Looking for accommodation in Zagreb, Croatia? It’s exactly the kind of city people visit mainly on their way to the coast – and then discover they’d happily stay for an entire long weekend. Before you head out, it pays to know exactly where to rest your head. Zagreb perfectly blends Austro-Hungarian elegance with relaxed Balkan charm. Whether you’re planning to admire historic landmarks or just looking for a pleasant stopover on your way to the Adriatic Sea, choosing the right accommodation is key to a perfect experience.
If I had to give you one single piece of advice for finding a hotel, it would be this: in Zagreb, you pay for tram accessibility, not for a prestigious address right in the center. The city has one of the best and densest tram networks in the entire region. In practice, this means that a hotel located just two stops from the main Ban Jelačić Square is often a third cheaper, and you won’t lose any time. Trams run constantly and take you everywhere.
Besides the room rate itself, you need to account for a few small extra expenses. Local authorities charge a tourist tax of €1.86 per person per night, which applies to all travelers over twelve years old and is usually paid at reception. Another consideration is transportation, because parking in the center is divided into zones and is very expensive. In this guide, we’ll look at excellent hotels across all price categories and show you which neighborhood to choose so you can enjoy the Croatian capital to the fullest without unnecessary stress.
Summary for those who don’t have time to read the whole article
- Best hotel overall: The stunning Amadria Park Hotel Capital offers unparalleled Art Nouveau atmosphere and top ratings right in the heart of the city.
- Historic luxury: The legendary Esplanade Zagreb Hotel from 1925 transports you to the era of the famous Orient Express and still ranks as the absolute top choice.
- Best location: The iconic Hotel Dubrovnik stands right under the clock on the main square, so you simply can’t get any closer to the center.
- For train travelers: The modern Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre is located a short walk from the main station and impresses with an excellent rooftop bar.
- Best value for money: The cozy Casablanca Boutique Bed&Breakfast offers peaceful surroundings in the Vlaška neighborhood at very reasonable prices.
- For nightlife lovers: The lively Whole Wide World Hostel & Bar is ideal for those who want to meet new people and don’t mind a bit of noise.
- Best budget option: The highly-rated City Walk Hostel Zagreb proves that even low-cost accommodation can be perfectly clean and comfortable.
💡 On this map you can compare what’s currently available — you’ll also see how much cheaper accommodation is a few stops from the center.
The full destination guide: Croatia — guide and what to see
Which area to choose and where to look for accommodation
Zagreb is divided into several very different neighborhoods, each offering a completely different atmosphere and targeting a slightly different type of traveler. Basic orientation is fortunately quite easy, because most attractions are concentrated in two main historic areas. Let’s break down the individual areas in detail so you know exactly where to rest your head and what to expect from each location.
Lower Town (Donji grad) is the beating heart of modern Zagreb and extends around Ban Jelačić Square and the picturesque Zrinjevac park. It’s an excellent choice for your first visit. You’ll find beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, plenty of museums, the famous Dolac market, and trams crossing from all directions. This is where most hotels of all price categories are located, but logically you’ll pay a bit extra for this premium location.
In contrast, Upper Town (Gornji grad) represents the oldest and most romantic part of the capital with narrow cobbled streets and the iconic St. Mark’s Church. Hotels and apartments here are usually very small but all the more authentic, and it’s also the quietest part of the wider center. The main disadvantage is having to walk uphill and climb stairs. Fortunately, you can shorten your journey using the historic funicular, which runs for a small fee of €0.66 after its reconstruction.
The area around the Main Station (Glavni kolodvor) is a strategic location for anyone arriving by train from, for example, Vienna, Ljubljana, or Split. It offers very favorable prices within walking distance of the historic center, and you can reach the main square through a beautiful park in fifteen minutes. In the evening, the station area is very quiet and somewhat deserted, which is actually not a bad thing for undisturbed sleep.
If you’re looking for a more local atmosphere, focus on Britanski trg and Ilica street, which is a pleasant residential neighborhood known for Sunday antique markets. You’ll find great cafés and much more affordable accommodation prices, while the tram takes you to the very center in less than ten minutes. Similarly, Kvaternikov trg and Vlaška is a neighborhood with the best bistros, minimal tourists, and very pleasant walking distance to the monuments.
