Where to Stay in Zagreb: Best Areas + Hotels for Every Budget
If you’re wondering where to stay in Zagreb, you’re certainly not alone. Croatia’s capital is often overlooked in favour of destinations like Dubrovnik and Split, but after spending time exploring the city, we found it to be a fantastic place to kick off a Croatian adventure.
Zagreb has a completely different feel to the country’s coastal towns. Instead of beaches and island hopping, you’ll find grand Austro-Hungarian architecture, leafy parks, bustling markets and a café culture that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the city. Whether you’re visiting for one night before catching a bus to the coast or spending a long weekend exploring, choosing the right area can make a huge difference to your trip.
The good news is that Zagreb isn’t a huge city, so you don’t have to worry about being miles away from the main attractions. Most of the best areas to stay in Zagreb are within walking distance of each other, and the excellent tram network makes getting around even easier.
If you’re still deciding whether Croatia’s capital deserves a spot on your itinerary, I’d recommend reading our guide on Is Zagreb Worth Visiting? before booking your accommodation. We almost skipped the city ourselves, but we’re so glad we didn’t.
Quick Answer: Where is the Best Area to Stay in Zagreb?
If you don’t have time to read this entire guide, here’s a quick breakdown of the best Zagreb neighbourhoods depending on your travel style.
| Area | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Town (Donji Grad) | First-time visitors, sightseeing, shopping | €€ |
| Upper Town (Gornji Grad) | History lovers, couples, boutique stays | €€€ |
| Around the Main Train Station | One-night stays, transport links | €€ |
| Maksimir | Families, quieter stays, green spaces | €€ |
| Jarun | Nightlife, local atmosphere, longer stays | €€ |
Overall, we think Lower Town (Donji Grad) is the best place to stay in Zagreb for most visitors. It’s home to many of the city’s top attractions, including Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac Market and Zagreb Cathedral, while also offering the widest choice of hotels, apartments and restaurants. It’s incredibly walkable and provides the perfect base for exploring the city for the first time.
That said, every traveller is different. If you’re only visiting Zagreb for one night, staying close to the train station might be more convenient, while couples looking for a more romantic atmosphere may prefer the cobbled streets of the Upper Town.
Below, we’ll break down each area in more detail, along with our favourite hotels for every budget.
Things to Consider Before Booking Zagreb Accommodation
Before choosing where to stay in Zagreb, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.
How Long Are You Staying?
If you’re only spending one night in Zagreb, we’d recommend staying somewhere in the city centre, either in Lower Town or close to the train station. This allows you to maximise your sightseeing without wasting time on transport.
If you’re spending two or three nights, you’ll have much more flexibility. Areas like Maksimir or Jarun offer a quieter atmosphere while still being well connected to the centre by tram.
Zagreb is Very Walkable
One of our favourite things about Zagreb is how compact it feels. We explored most of the city on foot, wandering between the Upper Town and Lower Town without ever feeling like we needed a taxi.
Even if you stay slightly outside the historic centre, Zagreb’s trams are cheap, reliable and easy to use, making it simple to reach the city’s main attractions.
Before choosing where to stay, it’s worth knowing what you want to see. Our guide to the top things to do in Zagreb covers the best attractions, museums and experiences in the city.
Accommodation is Good Value
Compared to many other European capitals, Zagreb hotels are surprisingly affordable. You’ll find everything from modern hostels and stylish apartments to luxury hotels housed inside beautiful historic buildings.
If you’re backpacking Europe like we were, Zagreb is a great place to enjoy a private room without completely blowing your budget. We also found accommodation here to be noticeably cheaper than in many other stops on our Two Months in Europe Itinerary, making it a welcome break for our wallets.
Book Early During Peak Season
Although Zagreb doesn’t experience the same tourist numbers as Croatia’s coastal cities, accommodation can still book up quickly during summer and around the famous Christmas Market.
If you’re travelling between June and September, or planning a festive winter city break, we’d recommend booking your accommodation several months in advance to secure the best prices.
Map of the Best Areas to Stay in Zagreb
Choosing where to stay in Zagreb is much easier once you understand how the city is laid out.
The Lower Town (Donji Grad) forms the modern heart of the city, packed with museums, restaurants, shops and many of Zagreb’s best hotels.
Just uphill is the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the oldest part of the city and home to iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Church and the Museum of Broken Relationships. If unusual attractions are your thing, don’t miss our guide to the most unusual museums in Europe, where this quirky museum is one of our favourite recommendations.
