Welcome to Croatia’s beautiful capital, Zagreb. Tree-lined avenues dotted with outdoor cafes blend in amongst the numerous green parks, colourful squares, and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe’s prime destinations for backpackers. A growing hostel scene has emerged to meet the demand. There are SO MANY accommodation options popping up all over the capital that it can be a challenge to find the best hostels in Zagreb.
Fear not! That is exactly why I wrote this guide to the best hostels in Zagreb!
This hostel guide breaks down the best hostels in Zagreb by category to suss which hostel is right for you based on your preferences and budget. Whether you are looking for the best party hostel in Zagreb or just a cheap sleep, there is something for everyone on my list.
I know how important it is to book a hostel with the confidence of knowing that you won’t be disappointed with the outcome. Here you will find all of the insider knowledge so making the choice of which hostel to book is straightforward and easy-as.
Zagreb is a truly fantastic city to get stuck into, so let’s find you a hostel!
Without further ado…
Photo: Chris Lininger
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Zagreb
- Best Overall Hostel in Zagreb – The Chillout Hostel Zagreb
- Best Hostel in Zagreb for Solo Travelers – Hostel Mali Mrak Zagreb
- Best Cheap Hostel in Zagreb – Hostel Temza
- Best Party Hostel in Zagreb – Whole Wide World Hostel and Bar
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Zagreb – Swanky Mint
The 5 Best Hostels in Zagreb
1. Chillout Hostel Zagreb – Best Overall Hostel in Zagreb
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: Ilica 16, Zagreb, Croatia
Congratulations, you’ve just found the overall best hostel in Zagreb! I’m not joking, this place is absolutely amazing. Freebies, amazing location, great atmosphere and some of the kindest staff you’ll ever meet are just some of the perks at Chillout Hostel.
Whether you’re here to explore the city, make new friends or experience the nightlife, this hostel offers you the ideal place to rest your head. With super comfy beds for the perfect beauty sleep and plenty of socializing space, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Insane location
- 24/7 reception
- Spring & summer outdoor terrace
Let’s have a look at the freebies I’ve already mentioned above. Free Wi Fi in all rooms is a bit of a no-brainer, but Chillout Hostel has proper high-speed internet connections – great for digital nomads. Speaking of, there are quiet areas in the hostel as well as meeting rooms and workstations where you can get some work done.
For the ones that return hungry after exploring the city, head to the onsite restaurant and grab a bite to eat. The menu offers traditional food for super backpacker-friendly prices that even attract some locals.
However, it’s the location that makes Chillout Hostel shine. They are located right in the centre, next to all the landmarks, vibrant stores, notorious nightlife, restaurants, and historic buildings. Each one is easily accessible on foot (great way to stay fit on vacay), just ask at the reception for directions and be there stat.
2. Hostel Mali Mrak Zagreb – Best Hostel in Zagreb for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $37
- Private Room: From $84
- Address: Dubicka 8, Zagreb, Croatia
Soo… at first I was like, wow this place is bright – seriously the walls are painted in like every single colour ever, which is a bit mental. But then, actually, it’s a wonderful place. Yes: WONDERFUL, alright?
Especially the outside patio area, which has a kitchen, picnic benches, ivy and lights which give it a pretty magical feel. It’s a great place to meet fellow humans who are also travelling, which is why I think it’s the best hostel for solo travellers in Zagreb. It’s also not a party hostel, so you are free to chill and meet new peeps at your leisure, deffo a highly recommended hostel in Zagreb.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Outdoor Kitchen
- High sense of community
- Discount for lefthanded people
Yup, you read that right! There’s a discount for lefthanded travellers… why, I don’t know. It’s definitely worth checking it out, but that’s not the only reason why Hostel Mali Zagreb stands out. It’s the sense of community that makes this place really special.
For anyone who loves cooking, this hostel is a dream come true, there’s not only one, not two, but three massive kitchens on the property. If you know your cooking skills are damn good, reach out to the owner and offer a bit of chef service for a discounted stay. The staff loves backpackers who can contribute to the hostel or upgrade certain areas.
While it’s a funky and unusual place, it’s definitely a home away from home. It’s a no-bullshit zone, for happy and positive people to spend time together, learn new things and keep an open mind to the local culture. Note that you’re not located within the city centre, but right on the outskirts, which places you roughly 15min from the action.
