The coolest hostels in Zagreb await you to bring you great adventure and party to your travel. We have been to Zagreb a few times already; a fun city with rich culture, good food and a great nightlife.
And we are happy to have listed for you the best hostels you should and definitely stay at in Zagreb.
Your shortcut:
- Swanky Mint Hostel – for party travelers & female-solo traveler
- Main Square Hostel – for solo travelers
- The Dots Hostel – for small groups
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Your great Zagreb adventure would not be complete without trying out the best party hostels there is in the city. Because we love you all so much, you will find in this guide the best party hostels there is in Zagreb.
Psst! Make sure you have a look at the other 24 cool hostels in Croatia – a full insider guide for you.
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- Comparison chart of 3 best hostels
- cheapest hostels in Zagreb
- best hostels in Zagreb for solo travellers
- fun party hostels in Zagreb
- best hostel in Zagreb for couples
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostel and sights on a map
- 5 secret tips for Zagreb
- FAQ
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Zagreb
The average price for a bed: Hostels in Zagreb cost 9€ – 14€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 26€ up to 69€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com. Even smarter, you can check Hostelz.com, a hostel price comparison site. They compare all prices at a glance!
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Hostel Location: Zagreb is quite small and easy to walk around. Therefore, the location of your hostel does not matter too much like in any cities it would. Check our map. You can focus more on the right type of hostel rather than location.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Zagreb
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Zagreb.
- Swanky Mint Hostel – Best Hostel for Party Travelers & Female-Solo Traveler
- Main Square Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers
- The Dots Hostel – Best Hostel for Small Groups
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Main Square Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Swanky Mint Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Chillout Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Timeout Heritage Hotel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | The Dots Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Timeout Heritage Hotel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Main Square Hostel |
1. Swanky Mint Hostel (5 Star Hostel with pool)
Would you stay in a renovated dry cleaning and textile dye factory?
If it’s Swanky Mint Hostel, definitely we would.
One of the most awarded hostels in Croatia over the years, Swanky Mint Hostel has proven that innovating technology has perfectly combined with industrial designs.
The hostel is your beautiful disaster that is continuously proving its name known all across Croatia.
Its unique design, great facilities, and the superb team make it a great place to stay.
Rooms, from private to shared rooms, from dorms big or small, Swanky Mint Hostel gives you unbeatable deal there is in Croatia.
Amenities you can enjoy in Swanky Mint Hostel
- FREE WiFi
- Kitchen
- Rooftop Pool
- Terrace
- Bar
Guests can also prepare their own meals since each studio is equipped with a kitchen.
However, if you’re not in the mood, the hostel gives you a variety of food you can choose from.
And if still, by no chance you don’t find anything that suits your taste, a restaurant and a bakery can be found a few walks away from the hostel.
Upon arrival, you will be pleased with their tradition welcome shot, Rakija, from their Swanky Monkey Garden.
Swanky Monkey Garden is a bar, who has also been well-known by the locals, expats, and tourists in Zagreb.
You can choose among their two separate bars which are both packed with great party DJs and music.
The bar also offers multiple terraces overlooking the nearby forest park and busy streets of Zagreb.
One great deal you don’t have to miss in Swanky Monkey Bar is that your key card does not only give you access to your room but also gives you 10% off on all consumption during your stay.
Would you say no that? We thought so also, definitely, it’s a yes!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
But wait there’s more!
Swanky Mint Hostel also features a rooftop pool where guests can also bring their drinks and snacks and just have a great time under the sun together with your hostel mates and new found friends.
You can also rent bikes if you want to take a stroll around the city.
And to fully make your stay exciting and adventurous, Swanky Travel offers walking tours across the city, museums, and excursions to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
But if you’re up for a new experience and sight-seeing, they also have tours off road and in abandoned sites in Zagreb.
Location: Situated in the center of Zagreb, numerous museums, monuments, and galleries are accessible within a short walk from the hostel.
The Historic Upper Town is only 400 m away while a forest-park is just halfway through, while Bundek Lake is 4 m from the hostel.
This is one of the best hostels in Zagreb for
- Female Solo-Traveler
- Solo-Traveler
- Couples
- Party Travelers
Swanky Mint Hostel is top for couples and female solo-travelers too!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Main Square Hostel
Offering a modern style hostel which interior designs and details are incorporations of a guide through the city of Zagreb, we introduce you, Main Square Hostel.
