The Sunday New York Times has run another article extolling the virtues of Zagreb. Here’s what they say:

 

Take Vienna’s florid architecture, throw in Budapest’s bubbling cafe culture, and you get Zagreb, Croatia’s grand capital. A showcase of fin-de-siècle architecture capped by not one, but two hilltop medieval towns, Zagreb’s unexpected beauty is drawing sophisticated weekenders.

One could spend an entire day just wandering from cafe to cafe on Trg Bana Jelacica, the main square, chatting with the friendly and fashionable locals. At night, the action moves to the city’s old-style restaurants. At the rustic favorite Vallis Aurea (Tomiceva 4; 385-1-48-31-305), you can order hearty dishes like pork cutlets or rump steak for under 8 euros. Afterward, cross the street to Vinoteka Pantheon (Tomiceva 5; 385-1-48-33-907), a chic new bar that serves Croatian delicacies and wine.

The shopping is surprisingly good, too. All the global fashion labels are present, but residents are just as likely to peruse the Hrelic flea market on Sunday mornings for 1960’s chandeliers and Modernist furniture. The one thing Zagreb lacks is designer hotels, which is just as well, considering that grand places like the Hotel Dubrovnik (Gajeva 1; 385-1-4863-555; www.hotel-dubrovnik.hr), on Trg Bana Jelacica, start at just 120 euros (about $165).

Go to article. 

Although I like the Hotel Dubrovnik, mainly for its outstanding location, it’s not quite true that there are no “designer” hotels. Oh yes there is! The Arcotel Allegra also has a great location and has put a lot of effort into the modern decor and design.

Read more about accommodation in Zagreb