Where to stay in Zagreb: best areas and neighborhoods

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a wonderful place that encompasses history, culture, and fun. A perfect destination for a weekend getaway and a break from the hectic life.

The city is divided into 17 districts, gradske četvrti. The center is represented by the Upper Town and the Lower Town, the best solutions for staying, a few steps from the main attractions and equipped with all services. Novi Zagreb is also excellent, with a good tourist offer, but as you move away from the center, the available accommodation becomes less and less, so it is better to stay close to the center.

Here are all our tips on where to stay in Zagreb.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: Zagreb, and Croatia in general, is one of the safest cities in Europe. There are no real neighborhoods to avoid in terms of safety, while from a tourist point of view it is better to avoid too peripheral neighborhoods as they are poor in attractions and have little tourist offer.

During a trip to Zagreb, the best solution is to stay in the city center, consisting of Gornji Grad, the Upper Town and the oldest part, and Donji Grad, the Lower Town and the more modern part. Above all, the Upper Town offers opportunities for everyone: if you want to save money, look for accommodation in the Kaptol area, if you are traveling with family, opt for the streets around Park Ribnjak, if you are looking for nightlife, stay along Via Tkalčićeva.

If you are looking for quiet and green neighborhoods, opt for Trnje, Maksimir, and Jarun (Trešnjevka - jug). The first develops around the large Park Maksimir, the second around the eponymous park on the banks of the Sava River. These areas are highly recommended for families.

Finally, Zagreb is still an affordable destination, and you can find accommodation at reasonable prices throughout the city. But if you want to save even more, choose Novi Zagreb, a district south of the railway station and the Lower Town.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&bs, and hostels in Zagreb. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking

Gornji Grad (Upper Town), best for first-timers

• Pros: Central location, historic charm, excellent restaurants and cafes
• Cons: Can be hilly, touristy, and some areas are quieter at night.
• Main attractions: St. Mark's Church, the Stone Gate, Lotrščak Tower, and the Museum of Broken Relationships.
• Average prices: from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Gornji Grad, the Upper Town, is the oldest part of Zagreb. The heart of the city, here you will find some of the most important attractions, such as Markov Square with its St. Mark's Church, and the Lotrscak Tower, a symbol of the city. The southern border of the district is marked by Ilica Street, then follows Ribnjak ul and Art Park Zagreb, including the entire Kaptol sub-district.

It is a neighborhood really suitable for everyone and one of the best areas to stay. Moreover, Zagreb is an affordable destination, so you can find accommodation at excellent prices throughout the city. If you are traveling with family, focus your search around Park Ribnjak, if you are looking for nightlife, the best area for you is around Tkalčićeva Street, full of bars. Finally, the Kraptol area is located in the district, which is much quieter and also recommended for those who want to save money, as there are more affordable solutions.

Finally, by staying here you can move around easily on foot. Even reaching the Lower Town is very simple, thanks to the funicular that connects the two areas of the city.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Donji Grad (Lower Town), best for nightlife

• Pros: Excellent nightlife, cultural institutions, museums, parks
• Cons: Can be noisy at night, less residential feel than Upper Town
• Main attractions: Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac Park, Croatian National Theatre
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The other soul of the center of Zagreb is the Lower Town, its more modern part. Here too you can find numerous attractions, such as the famous Ban Josip Jelacic Square and numerous museums, including the Mimara Museum.

This neighborhood is also an excellent solution to stay, especially if you are looking for fun. The bars are numerous and frequented at any time of the day and night.

Finally, even staying here, you can move around on foot. From Ban Josip Jelacic Square, you can easily reach the main attractions of the city, and the train station is a short distance away.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Trnje, green and quiet

• Pros: Quiet and peaceful, more local feel, good value for money
• Cons: Less vibrant nightlife, fewer tourist attractions within the neighborhood
• Main attractions: The Museum of Contemporary Art is nearby
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Trnje is a residential neighborhood located between Glavni Kolodvor train station and the banks of the Sava River, which divides it from the Novi Zagreb district. It has no particular attractions but features large green areas and is in a great location.

Given its characteristics, it is an ideal neighborhood for families and those seeking tranquility. There are also numerous services, such as traditional and international restaurants, bars for a drink in the evening, numerous shops, and shopping centers. It also hosts the important concert hall Koncertna dvorana Vatroslav Lisinski.