As hinted in their name, The Main Square Hostel is situated right in the heart of the city which is just a few minutes walk away from the main city square, Ban Jelacic Square.
All major Zagreb must-see attractions are located nearby which makes the hostel an ideal choice – you get to stay an accessible and pleasing spot close to your favourite destinations.
Amenities in Main Square Hostel include:
- FREE WiFi
- Dry Cleaning
- Laundry
- Play Station 4
And as for the rooms?
Rooms are very spacious and modernly designed that gives you an innovative, comfortable and cozy vibe to your stay.
They have rooms meant for solo travelers as well as groups. All of which are equipped with lockers, a seating area and that all important air conditioning.
Guests can stay in the lounge area featured with 2 TVs and catch a movie. Also, ask your new found friends and hostel mates to join you in the games room for a match or two on the Play Station 4!
Restaurants and bars can also be found just around the corner of the hostel that gives you a variety of choices to go to.
What about the location?
Being placed in picturesque Tkalčićeva Street, where locals call it “Tkalča”, you are in a good location deal for it is well known for warm cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries right on your doorstep.
This is one of the best hostels in Zagreb for
- Solo Travelers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. The Dots Hostel
Still located in the center of Zagreb, The Dots Hostel offers great room space and very well lighted rooms that can accommodate you or your group with very affordable deals.
The Main Train Station and Zagreb Main Square are just a few meters away from the hostel.
All other major sights are within walking distance so you don’t have to worry with your access with the city.
Hostel Bar? No problem.
We got you!
You can get your hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, drinks, and excellent quality continental breakfast at the hostel bar that are very budget –friendly.
So grab your favorite champagne and let’s toast to your great adventure in Croatia.
Amenities in The Dots Hostel you can enjoy:
- FREE WiFi
- Bike Rentals
- Bar
- Library
You can stay with your hostel mates, share stories and exchange thoughts at the common area or share meals at the dining room.
Hostel staffs are very nice and accommodating which are often praised by guests that give you a warm feeling of being at home during your stay in the hostel.
Rooms also feature personal lockers and reading lights in each bed. Optimizing your comfort and safety which is the hostel’s priority.
They make sure that you are relaxed enough, comfortable at the top and having the best stay of your travel in your Zagreb adventure.
Location: Zrinjevac Park is just a 5 minutes walk away while Zagreb Cathedral, Museum of Broken Relationships, The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art and Botanical Garden Zagreb are less than a kilometer away from the hostel.
You can rent bikes at the hostel when you are up to a sporty way of strolling down the city and just slow things down, take your time to explore the wonders of Zagreb.
This is one of the best hostels in Zagreb for
- Small Groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Comparing all 3 Top Hostels in Zagreb
Here is an overview of our handpicked top hostels in Zagreb. In this chart, we compare the main facilities and things to expect.
It will help you to take a decision.
| Swanky Mint Hostel | Main Square Hostel | The Dots Hostel | |
| Recommended for… |
|
|
|
| Kitchen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Free (Super Fast) | Free (Super Fast) | Free (Good) |
| Breakfast | Big Buffet Breakfast (free) | Yes | Big Buffet Breakfast (extra) |
| Location | Top (central, but quiet) | Super central, 50 meters from Ban Jelačić Main Square | 250 away from Zrinjevac Park |
| Special | Swimming Pool and Terrace | Playroom equipped with Play Station 4 |
Hostel Bar
|
| Activities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lockers – and safe? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Facilities for disabled guests | No | No | No |
| How to book? | Hostelworld | Hostelworld | Hostelworld |
This information can vary by season and availability. Please take this into account.
What about the cheapest hostels in Zagreb?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels.
We think it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Zagreb.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Zagreb
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Make sure you use than the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight into what to expect.
Best Hostels in Zagreb for Solo Travellers?
What is the serious, best hostel in Zagreb for solo-travellers?
We got you the two best hostels for solo-travelers:
Swanky Mint Hostel
A hostel fitted for female-solo travelers, Swanky Mint Hostel is the one you are looking for.
Offering a rooftop pool and bar, the hostel gives you the chance to get to know other guests and win new acquaintances. We might not know, your future prince charming is just right at the corner of the bar.
Rooms are uniquely designed with great ease and comfort so female travelers like you feel safer and are sure to be relaxed.