On the other hand, Novi Zagreb lying beyond the Sava River is a modern residential area where the Museum of Contemporary Art and the sprawling Bundek park are located. Accommodation here offers some of the lowest prices in the city and it’s an excellent choice for families with a car, as you’re in the center by tram in a comfortable ten to fifteen minutes. Avoid the areas around Franjo Tuđman Airport, however. A bus runs from there to the city in about thirty minutes, so it only makes sense if you need to sleep before an early morning flight.
When to go and when to book a hotel
Zagreb has a very specific tourist calendar that differs significantly from the rest of coastal Croatia and may surprise you when planning your trip. The peak season here is the famous Advent (Advent u Zagrebu), which in 2026 runs from November 28 to January 7, 2027. This Christmas market has been voted the very best in all of Europe three times in a row, and the city is packed to bursting during this period.
Throughout the entire Advent period, hotel prices climb to their annual maximum and the best capacity in the center disappears at an incredible pace. If you’re planning to soak up the Christmas atmosphere and drink mulled wine under the lights, book accommodation many months in advance. Alternatively, use the tram trick and look for accommodation two or three stops away from the center, where prices don’t rise quite so astronomically and you’re at the stalls by tram in five minutes.
On the other hand, you’ll experience the most interesting price paradox in summer. While the entire Croatian coast is bursting at the seams and apartments by the sea cost a fortune, in July and August Zagreb is half-empty. Half the locals leave for the coast at that time, so even in thirty-degree heat you can find a hotel in the center at the absolute lowest prices of the year – the ideal time for a cheap stopover when you can treat yourself to a luxurious four-star hotel for a fraction of the winter price.
Whenever you arrive during the year, definitely don’t miss one typical local custom. It’s called the Zagreb špica and it’s a Saturday morning ritual, when the whole city dresses up nicely and heads out for coffee around Cvjetni trg square. It’s a wonderful social event. If you stay somewhere nearby in Lower Town, you just need to leave your hotel on Saturday morning and you’ll immediately become part of this amazing Balkan scene.
Where to Stay: 18 Best Hotels in Zagreb
I’ve prepared a detailed selection of the most interesting places to stay. All hotels are carefully chosen based on real traveler experiences and reflect the best that individual Zagreb neighborhoods have to offer.
1. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel at Mihanovićeva 1 is an absolute legend, built in 1925 for wealthy travelers on the famous Orient Express, and it still maintains incredible elegance to this day. The property is among the highest-rated hotels in the city, and right from the entrance you’ll be amazed by the grand staircase and richly decorated public spaces. People love the enormous rooms furnished in classic style with marble bathrooms and the highly professional staff. It’s simply the perfect place to go when you want to treat yourself and your partner to genuine historic luxury and the romantic atmosphere of bygone days.
Since the building stands right next to the main train station, you’ll walk just a few dozen meters from arriving by train, and you’ll find the tram stop literally around the corner. You can reach the historic center at Ban Jelačić Square with a lovely walk through Zrinjevac and Tomislavac parks in about fifteen minutes. I think it’s fair to mention, though, that this long history has its downsides. Occasionally you’ll encounter somewhat dated amenities like older hairdryers, and some guests miss little touches like a simple bottle of water in the room.
💡 Tip: You absolutely must not miss the renowned hotel restaurant Zinfandel’s, which is consistently considered one of the best in the country. And after a great dinner, you can enjoy a drink in the local stylish bar.
2. Amadria Park Hotel Capital
Right in the historic heart of the city you’ll find Amadria Park Hotel Capital, located on Jurišićeva Street 22, just steps from Ban Jelačić Square. The building from the 1920s previously functioned as a bank and still preserves a beautiful Art Nouveau atmosphere including the original vault and old mahogany details. People rave about the staff here, who are apparently incredibly warm and can solve just about anything. Guest reviews also frequently praise the excellent food in the hotel restaurant and the seating in the stylish café, where you can breathe in the genuine elegance of old times.