3. Hostel Temza – Best Cheap Hostel in Zagreb
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Private Room: From $55
- Address: Augusta Šenoe 24, Zagreb, Croatia
Hostel Temza is not only the cheapest hostel in Zagreb, but it’s the best cheap hostel in Zagreb. There’s air conditioning, free wi fi, free city maps and free linen, so all you have to do is rock up and enjoy your dorm room. I say enjoy your dorm rooms because there isn’t a super rad common area here…
Buuuut! The location is great so you’ll be able to get out and about and meet people if that’s what you’re here for. There are even meeting rooms if you’re here for work. And, if you’re here to catch up on some Z’s, there are reading lights in the beds in dorm rooms.
Why you’ll love this hostel
- Free Wi Fi
- A great option for cheap hostels
- Free lockers
Breakfast is not included but there’s a kitchen that’s free to use if you feel like cooking up your own food. Cooking your own food is an epic way to stick to your budget so you can travel longer and there’s a supermarket on the block. As I said, the location is great for broke backpackers, the Zagreb main train station is around the corner, so easy public transport access.
If you want to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, you’re in the perfect hostel, and if you ask the staff you can get insider tips. Nothing beats local knowledge, especially in tourist hot spots like Croatia which is a hot spot for national parks. But it is Croatia’s very first national park AND it is also the largest — so there’ll be plenty to explore!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Whole Wide World Hostel and Bar – Best Party Hostel in Zagreb
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Address: Ka?i?eva 3b, Zagreb, Croatia
It’s deffo the ‘and Bar’ bit in this hostel’s name that piqued my interest when it comes to a party. And I wasn’t wrong. There’s a great atmosphere, great staff, organised pub crawls, beer pong tournaments, and something they call “The Greatest F’n Game Show Ever“. Trust me on this, it all adds up to the best of the Zagreb hostels if you like to party.
Basically, it’s all about fun here, and if you’re up for it you’ll have a dope time, for sure. I mean, there’s free earplugs, free pancakes (on Tuesdays, inexplicably), free goddamn breakfast, comfy beds… The list goes on, if you don’t have a good time here you’re an idiot, AND it’s one of the cheap hostels.
Why you’ll love it here:
- Female-only dorms
- Beer-pong comps
- Super sociable vibe
Fun aside, let’s talk about some details! Once the party is over, you’ll need a place to rest your head. Whole Wide World Hostels offers different room types, from spacious dorms to comfy private suites. To keep their solo female travellers safe, they also offer female-only dorms.
Location-wise, you’ll love the hostel as well. Pretty much all famous attractions are within walking distance, and if they aren’t, you can hop on public transport instead.
Stop by at the reception and ask the friendly staff for some of their best recommendations on what to see and do in Zagreb. Local knowledge always goes a long way, and you’ll be guaranteed to experience a different side of the city.
5. Swanky Mint – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Zagreb
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $85
- Address: Ilica 50, Zagreb, Croatia
Swanky Mint. Swanky Mint. Swanky Mint. Nothing. Can’t understand it. Name aside, this place is actually to be fair quite swanky. There’s loads of space for your little laptop – and since you’re working remotely, you can afford the extra P this place costs, right?
I say it’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Zagreb cause of, yeah, a) all that space, and b) it’s quite a nice place to be in. This brings me to point c) It’s right in the old town so you can take loads of Insta-friendly pics and be able to make the most of being in the city centre. Plus, the bar downstairs is not only for travellers, so you’ll feel a bit more ‘authentic’ which is what we all crave, right?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Buffet breakfast available
- Epic city centre location
If you bring your laptop, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s plenty of work space! And there is an endless list of things to do in Zagreb so you’ll be plenty busy with or without work.
Feeling hungry after exploring the city? No problem, you can easily whip up a three-star meal in the fully equipped kitchen. And then the epic private rooms – according to previous guests, the beds are extremely comfortable so you’re guaranteed to have a great night’s sleep!
It’s also important to note that this is not a party hostel. It’s perfect for socializing, but the crowd that you meet here is more grown up and calmer. if this is what you’re looking for, hit the book button below!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Zagreb Hostels
Some neighbourhoods are more fun than others – discover which are the best areas to stay in Zagreb and then book the right hostel!
6. Main Square
- Dorm (mixed): From $39
- Private Room: From $89
- Address: Radi?eva 6,, Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Main Square couldn’t get more industrial even if it tried. The walls are grey polished plaster. The ladders to the dorm beds are made from welded-together pipes. But if you like that sorta thing you’ll love this top hostel in Zagreb.
However, if you’re here to save a few bucks and still get the best value possible, Main Square should be your go-to! There’s a PlayStation 4 and a TV for those lazy rainy days and 24/7 staff with insanely good city tips for sunny days.
For the adventurers that have a whole itinerary planned, there’s a cold but tasty breakfast waiting for you every morning – for free! It’s the best way to start the day and get a bit of energy in your system!