To the south, you’ll find the Main Train Station, which is ideal if you’re arriving by rail or continuing your journey through Croatia. Further east is Maksimir, a quieter residential neighbourhood known for its beautiful park, while Jarun sits to the southwest and is a popular choice for nightlife and outdoor activities around Lake Jarun.
Now that you have a better idea of Zagreb’s layout, let’s take a closer look at each neighbourhood to help you decide which one is right for your trip.
1. Lower Town (Donji Grad): The Best Area to Stay in Zagreb for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time visiting Croatia’s capital, we genuinely think Lower Town (Donji Grad) is the best place to stay in Zagreb.
This is where we based ourselves during our visit and, honestly, we couldn’t have chosen a better location. Even after a full day of sightseeing, we never felt the need to use public transport.
Lower Town is essentially the heart of modern Zagreb. Wide boulevards, grand Austro-Hungarian buildings and leafy parks give the area a completely different feel to the medieval streets of the Upper Town, while the huge choice of restaurants, cafés and bars means there’s always somewhere new to try.
Things to Do Nearby
Many of Zagreb’s most popular attractions are located in or around Lower Town, including: Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, Zrinjevac Park and the Croatian National Theatre.
It’s also just a short walk to the Upper Town via the historic funicular or one of the city’s many staircases.
Pros
- Best area for first-time visitors
- Walking distance to Zagreb’s main attractions
- Huge choice of hotels, apartments and hostels
- Excellent restaurants, cafés and shopping
- Great public transport connections
Cons
- Can feel busy during peak season
- Accommodation prices are slightly higher than outer neighbourhoods
- Less historic charm than the Upper Town
Accommodation in Lower Town
Luxury Hotel – Hotel Dubrovnik
Mid-Range Hotel – Timeout Heritage Hotel Zagreb
Budget Hotel / Hostel – HI Hostel Zagreb
2. Upper Town (Gornji Grad): Best Area to Stay in Zagreb for History Lovers
If Lower Town is the bustling heart of Zagreb, then Upper Town is its soul.
Perched on the hill overlooking the city, this is the oldest part of Zagreb and one of the most picturesque places to stay. The cobbled streets, colourful buildings and historic landmarks make it feel completely different from the wider boulevards below.
We loved wandering around this part of the city during the evening when many of the day-trippers had disappeared. It felt much quieter, and there was something really charming about exploring the narrow streets as the city lights began to come on.
Things to Do Nearby
The Upper Town is packed with historic attractions, including: St. Mark’s Church, Stone Gate, Lotrščak Tower, The Museum of Broken Relationships, Croatian Parliament and St. Catherine’s Church. The Museum of Broken Relationships was one of the most unusual attractions we visited in Europe.
Pros
- Most picturesque part of Zagreb
- Home to many of the city’s historic landmarks
- Quieter atmosphere, especially in the evenings
- Perfect for couples and boutique stays
- Beautiful views over the city
Cons
- Hilly streets can be challenging with luggage
- Fewer hotels to choose from
- Slightly more expensive accommodation
Accommodation in Upper Town
Luxury Hotel – Boutique Hotel HOH
Mid-Range Hotel – Rooms 23
Hostel – Main Square
3. Around the Main Train Station: Best for Convenience and backpackers
If you’re wondering where to stay in Zagreb for one night, the area around the Main Train Station is well worth considering.
Whether you’re arriving by train, catching an early departure or simply passing through before heading to another destination, staying nearby can save both time and stress.
This area is also popular with backpackers and budget travellers thanks to the number of affordable hotels, apartments and hostels nearby. If you’re travelling around Europe on a budget, it’s definitely worth comparing prices here before booking elsewhere.
Things to Do Nearby
- King Tomislav Square
- Art Pavilion
- Botanical Garden
- Ban Jelačić Square (15-minute walk)
- Zrinjevac Park
If you’re backpacking across Europe, it’s also worth checking out our guide to the best hostels in Europe for backpackers, where we’ve rounded up some of our favourite budget-friendly stays from our travels.
Pros
- Ideal for one-night stays
- Convenient for early trains and buses
- Good value accommodation
- Easy walk to the city centre
- Well connected by public transport
Cons
- Less character than the Old Town
- Quieter in the evenings
- Fewer tourist attractions on your doorstep
Accommodation Near the Train Station
Luxury Hotel – Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Mid-Range Hotel – Hotel Central
Budget Hostel – Palmers Lodge Zagreb
4. Maksimir: Best Area to Stay in Zagreb for Families
If you’re looking to escape the busiest parts of Zagreb, Maksimir is a great alternative.
Located east of the city centre, this leafy residential neighbourhood offers a much quieter atmosphere while still being well connected by tram.