The best solution for getting around here is to use public transport. The neighborhood is crossed by the important Ul. Grada Vukovara avenue, where tram lines 3, 5, 13, and 33 pass. It is also ideal for those arriving in the city by car, thanks to the numerous parking spaces available.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Novi Zagreb, to stay on a budget

• Pros: Excellent value for money, good public transport links
• Cons: A bit far from the main tourist sights, less nightlife
• Main attractions: The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Zagreb Fairgrounds.
• Average prices: from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Novi Zagreb is south of the Lower Town, from which it is separated by the Sava River. There are no major attractions, but the district is full of parks and green areas, as well as large avenues dotted with bars and buildings with socialist architecture. It is a relatively new area, redeveloped after the war.

It is mainly a suitable solution for those who want to save money and families. Here you can find many green areas like Gradski park Bundek and, not far away, Park Jarun (in the neighboring district of the same name), with its eponymous lake. Moreover, the tourist offer is not much, but the accommodation has lower prices than the Upper Town.

By staying here, you will need to use public transport. From Gradski park Bundek, for example, it takes 45 minutes on foot to reach Ban Josip Jelacic Square, while by public transport you can reach the central train station in 5 minutes (bus lines 210 or 220).

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Maksimir, best for families

• Pros: Family-friendly, beautiful parks, safe and quiet, and close to nature and the zoo.
• Cons: Not as central, fewer restaurants and bars, and public transport may be required for most activities.
• Main attractions: Maksimir Park and the Zagreb Zoo.
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Maksimir is a large residential neighborhood that develops around the eponymous park, Maksimir Park. This area, rich in greenery and small lakes, is famous mainly for hosting the Zagreb Zoo.

Being a residential neighborhood immersed in greenery, it is perfect for families and those who love tranquility. Ideal also for athletes: the park is the locals' favorite place for jogging before or after work. But that's not all, it is a real reference point for sports enthusiasts: here you will find the large sports complex that, in addition to pools and playing fields, also hosts the Maksimir Stadium.

By staying here, it is better to move around by bus or tram. The zoo, for example, is connected to the Lower Town by tram line 5 (25 minutes). Moreover, this area is excellent for those arriving in Zagreb by car, thanks to the large spaces and the numerous accommodations with parking.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Jarun, immersed in greenery

• Pros: Beautiful green spaces, outdoor activities, tranquil environment, and a relaxed pace.
• Cons: Far from the main tourist attractions, fewer dining and shopping options, and requires public transport to get to the center.
• Main attractions: Jarun Lake and the Sava River.
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Jarun, like Maksimir, is a wonderful residential neighborhood immersed in greenery. It is located southwest of the center and has no particular attractions but a unique and large natural beauty: Jarun Lake, around which a wonderful park develops.

This neighborhood is certainly recommended for families and those seeking tranquility. Here you can take long walks around the lake and along the park's paths, relax in one of the bars or restaurants along the shores, and in summer, many locals gather here to sunbathe.

Again, you will need to use public transport to get around. Tram line 5 connects the neighborhood to the Lower Town area (25 minutes), but there are also several other lines you can take. Moreover, this area is great for those arriving in Zagreb by car, thanks to the large spaces and the numerous accommodations with parking.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Zagreb

Since it is a destination where people usually stay for a few days or are just passing through, the best solution is to stay in the center of Zagreb. As we have seen, it is possible to find excellent solutions at reasonable prices even in the heart of the historic center, being able to move around easily on foot among the numerous attractions.

Above all, staying in Zagreb is the best choice because there is not a large tourist offer in the surroundings. You will mainly find small villages and localities, and to stay in some farmhouses immersed in nature, but not always well connected to the center. Staying in the surroundings in contact with nature could be a solution if you have a car and want to enjoy the trip calmly.

Travel Tips for Zagreb

• Public Transport: Zagreb has an extensive and efficient tram system, which is the easiest way to get around the city. You can buy tickets at Tisak kiosks or from the driver. A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes.
• Best Time to Visit: The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are ideal, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The summer can be hot, but the city comes alive with outdoor events. Winter is cold but beautiful, especially during the famous Advent in Zagreb.
• Local Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases at local markets or cafes.
• Local Vibe/Culture: Zagreb has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Locals enjoy spending time in cafes, so grab a coffee and people-watch. Tipping is common but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated.

Zagreb accommodation price map

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