Keep in mind, though, that due to the historic architecture, some rooms are really quite small, exactly as you’d expect from buildings of this era. A few guests also honestly complained about the poorly equipped gym or a troublesome coffee maker. Even so, I think that for lovers of architecture and period interiors with high ceilings and massive crystal chandeliers, this is absolutely dream accommodation. You have a tram stop right in front of the entrance, but you can comfortably walk to the famous Dolac market and all the main museums in the Lower Town.
💡 Tip: You’ll probably enjoy this hotel most during a weekend stay for two. You have monuments right around the corner, you can explore the city during the day and then return to the beautifully cozy environment with a lovely view of Zagreb.
3. Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre
Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre is located on Branimirova Street 29, a stone’s throw from the main train station, and right from the entrance you’ll probably be charmed by its modern industrial style full of interesting artistic details. People here praise above all the incredibly comfortable beds, which apparently let you rest like you’re wrapped in cotton, and also the spacious bright rooms. There’s an excellent restaurant and vintage café, and guests often highlight the amazing breakfast with fresh orange juice and a huge honeycomb. Instead of plastic bottles, you also get a glass carafe that you can refill in the corridors, which I think is a very nice touch.
You can reach the main square with a comfortable walk in about ten minutes, and because Branimirova Street is full of fantastic street art, it’ll fly by in no time. The Lower Town is also nicely flat, so definitely take advantage of the complimentary hotel bikes and head out exploring. Just keep in mind that you can’t enjoy your own drinks on the front terrace, and reviews have mentioned occasional air conditioning outages. Otherwise, though, it’s an extremely practical base, because you have two supermarkets, a cinema, and a tram stop right next door, and you can reach the airport by car in about twenty minutes.
💡 Tip: In the evening, definitely stop by the stylish rooftop bar, which has a beautiful view of the city. This hotel will particularly appeal to younger couples and business travelers who prefer informal luxury and modern comfort.
4. The Westin Zagreb
The imposing glass tower of The Westin Zagreb can be found near the Mimara Museum at Krsnjavoga 1, where you’ll experience the reliable five-star standard of a well-known international chain. People here most admire the huge and comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast, and lovely welcome with a glass of champagne or juice. The main trump card for many travelers, though, is the spacious underground parking, thanks to which you don’t have to deal with expensive zones in the center at all. If you get a room on the upper floors, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the entire city and the Medvednica mountains.
Keep in mind that the room interiors are somewhat more conservative and could probably use a bit of modernization, as guests occasionally point out. Exceptionally, there have even been mentions of problems with securing valuables in the room, so you’d better keep your valuables well guarded. The hotel doesn’t lie in the absolute epicenter of action, but there’s a tram stop right across the street and you can reach the National Theatre with a pleasant walk in just five minutes. It seems to me like great accommodation especially for families with a car and those of you who want to work out in the spacious gym or soak in the large indoor pool after a full day of running around monuments.
💡 Tip: Definitely try to ask for a room on the highest floor possible at check-in. Those views of illuminated Zagreb and the Medvednica ridges are really worth it, plus you’ll have substantially more peace from the street noise up there.
5. Hotel Dubrovnik
Hotel Dubrovnik stands right on the main square at Gajeva 1, exactly under the clock where Zagreb locals arrange to meet. The building is cleverly divided into an older historic section and a more modern wing. From both you’re just seconds away on foot from the funicular to the Upper Town and the Dolac market. What works best here is the friendly staff and excellent breakfast, which you’ll enjoy in the glass-walled restaurant with a view of the awakening center. Although you’re in the busy epicenter, thanks to soundproof windows and blackout curtains you’ll enjoy a surprisingly quiet night.
Keep in mind, though, that not every room looks like it’s from a magazine. People occasionally mention somewhat dated furniture, missing modern outlets for today’s electronics, and especially honestly warn about rooms where you look out only at a wall perhaps two meters away. On the other hand, families with children will appreciate a crib readily prepared and the option to arrange comfortable transport directly from the airport. Just remember that a tourist tax of 1.86 euros per person per night is usually added to the room rate on site.