The area’s biggest attraction is Maksimir Park, one of the oldest public parks in Europe. It’s the perfect place for a morning walk, picnic or simply escaping the city for a few hours. You’ll also find Zagreb Zoo here, making this area particularly popular with families travelling with children.
Accommodation in Maksimir tends to consist of apartments and smaller guesthouses rather than large hotels, giving the neighbourhood a more local feel.
While we personally preferred staying closer to the city centre, we’d happily choose Maksimir for a longer visit where slowing down was more of a priority than ticking off every attraction.
Things to Do Nearby
Although Maksimir is a little further from the city centre, there are still plenty of attractions nearby, particularly if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
Some of the highlights include: Maksimir Park, Zagreb Zoo, Mirogoj Cemetery, Maksimir Stadium and Ban Jelačić Square, which is only a 15-20 minute tram ride away, giving you easy access to Zagreb’s main attractions whenever you’re ready to explore the city centre.
Pros
- Peaceful, local atmosphere
- Close to Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo
- Good choice of apartments
- Generally more affordable
Cons
- Further from the main sights
- Requires using the tram more often
- Less nightlife and fewer restaurants
Accommodation in Maksimir
Apartment – Lux oasis
Mid-Range Hotel – Hotel Vila Tina
Hostel – Funk Lounge Hostel
5. Jarun: Best Area to Stay in Zagreb for Nightlife
If you’re visiting Zagreb during the summer or simply prefer staying somewhere a little different, Jarun is another area worth considering.
Centred around Lake Jarun, this neighbourhood is known for its outdoor activities, watersports, cafés and lively nightlife. During the warmer months, the lake becomes one of Zagreb’s most popular places to relax, while the surrounding bars stay busy well into the evening.
Because it’s further from the historic centre, we probably wouldn’t recommend Jarun if it’s your first visit to Zagreb and you’re planning to spend most of your time sightseeing.
However, if you’ve already explored the city before, are staying for several days or want a more relaxed base away from the crowds, Jarun offers a completely different side of Zagreb.
Things to Do Nearby
Jarun is all about spending time outdoors and enjoying the lake area. Some of the best things to do include: Lake Jarun, Jarun Beach Areas, Cycling and Running Paths, watersports like Kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing and Bars and Clubs around Jarun Lake. It’s a very different vibe compared to central Zagreb, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting if you’re staying for a while.
Pros
- Great nightlife and summer atmosphere
- Beautiful lakeside setting
- Popular with locals
- Excellent for longer stays
- Plenty of outdoor activities
Cons
- Furthest area from the city centre
- Not ideal if you’re only visiting for one night
- You’ll rely on trams to reach most attractions
Accommodation in Jarun
Luxury Hotel – Admiral Hotel
Mid-Range Hotel – Hotel Jarun
Budget Apartment – Studio Apartment Lacus
FAQ: Where to Stay in Zagreb
For first-time visitors, Lower Town (Donji Grad) is the best place to stay in Zagreb. It’s central, walkable and close to most of the city’s main attractions.
If you’re only staying one night in Zagreb, we’d recommend either Lower Town for sightseeing or the Main Train Station area for convenience and easy transport connections.
Both are great, but they offer different experiences. Lower Town is more practical, central and lively, while Upper Town is more historic.
Yes, Zagreb is very walkable, especially the city centre. Most attractions in Upper and Lower Town are within a short walking distance.
Backpackers usually prefer Lower Town or areas near the Main Train Station, where you’ll find the best range of hostels, budget hotels and transport links.
Yes, especially if you enjoy relaxed European capitals with fewer crowds than cities like Prague or Budapest.
Jarun is the best area for nightlife in Zagreb, especially in summer when bars and clubs around the lake stay busy late into the night. However, Lower Town also has plenty of cafés, bars and relaxed evening spots.
Most travellers find that 1–3 days is enough to see Zagreb comfortably.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Zagreb
For us, Zagreb was one of those cities that completely exceeded expectations. It’s not as instantly dramatic as some of Europe’s bigger capitals, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It feels relaxed, walkable and full of small moments that make you slow down and actually enjoy the city rather than rush through it.
If it’s your first time visiting, we’d almost always recommend staying in Lower Town (Donji Grad). It’s the most convenient base, especially if you’re planning to explore the main sights, cafés and markets on foot. We loved being able to wander from Ban Jelačić Square to Dolac Market and then up into the Upper Town without ever needing transport.
That said, Zagreb is small enough that you can’t really go too far wrong. Whether you choose the historic streets of Upper Town, the convenience of the train station area, or somewhere more local like Maksimir or Jarun, everything is still easy to reach thanks to the city’s trams and compact layout.
Follow Us!
