraction in the neighborhood is the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is especially interesting for art enthusiasts. In addition, there are numerous cafés and bars at the Dubrovnik Avenue in Novi Zagreb, and one of the most popular markets in Zagreb, the farmers’ market Tržnica Utrine is also located in Novi Zagreb. However, there are hardly any hotels in this area, but there are some good vacation rentals, many of them at a reasonable price.

Granted, Novi Zagreb is definitely not the nicest neighborhood in Zagreb with its large apartment blocks, but still, it does have its advantages. The accommodations are often very cheap, there are numerous free parking spaces, and also the connection to the center by tram and bus is fabulous. In addition, you get to know the life of the locals.

Best Hotels and Accommodations:

  • Large Apartment: The LunaRo is a beautiful, spacious vacation apartment with 2 bedrooms. The free parking garage is also a big plus.
  • Modern Apartment: The New cosy apartment near Arena is a great option for a stay. Guests love the great amenities and modern style.
  • Affordable Apartment: The Apartman Katarina is a nicely furnished apartment at a fantastic price and with great hospitality.
Novi Zagreb
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