An affordable private apartment where you are your own boss, or being pampered in a five-star hotel? Accommodation in the city centre near the main square, or in a quiet, green location as far from the centre as possible? Some modern concept interior, or the antique luxury of a bygone era? It’s all there.

The city’s tourism boom of the past few years – from backpackers to large tourist groups from all corners of the world – together with the fact that, not being just a seasonal destination, Zagreb has a wide variety of travellers all year round, resulted in a wide-ranging, varied accommodation offer. There are a large number of hotels of all sizes and categories – from the opulent Esplanade, the famous beauty that opened in 1925 to welcome the Orient Express passengers, and other trusted international hotel chains to small boutique hotels scattered all around the city. Jägerhorn, the oldest still operating Zagreb hotel and the then centre of social life, opened its doors as early as 1827.

From a handful of hostels ten years ago, the choice today is unbelievable – you can find anything from modest student dormitories to cool centres of entertainment for the young, in addition to comfortable art hostels that attract a more discerning clientele. Many travellers prefer the freedom of private accommodation, and the offer in this segment is probably the largest. The owners of rooms, apartments, flats and houses for rent seem to be competing with each other in creativity and in accommodating the needs of their guests. Only 15 km away from the city centre, in the peaceful surroundings of a lake, there is also a large camping site.

Whichever type of accommodation you choose, they all share good public transport connections, safety and, above all, famously hospitable hosts. And, despite the ever increasing number of visitors and a vast accommodation offer, Zagreb hasn’t lost its identity; it is a vibrant city which still belongs primarily to its inhabitants.