The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
But if you feel like eating out, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes are just around the corners of the hostel.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Main Square Hostel
Innovative, modern designed rooms that will give you the optimum quality of comfort, safety, and security, we give you Main Square Hostel.
Rooms are very well suited for solo travelers that long for a hostel that is located at the heart of Zagreb.
The hostel features lounge areas with 2 TVs and a playroom equipped with Play Station 4.
The boys would definitely love this.
The location gives you great access to the main attractions in the city. While restaurants and cafes can be reached within a few steps from the hostel.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Party Hostels in Zagreb
Looking for fun party hostels in Zagreb? There’s a few ones we have found and actually tested for you – we stayed here.
GOOD times!
There’s basically two hostels we recommend when you fwant a hostel to socialize and have a drink:
Chillout Hostel
If the word “free” rings your ear and make your heart flutter, look no further.
Chillout Hostel is here to swift you off your feet with an endless list of free perks.
From affordable room deals and great value for money, the hostel also has exceptional facilities you don’t want to miss.
Fill your tummy and satisfy your cravings with traditional Croatian food available from breakfast to dinner in the hostel’s restaurant, Njummy.
Choose from their daily menus and get a special surprise dish chosen by their chef. All these at a very budget-friendly cost.
Free perks at Chillout Hostel
- FREE WiFi
- Computer Access
- Maps, guides, and brochures
- Book Exchange
- Walking Tours
Within the vicinity, restaurants, bars, and a grocery store are available at your convenience. Britanski Square featuring a green market that holds a popular antique fair every Sunday is 750 m away from the hostel.
Looking for a place to party?
You are perfectly in the right place. The Hangout is the hostel’s bar famously known for the best place to drink and party. Offering the finest local drinks in Croatia, open 24/7, daily programs and DJs.
The night is young so the party all you want with the Hangout’s great value deals on drinks.
Not only do you go home with guaranteed the best party experience ever and have new acquaintances from faraway places but also you go home with happy pockets.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Swanky Mint Hostel
Aside from making it to our number one best hostel in Zagreb, Swanky Mint Hostel also falls down as one of the best party hostels.
Swanky Monkey Garden gives you the great panoramic view overlooking the forest park and the busy streets of Zagreb while you make a toast with your drinking buddies.
You’re in luck because the hostel also gives you 10% off on all consumption on the bar during your stay.
So you know what that means. More beers and cheers are waiting for us!
So if you’re into a party and looking for a great place to drink and listen to great music, Swanky mint Hostel is for you.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostel in Zagreb for Couples
Ok so we had to add just one more option before you make a decision!
Social couples that are eager for awesome private rooms and the atmosphere of a hostel will love Timeout Heritage Hotel.
Yes, this is a hotel as it only offers private rooms – single, twin, double, family…you name it!
It’s a new, unique property on the block owned by the wonderful team at Chillout Hostel. Why not visit both?!
Honestly, it’s actually great for solo travellers, too. See below at the social spaces & events to see what we mean.
Get ready to enjoy:
- Air conditioned rooms w/ chic design, TV, private bathroom, mini fridge
- Pet & child friendly accommodation
- 2 floor bar + live performances
- Rooftop terrace overlooking historic Upper Town
- Huge indoor space ideal for chilling/working
Not only that but there is an onsite restaurant and nightclub.
Yes, you read that correctly!
To top it off you’ll be situated right in the heart of Zagreb with wonderful views over the city.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Hostelworld is the most popular website when it comes to hostel bookings.
Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!
All of Zagreb’s best hostels are popular, especially in high season. When is high season in Zagreb? High Season is from June until Stepmber. Make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
Any Discounts?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Zagreb. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
My Best Hostels in Zagreb for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Zagreb hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you plan your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know on this list:
- Museum of Broken Relationships
- Lotrščak Tower
- Cathedral of Zagreb
- Zagreb 360° – observation deck and event venue
- Archaeological Museum in Zagreb
- SECRET GARDEN
- Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Secret tips for Zagreb
Are you looking for some local fun things to do in Zagreb?
Well, you succeeded, and you are just one click away from them!
We have been to Zagreb, and explored the city thanks to unique recommendations by
- our users
- Swanky Mint Hostel
- and befriended bloggers
Besides visiting the Poet who refuses to leave, and having drinks at several, rural places, we had the chance to catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle.
