In which quarter house in Zagreb?

Are you going to the Balkans for the holidays? Discover the best areas to sleep in Zagreb, the Croatian capital!

Often misleaded by the majority of travellers for the benefit of the Adriatic coast – Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and the 698 islands of the Croatian coast - the Croatian capital has many charms to offer to its visitors. Zagreb There were 688,163 inhabitants in the 2011 census, with 1,107,623 souls throughout the urban area. Finding accommodation where to sleep in Zagreb can be expensive, the city having put on luxury hotel tourism and high standing.

Located north of Croatia on the edges of the Medvednica massif and along the banks of the Sava River, Zagreb makes – like Budapest – a branch office between Eastern Europe and the European Union. Each neighbourhood has its soul and atmosphere. Here’s the key to finding a neighbourhood where to stay in Zagreb.

Gornji Grad, Historical Zagreb

Located on the Gornji Grad hill, you will find in this historic district the "high city" of Zagreb, consisting of two neighborhoods in reality: Gradec and Kaptol. Many coffee terraces and a typical architecture are located there. Notably the Cathedral of Saint-Stéphane, one of the oldest buildings in the city dating back to the 11th century, and the church of St. Mark with its polychrome roof in 13th century tiles. Here we revitalize the style that predominates in the time of the Austria-Hungary Empire and we appreciate this singular blend between past and modernity that makes it a romantic neighbourhood.

On the street side Tkalčićeva , you will find many trendy bars and colorful houses of ochers and pastel. Don’t miss the Place Jelačić, the central square, the place where everyone finds himself, like the Place du Capitole toulousaine or Place de la Comédie Montpelliéraine. Not far, about 50 meters away, small local producers come to sell their fruits and vegetables every morning, to the traditional market of Dolac: to be done. It is a good neighborhood where to stay in Zagreb to enjoy peaceful and cultural visits in the paved streets of the city centre.

Donji Grad, low town

You can reach the low city in funicular to enjoy a splendid view of the city. However, we go through the city on foot. The lower city is the equivalent of the new city, the one that has entered modernity. This is where zagrebois come out from day to night. Majestic buildings are built in the neighbourhood: theatres, private hotels, palaces and Austro-Hungarian-style squares, neoclassical or modern. If you like music and art, it’s a good place to stay in Zagreb: you’ll probably find a nice concert to enjoy your summer evening.

Restaurants, bars, pubs, jazz cellars, lounge clubs, this is a festive atmosphere that is distilled in the evening. On the day, don't miss strolling through Zeinjevac Park. A few kilometres from the city centre, you will be able to take a look and swim at Lake Jarun, where concerts and festivals are held in the summer (in advance).

Photo credit: Flickr – Roberto Taddeo