Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, has long been known as the cultural and business hub of Central Europe. Blending Austro-Hungarian charm with a dynamic modern energy, the city inspires event planners with its architecture, art, gastronomy, and ever-growing hospitality offering. For MICE professionals, Zagreb now stands out as one of the region’s most promising destinations for urban events with a distinctly cultural edge.
A City of Culture and Connectivity
Located just two hours from major regional capitals, Zagreb is easy to access through Franjo Tuđman International Airport and a well-connected motorway network. The city’s pedestrian-friendly centre, rich festival scene, and reputation for safety make it ideal for hosting delegates who enjoy exploring museums, galleries, and vibrant local cafés between sessions.
Central Croatia complements this with picturesque castles, wine roads, and thermal spa resorts – all excellent settings for incentive itineraries and team-building retreats.
New and Notable MICE Hotels
Zagreb’s hotel scene has expanded impressively in 2025, welcoming several major openings that further boost its appeal for business travel.
- Stellar Boutique Modules (Maistra City Vibes) – Situated on Vlaška Street, where the Upper and Lower Towns meet, Stellar brings a futuristic flair to Zagreb’s boutique hotel landscape. With 48 artistically designed rooms, a serene courtyard garden, and an exclusive rooftop terrace overlooking the Cathedral, it doubles as a memorable venue for private events and gatherings.
- Novotel Zagreb (Accor Group) – Opened in late summer 2025, Novotel marks a significant milestone as the brand’s first property in Croatia. With 163 rooms, 500 m² of modern meeting space, and three flexible boardrooms, it’s tailored for conferences and corporate gatherings. Located just 20 minutes from the airport, it’s designed to blend functionality, style, and convenience for event organizers.
- Hotel Zonar Zagreb (Maistra City Vibes) – This contemporary lifestyle hotel is a favourite for networking events and business stays. It recently hosted the M&I Express MICE event 2025, a major European trade gathering that underscored Zagreb’s growing role in the international meetings market.
Other top business-oriented properties include Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, a historic five-star icon and a perennial choice for elegant galas; Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, known for its 13 multifunctional meeting rooms; and DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb, offering 1,250 m² of event space with panoramic city views.
Zagreb’s hospitality scene continues to expand, offering event planners an impressive range of new and refurbished MICE-friendly hotels. Among them, the newly opened Pullman Zagreb stands out for its sleek, design-driven atmosphere in the City Island business district. The hotel features versatile meeting and event spaces for up to 150 guests, combining contemporary aesthetics with high-end amenities and convenient access to both the city centre and Zagreb Airport . Equally attractive for business travellers, Mövenpick Zagreb offers 104 modern rooms and a full suite of event facilities—including a main conference hall for up to 120 delegates and two breakout rooms. Located near Bundek Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art, it’s ideal for meetings that blend professionalism with local culture.
Emerging Infrastructure and Opportunities
Adding to its appeal, Zagreb is preparing for a new modern congress centre, a major public-private project slated to open by 2029. This facility, alongside the city’s established hotels and cultural venues, will position Zagreb as one of Southeast Europe’s leading MICE capitals.
Experience, Explore, Engage
From grand historic ballrooms to sleek modern venues, Zagreb and Central Croatia provide an exceptional balance for planners seeking authenticity with contemporary comfort. Paired with excursions to nearby castles, wine estates, and spa towns like Varaždinske Toplice or Tuhelj, the region offers endless possibilities for memorable event itineraries.
Zagreb isn’t just a capital—it’s an experience where business meets culture, and every event tells a story.