We created this guide to share with you these secret local tips for Zagreb.
You will not find touristic information here! Walk with us through Zagreb, and then keep exploring – you will love it.
What do you get? We share …
- A café for traditional pastries with a cute little backyard terrace
- Two super delicious Restaurants to taste the local cuisine: 1 on a budget, 1 rural highlight you should miss!
- THE alternative bar and beer garden to have a drink among Zagrebinian locals
- Fancy some events? We show you where to find free events throughout the year
- Calm down, slightly outside the city: A green and blue spot to relax
- The coolest and most adventurous tour agency in town we recommend!
1. Traditional Café: La Štruk
Right in the heart of the city center, you will find this small place. Stop by to taste strukli and other traditional meals. The name is easy to remember, right?! „štrukli“ is a typical Croatian specialty.
This is the perfect place for a coffee and a tasty desert.
Address: Skalinska ul. 5,10000, Zagreb
2. Two Restaurant we enjoyed!
The food in Croatia is very delicious, and you have to take advantage of that! We included two different recommendations here to eat-out:
a) Nokturno Restaurant
Great Value for money, and located in the historical center of Zagreb!
The Nokturno is an Italian-influenced Restaurant for the smaller budget and still very good food. This place is usually very busy, and no reservation possible. The menu offers Pizza, Pasta, and dishes with rice.
Address: Skalinska 4, 10000 Zagreb
b) Konoba Didov San
This small rural place is a pure treasure.
Lovely waiters, great house wine, and the food is super good. How about some specialities from Dalmatinska Zagora?
The menu at Konoba Didov San offers everything from the Croatian cuisine. If you have any questions, the waiters will be happy to help you to make a good choice on what to eat!
Address: Mletačka 11 (Gornji Grad), 10000 Zagreb
3. Alternative Bar and Beer Garden
This bar is awesome!
„Krivi put“ means “The wrong way“, and it is a big alternative bar and beer garden to mingle with the local alternative scene.
The bar is actually called now „Savska 14“, but the locals still call it by its old name. For a drink you can choose from a wide selection of regional beers such as Tomislav, a Croatian black beer. Give it a try, thank us later! 😉
Address: Savska 14, 10000 Zagreb
Good to know: The Swanky Mint Hostel has its own in-house bar and terrace, open for the public as well!
4. Free Events all year long
There’s always something going on for free in Zagreb!
Especially during summer there is an endless list of free events throughout the city going on. We recommend you to check out free events in Zagreb on the Facebook page of BestplatnoZG.
Unfortunately for the non-Croatians, the admin mainly posts only in Croatian, but you can still get an idea.
If any questions are open, simply ask the friendly Swanky Mint team.
5. Do as the Locals do: Jarun Lake
This lake is located in the south west of the city, and you can easily get here by bike or public transport.
The locals love to come here to get out of the city. Swimming, surfing, hanging out at the beach, picnic, you name it.
Next to the Jarun Lake, there are also many bars and restaurants, and for the nightlife this area is very popular for the youngish locals!
Address: Otok Hrvatske mladeži, 10110, Zagreb
6. Adventure & Experience Tours
“Destination Urban” is not a typical tourist agency, they are more focused on adventure&experience tours which you can not find in any guides or similar.
Their tours are basically urban exploring places & nature, from the biggest abandoned airplane base in Europe (Objekt ‘505 in Željava village) to bunkers and tunnels in Zagreb and all over Croatia.
Tours are lead by experienced adventurers and explorers, making an emphasis on outdoor and nature activities, as well as underground abandoned military complexes.
They always try to follow the Urbex code – “Take Nothing But Photos, Leave Nothing But Footprints”
They always combine this part of the tours with attractive location like National Park Plitvice and sites like Medvednica mountain & Medvedgrad Castle from which you have the best view over Zagreb.
For more information and prices, check out Destination-urban.eu
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Zagreb. Don’t forget to have a sneak peek at all 24 best hostels in Croatia!
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations in Croatia:
Outside of Croatia, you can find:
- 9 best hostels in Slovenia
- 3 best hostels in Ljubljana
- 3 best hostels in Bled
- 3 best hostels in Belgrade
- 3 coolest party hostels in Belgrade
- 3 best hostels in Budapest
- 3 best hostels in Vienna
- best hostels in Sarajevo
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
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