💡 Tip: When booking, you’d better pay extra right away for a room with a view of the square. Especially during Advent it’s worth it, because you’ll have the famous Christmas market beautifully at your fingertips right from the comfort of your bed.
6. Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria
The traditional Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria is located on Petrinjska 71, just a short walk from the main train station, and strikes me as an excellent tried-and-true classic. A pleasant ten-minute stroll through the park will bring you to the historic center, but you’re already a bit away from the biggest crowds. The rooms are furnished in a classic wooden style, and guests highlight the absolute cleanliness and very comfortable beds. What really scores here, though, is the helpful staff who will gladly store your luggage with a smile, and for early departures they’ll even pack you a breakfast box for the road. Otherwise, you can enjoy a rich morning buffet full of fresh fruit, pastries, and sparkling wine.
Coming here makes a lot of sense for those of you arriving by car in Zagreb, because you can reach the building relatively easily without getting lost in tricky one-way streets. Keep in mind, though, that the hotel has only one elevator, so you’ll probably wait a bit during peak times. Some rooms are rather small and the air conditioning occasionally struggles to keep up in the summer heat. Still, you get a very pleasant standard here for a reasonable price, which is why travelers are so happy to return.
💡 Tip: The hotel has its own free parking lot in the inner courtyard, which is incredibly rare in this part of the city and will save you a lot of money. The spaces are fairly tight, though, so it’s better to unload your luggage at the main entrance first.
7. Le Premier Boutique Hotel
Le Premier Boutique Hotel is tucked away on the quiet street Držislavova, about ten minutes at a leisurely pace from the main square, and occupies a beautifully renovated early twentieth-century palace. This strikes me as a great place for couples looking for a more intimate atmosphere far from the bustle of large chains. The rooms will delight you with their sophisticated design featuring enormous windows, high ceilings, and marble bathrooms where guests particularly praise the heated floors. You can also easily reach the center by tram, or enjoy a pleasant walk through the quiet tree-lined lower town near the art pavilion.
What really works perfectly here is mainly the staff, who will take care of you even when you arrive well after midnight and gladly help with museum tickets or dinner reservations. The on-site fine-dining restaurant is highly regarded in Zagreb, and people rave about the excellent courses and great morning coffee and waffles, although the overall breakfast selection is rather limited. Definitely keep an eye on your valuables, though, as there was a case of money going missing from a suitcase in the room during breakfast, so it’s better to lock up your cash. Also keep in mind that although the hotel has its own spa, you won’t find an indoor pool.
💡 Tip: Definitely book your stay with breakfast included, because it’s served in a beautifully lit atrium. And if you like to relax in stylish surroundings after a long day, head to the elegant on-site cigar lounge with a bar for a drink.
8. Met Boutique Hotel
Met Boutique Hotel is quite a newcomer on the Zagreb scene and you’ll find it tucked into a small passage at Praška 4, literally just a few dozen meters from Ban Jelačić Square. The building’s architecture is a bold mix of glass, steel, and warm wood. Even though the rooms are rather small in size, the space is cleverly utilized. From the comfort of a firmer mattress, you can easily draw the blackout curtains or adjust the lighting using a touch panel. What works perfectly here is the impeccable cleanliness, generous shower stalls with luxury Molton Brown products, and a coffee maker in the room. The view of the iconic Zagreb cathedral towers from the stunning rooftop terrace is also amazing.
Guests highly praise the breakfasts here, where you should definitely try the famous black omelette. The passage setting and quality windows ensure that even though you have a tram junction barely a minute from the entrance, the city bustle won’t bother you. More sensitive sleepers might hear the tram faintly, but overall it’s very quiet. The staff is incredibly friendly and will arrange parking for you for an additional fee. Just keep in mind that if you arrive late in the evening, you might wait a bit for the receptionist to return from the garage.
💡 Tip: Given the small capacity and exclusivity of this five-star hotel, it’s very often sold out. If you love modern architecture and smart design solutions, book your room well in advance.
