How to Find Cheap Hotels in Zagreb, Croatia

The ancient city of Zagreb, which will soon enter its third millennium on earth, recently became a capital for the first time when the Eastern European nation of Croatia achieved independence in 1991. Its ancient cathedrals stand in marked contrast to its rapid economic growth, and yet memories of its Baroque atmosphere are what lingers in visitors' minds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Accommodations in Zagreb, Croatia

1. To book accommodations, contact Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Select a hotel from one of the major chains. Accommodations of this sort can be relatively cheap, from $80 to $120 per night.
2. Stay at one of the many motels or pensions in Zagreb. These are really cheap, costing as little as $20 per night.
3. Find one of the city's charming Bed & Breakfast inns for as little as $50 to $75 per night.
4. Attempt to stay at one of the city's student hostels for less than $20 per day. There are only a handful of hostels in Zagreb, so check in advance for availability.
5. Look for cheap accommodations near the city's entrances, exits and railway stations. Inexpensive tourist-class hotels (two and three-star level) are centered here.

Transportation in Zagreb, Croatia

6. Fly to Zagreb Airport.
7. Take a train from the airport directly to the center of town, where most of the hotels are.
8. Use the local trams to get around town. These are cheap and the most popular way to get around Zagreb.
9. Rent a motorbike. This is becoming very popular among young people in Croatia.
10. Consider walking to most of the sights in Zagreb. Many of the most popular destinations are close to the center of the city.

Experience Zagreb, Croatia

11. Visit Gornji Grad, the Upper Town. This is where you'll find the city's cathedrals, such as St. Mark's, which date back to the 13th century.
12. See the famous Stone Gate, which protected the city from intruders for hundreds of years and was partially destroyed by fire in 1731.
13. Go to the city's massive Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was built in the Middle Ages and can be easily seen from anywhere in Zagreb.

Tips & Warnings

• These days, Zagreb finds itself chronically short of hotel rooms, thanks to the flourishing economy and constant development. Many hotels are currently being built to help alleviate this problem.
• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Watch out for large potholes in the streets if you're walking around town. Many tourists have suffered twisted ankles because they weren't paying attention.
• Don't be scared if you hear a loud bang in the center of the city at noon. It's the cannon at Lotrscak Tower, which for centuries has informed the people of Croatia of the time.