9. MANDA Heritage Hotel
Hidden in a beautiful historic house at Draškovićeva 15A is MANDA Heritage Hotel, where you’ll feel more like you’re visiting friends than staying in standard accommodation. The biggest trump card here is the incredibly friendly staff who will happily mark on your map their favorite local cafes without crowds of tourists. Inside you’ll be charmed by the delightful atmosphere, because each room looks a bit different and features exposed brick walls and massive wooden beams. It’s simply a very pleasant middle ground for history lovers. You can also reach the very center of the city in about ten minutes at a comfortable pace.
A tram stops right outside the entrance, and while the windows have double glazing, keep in mind that some rooms may get a bit of street noise. Another minor issue is the occasional lack of blackout curtains, so you might want to pack an eye mask. Otherwise, guests can’t stop raving about the wonderfully comfortable beds and great showers. If you don’t pay for the simple hotel breakfast, which fortunately also pleases vegetarians, you’ll find plenty of small bakeries just around the corner for a morning purchase of fresh pastries.
💡 Tip: The hotel operates on a very convenient contactless check-in basis, so after online registration you can go straight to your room. It also often happens that a small welcome gift awaits you on the table after your tiring journey.
10. Bed & Breakfast Sky City Centre
The small and unassuming Bed & Breakfast Sky City Centre at Bana Jelačiće 3 is located right in a historic building on Zagreb’s main square. Because the rooms are tucked away in the upper floors of the building, you get beautiful views of the beating heart of the city, and yet surprising quiet provided by quality windows. What guests appreciate most here is the family atmosphere and the personal approach of the owners, who always find time to chat and are happy to advise you on where to go. The rooms are modernly furnished and perfectly clean, plus you can help yourself to coffee and cookies throughout the day. In the morning you’ll enjoy a rich breakfast that many guests fondly remember.
Keep in mind that the entrance to the old building may look a bit unwelcoming and shabby at first glance, but once you step inside, the impression completely changes. It’s also sometimes tricky to find the accommodation on the first try, so I recommend arranging arrival details in advance, and if you’re coming by car, arm yourself with patience when looking for parking. Your reward, however, will be a great address that saves you a lot of time. You can reach the historic funicular, famous restaurants, and all the important museums in less than ten minutes at a leisurely pace.
💡 Tip: If you’re going to Zagreb in winter, try to book a room overlooking the square. You can make yourself a hot tea and watch the bustle at the famous Christmas market from the warmth.
11. Casablanca Boutique Bed&Breakfast
In the Vlaška district at Vlaška 92, you’ll find Casablanca Boutique Bed&Breakfast, one of the best-rated guesthouses in the city and a perfectly hidden gem. It’s tucked away in a quiet courtyard away from the main tourist hustle, so the peace here is absolutely wonderful. Guests especially love the staff, who will hand you a map with a smile, help you find cheaper parking, and explain which tram to hop on. The biggest draw here is the abundant breakfast served outdoors in the garden full of mature greenery during spring and summer months. You can look forward to homemade egg omelets and fresh caprese salad with pesto, and if you need to leave early in the morning, they’ll happily pack food to go.
The rooms themselves are bright, with clean design and incredibly comfortable, which you’ll definitely appreciate after a full day of exploring the city. A big advantage is the small shared kitchenette where you can make coffee in the evening or heat up takeaway dinner. The neighborhood is full of small independent cafés, bakeries, and shops, so you have everything essential right on your doorstep. Although you’re a bit away from the crowds, you can reach the main square with a pleasant walk in about fifteen to twenty minutes, or you can hop on a tram that will get you there in just five minutes.
💡 Tip: I recommend this accommodation to anyone looking for an authentic local experience and wanting to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace. No cars will disturb you in the courtyard, but you have a tram stop literally steps from the door, so you’ll reach the sights in no time.
12. Stellar Boutique Modules by Maistra City Vibes
Stellar Boutique Modules by Maistra City Vibes at Vlaška 50 is an interesting concept of smart micro-apartments that feels more like a room from the future. Everything works via a code on your phone, so you can head straight to bed after your journey without any delays. Guests really praise the excellent breakfast, and if you’re heading out on an excursion early in the morning, the friendly staff will happily pack a box of food to go. The biggest trump card is probably the rooftop bar with great cocktails and a beautiful view of Zagreb Cathedral. Overall, the accommodation makes the most sense for solo travelers or young couples.
Keep in mind that the modules themselves are fairly small and in summer you might struggle with quite weak air conditioning. But everything is made up for by the incredible cleanliness, smart technology, and amazingly powerful shower. The Vlaška district is right by the wider center and you can reach all the sights comfortably on foot, even though accommodation prices here are more pleasant than right on the main square. An advantage is that tourist buses to excursions depart nearby, and if you arrive by car, you can park here for an extra fee.
💡 Tip: This place will suit you if you’re not looking for classic five-star service and huge rooms, but want a modern base with an incredibly comfortable bed. Trust me, after a full day of exploring the city, this smart and clean hideaway is more than enough.
13. Hotel 9
If you’re driving further south to the coast and looking for a practical stopover in Zagreb, Hotel 9 on the busier street Avenija Marina Držića will probably please you a lot. Don’t expect any romantic alleys in the area – the building stands on the main artery toward the Novi Zagreb district – but from a practical standpoint, there’s nothing to fault. Guests most often mention the very striking, almost extravagant design full of mirrors and gloss, friendly staff, and perfect cleanliness. It seems to me this is an absolutely great base for anyone just passing through the city and wanting to rest after a long drive on the motorway.
The biggest advantage here is very convenient parking directly in the building, which will save you tons of nerves and money on perpetually full and expensive zones in the city center. On top of that, guests really praise the varied and abundant breakfast buffet at quite a reasonable price. Do expect that due to the location by the main road, you might hear traffic noise in rooms with open windows, especially in autumn when the hotel centrally switches the air conditioning to heating. Otherwise, you’ll get to the historic heart of the city from here without any problems.
💡 Tip: The tram stop is right opposite the hotel, so you’re in the center in about ten minutes without needing to deal with parking. Plus, you’re only a few minutes’ walk to the main bus station.
14. City Walk Hostel Zagreb
For travelers watching their budget, City Walk Hostel Zagreb at Krajiška 4 is a very pleasant surprise. You’ll find it on a quieter street near Britanski trg square, which is a great local neighborhood full of lovely cafés and Sunday antique markets. Guests who’ve stayed here most praise the absolute cleanliness and calm atmosphere. It’s not a wild party hostel at all, but rather a cozy place where you’ll genuinely get a good night’s sleep. You can choose either beds in shared rooms that have their own curtains for more privacy, a reading light, and an outlet, or quite spacious and affordably priced private doubles with air conditioning.
Do expect that there’s no kitchenette available and you unfortunately can’t even boil water for tea. Some guests also honestly warn that the bunks are a bit lower and you can’t quite sit up on them, and occasionally the self-service entrance code on the door acts up. If you can overlook that, you’ll get a great base from which you can reach the very center in moments by tram from the square, or you can take a pleasant twenty-minute walk along the busy Ilica avenue.
💡 Tip: The private rooms are apparently so huge and well-equipped that you’ll feel more like you’re in a nice hotel. It’s simply a great refuge for a well-deserved rest after a long day in the city.
15. Whole Wide World Hostel & Bar
If you’re traveling to Zagreb solo and your main goal is to meet new people, head to Whole Wide World Hostel & Bar at Kačićeva 3B. This highly social hostel is about a ten-minute walk from the main square and is famous among backpackers for its incredibly friendly atmosphere. Guests especially praise the huge number of activities, from pub quizzes and karaoke to shared pancake evenings. The heart of everything is the lively bar on the ground floor with a common room full of colorful murals. The local staff knows how to throw a great party, actively organizes pub crawls, and will gladly advise you on what to see in the city. A nice bonus is the complimentary breakfast and a small but fully equipped shared kitchen.
Location-wise, this address will definitely suit you because you’re near trams and interesting museums, so you can explore the city on foot during the day and jump right into the fun in the evening. Do expect that the rooms, even though guests say they’re carefully cleaned and have comfortable beds, are logically a bit noisier. It’s simply a lively place where conversations go deep into the night. For someone looking for peace and quiet after a demanding day and who goes to bed early, this probably won’t be the happiest choice.
💡 Tip: Choose this accommodation really only if you’re longing to experience that true backpacker buzz and don’t mind having something going on around you all the time. This party carousel might tire out introverts pretty quickly.
16. Main Square Hostel
Main Square Hostel is located at Tkalčićeva 7, probably the most famous bar street in all of Zagreb. If you’re looking for a place right in the epicentre of nightlife, you’ll be in your element here, especially since the main square is literally just around the corner. It strikes me as a nice base for young travellers with an industrial vibe. People rave most about the huge common areas and modern bunks that are designed as small capsules with curtains and air conditioning, giving you quite a bit of privacy even in a shared room. On top of that, there’s friendly staff who are happy to help with advice and a smile.
Just be prepared that the street below stays lively until morning and the noise from the bars is really significant. Quality earplugs are therefore an absolute must in your backpack, even with the windows firmly closed. Travellers also occasionally point out the small number of bathrooms relative to capacity, so you might find morning queues for the shower. It’s simply a busier place that will suit you mainly if you enjoy throwing yourself into the buzz of the city and can shrug off minor hostel discomfort.
💡 Tip: Stay here only if you’re planning to spend long evenings out and don’t plan to hit the bed until the early hours. For families with children or anyone who’s a light sleeper, this particular location is completely unsuitable.
17. Funk Lounge Hostel
Funk Lounge Hostel at Vlaška 7, just a short walk from the popular Kvaternikov Square, is in my opinion a pretty good compromise for undemanding backpackers. It’s a bit further from the tightest and noisiest centre, so you’ll get a decent night’s sleep, but you can reach the historic streets either by a pleasant walk or a very quick tram ride. People particularly love the relaxed atmosphere, because downstairs on the ground floor you’ll find a bar with a restaurant and terrace where travellers from all over the world gather every evening for a beer. Apart from that, the very friendly staff who are happy to help you find your way around the city often gets special mention.
You’ll sleep on classic bunks in large shared rooms, but private rooms with shared bathrooms can also be booked. Just be prepared that the facilities show slight signs of wear, so this probably won’t be for perfectionists. Travellers sometimes mind the creaky and less comfortable beds, tighter space or lack of sockets by the bed. Overall though, it seems to me that for the price it’s a very decent and affordable choice for one or two nights if you mainly want to meet new people.
💡 Tip: If it’s full, you can also try the smaller Hostel Centar in the same neighbourhood. Don’t expect such lively socializing compared to Funk, and the common room is rather tiny, but you’ll be pleased with air conditioning, cleanliness and much more peace and quiet.
18. HI Hostel Zagreb (Warning)
This won’t be so much a recommendation as an honest warning about HI Hostel Zagreb, which although located at the excellent address of Petrinjska 77 near the train station, you should give a wide berth. You might be easily tempted by the well-known international Hostelling International brand and suspiciously low price, but here it’s absolutely true that you get exactly what you pay for. Visitor experiences speak clearly – they mind most the outdated and quite neglected facilities, creaky beds and above all the missing air conditioning, which makes it quite hellish in the sweltering summer.
The shared bathrooms apparently desperately need a complete renovation, they’re missing door latches and the level of cleanliness leaves much to be desired. Add to that occasional thin walls, oddly stretched cables from windows to the courtyard, and staff who might happily ask you for an extra five euros for an ordinary towel or locker padlock. Some people do occasionally encounter helpful receptionists, but believe me, in Zagreb you really only need to add a few euros and you’ll instantly get a dramatically different standard and clean accommodation.
💡 Tip: Don’t be tempted just by the good central location, you’re better off paying a bit more for the much more pleasant City Walk Hostel, where you’ll rest better. If that’s full, take the tram a bit further to the Vlaška neighbourhood – your overall impression of the city will definitely be worth it.
How to Choose the Right Hotel and Save Money
Choosing accommodation in Zagreb depends primarily on how you’re travelling to the city and what you actually expect from your stay. Here are some practical tips that will make your decision easier and help you save significant money.
If you’re travelling by car (which is the case for many international visitors heading to the Croatian coast), be aware that parking in the centre is divided into zones and extremely expensive, with a severe shortage of available spaces. Always look for hotels that explicitly offer their own garage or at least a guarded parking lot in a courtyard. Another very functional option is to leave your car in cheap park-and-ride lots at major terminals on the city outskirts and get to your hotel by public transport. Just as a reminder, if you’re planning to travel further, don’t forget that motorway tolls in Croatia are paid in cash or by card directly at toll booths, unfortunately no electronic toll sticker system works here yet.
In terms of overall budget, definitely don’t forget the tram trick I wrote about in the introduction. The ZET network works reliably and is incredibly cheap. A short 30-minute ticket costs just €0.53, 60 minutes €0.93, 90 minutes €1.33 and a day pass will set you back a lovely €4. You can easily buy tickets at red Tisak kiosks or in the app, and don’t forget to validate them on board. A hotel outside the tightest centre will save you hundreds of euros per night, while travel time to the sights will be at most fifteen minutes.
Where Next
Once you’ve sorted out your accommodation, it’s time to dive into planning the actual itinerary and other stops on your Croatian journey. Here are some useful articles to help you:
- Read our detailed guide Zagreb: what to see and do, where you’ll find a complete itinerary for a long weekend.
- Heading further south? Get inspired by our huge list Where to holiday in Croatia: 32 great tips.
- For drivers, our practical overview Croatia by car: route, tolls, map and ferries is an absolute must, where we cover all the pitfalls of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does public transport work and how much does it cost?
The basis of Zagreb’s public transport (ZET) consists of blue trams that run very frequently and reliably. Tickets are purchased at red Tisak kiosks or via mobile app and must be validated immediately after boarding. A short 30-minute ticket costs €0.53, an hour ticket €0.93, 90 minutes €1.33, and a very good-value day ticket costs €4. Valid for trams and buses until 4:00 AM, which is handy for late-night returns to your hotel.
Do I have to pay tourist tax in Zagreb?
Yes, just like in the rest of Croatia, a special city fee is collected here too. In 2026, the tourist tax is set at €1.86 per person per night. This amount applies to all travelers aged 12 and over and is usually not included in the booking price on portals, so you pay it physically at the hotel reception or to the apartment owner.
Where to park safely in Zagreb?
If your hotel doesn’t have its own garage, street parking in the center is very expensive and spaces are constantly full. The best choice is municipal underground garages (for example Tuškanac or Langov trg), where you pay a daily rate. For budget travelers, I strongly recommend leaving your car at P+R park-and-ride lots at major tram terminals on the city outskirts and taking public transport into the center.
When is the best time to visit Zagreb?
Zagreb works completely opposite to coastal resorts. The absolute peak and most expensive period is Advent (November 28, 2026 – January 7, 2027), when you need to book accommodation months in advance. In contrast, in July and August hotels are the cheapest of the year, because the city is half-empty and all the locals leave for the coast. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and very favorable average prices.
How much does the historic funicular cost?
The famous blue funicular (uspinjača), which connects the Lower and Upper Town, underwent a complete reconstruction in spring and has been safely operating again since May 19, 2026. A ticket costs just €0.66 and the ride takes about a minute. It’s one of the shortest public funiculars in the world and I definitely recommend taking it, saving yourself a rather demanding uphill climb.
Is the Zagreb Card worth buying?
The tourist card Zagreb Card is sold in 24 or 72-hour versions and includes unlimited public transport rides and free entry to selected institutions. Generally speaking, the card is financially worth it if you plan to visit at least three paid museums from the list. If you just want to wander the city and drink coffee in the streets, you’ll manage perfectly well with regular cheap tram tickets.
What is Zagreb’s špica?
The word “špica” refers to a fascinating local social phenomenon. It’s Saturday morning coffee drinking, primarily at Cvjetni trg square and the surrounding streets. Locals dress nicely, head out to favorite cafés, meet acquaintances, and discuss the news. If you want to soak up the real Zagreb atmosphere, definitely sit down at a terrace with a cup of coffee on Saturday morning and watch that wonderful buzz.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in CroatiaSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Croatia →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