7. The Dots Hostel
- Private Room: From $65
- Address: Palmoticeva street 30, Zagreb, Croatia
The Dots Hostel is a really lovely place to stay with clean, light and bright accommodation options. Although Dots Hostel calls itself a hostel, they’ve only got private rooms rather than dorm rooms. This is great if you like your own space but still want to hang out, as there’s still a social vibe in the common areas.
The staff are friendly and passionate about Zagreb and share their best insider tips and tricks with the city freely. There’s free tea, coffee aaaaand snacks going in the lounge area and you can ask kindly to use the fridge if you’ve got snacks. Dots Hostel doesn’t look fabulous from the outside but that’s a great lesson for Zagreb specifically and life in general – dig deep fam.
8. Palmers Lodge Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $73
- Address: Branimirova 25, Zagreb, Croatia
Palmers Lodge Hostel is a sweet city centre spot to stay at in Zagreb, within walking distance to some wonderful restaurants. Not only that but several museums and other cultural attractions are within a ten-minute walk. There are dorm rooms and private rooms and linen is provided so all you have to do is turn up at Palmers Lodge Hostel.
The staff are kind and helpful and there’s a small kitchen if you want to self-cater. Palmers Lodge Hostel is close to public transport, including the Main Train Station so you can get in and outta here easily! The vibe is easy and relaxed and THERE’S AIR CONDITIONING!! Palmers Lodge Hostel is a rare gem.
9. Hostel Bureau
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $77
- Address: Vlaška ulica 40, Zagreb, Croatia
Sometimes you and your partner just need a bit of time to yourselves – and sleeping in a dorm definitely doesn’t offer the right amount of privacy. But don’t worry, the Hostel Bureau is the ideal place for lovebirds or maybe even a group of friends. The charming private rooms are modern and super bright, making the hostel feel more like a cool hotel.
There are also plenty of socializing areas where you and your significant other can meet new people, make new friends and socialize. From PlayStations to Pool tables and a book exchange, there are plenty of entertainment options – perfect for those rainy days inside!
10. Hostel Centar
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $53
- Address: Vlaška ulica 7, Zagreb, Croatia
The vibe at Hostel Centar is niiiiice, the people this place attracts are mellow people who like a good sleep in a clean room. It’s one of the better cheap hostels in Zagreb and while there isn’t a bumping social scene exactly, it’s in the city centre. So you can make friends out and about and flex your social muscles (or just live your best hermit life in these dreamy dorm rooms!).
Quick side note: If you’re not 100% sure if hostels are the right accommodation for you, check out my insider guide on the best Airbnbs in Zagreb. They’re just as affordable but offer a bit more privacy.
11. Hostel Chic Zagreb
Although it calls itself Chic, I’m not entirely sure this would win the award for the coolest hostel in Zagreb. Price-wise (and what you get for that price) it’s pretty much the best cheap hostel in Zagreb. The staff are awesome. AC everywhere. The only downside is that it’s a bit short on toilets which could be slightly annoying when it’s fully booked.
Going on an extended Croatia adventure? Be sure to check out this awesome post on the best hostels in Croatia.
12. Hostel Explorer
Right in Zagreb’s old town, the location of Hostel Explorer is great if you wanna, well, explore, so at least the name is consistent. It’s set in an old building, and the common area is sorta down in a cellar bit with original brick archways and walls and cool stuff.
The staff could be a little more present here, but generally, with it’s fairly central location, this Zagreb backpackers hostel is a nice choice. Backpacking Zagreb is bound to be one hell of a good time (be sure to check out the awesome nightlife to be found here!).
13. Hostel Shappy
Hostel… Shappy? Shappy? Fine, whatever, maybe they meant ShaBBy, like shabby-chic? That thing middle-aged people talk about as if it’s still new even though it peaked about eight years ago? The decor at Hostel Shappy is a bit like that, though more simple and elegant as a result. Yes, elegant.
It’s a quiet place a little away from the city centre, so it’s the best hostel for couples travelling to Zagreb. A little slice of couple-y heaven. Cute private rooms, cute courtyard, nice staff, clean; let’s say pleasant overall. Awesome coffee also. Bit pricey tho. If you want to go look at art and hold hands may I recommend the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art?
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Zagreb
Visiting Croatia is basically a rite of passage in the backpacker bible. So is getting good hostel insurance. So do it!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Zagreb
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Zagreb.
What to Pack for your Zagreb Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Zagreb?
A dorm bed (mixed or female only) can cost anything between $22-$29. A private room will set you back a bit more, costing between $57-$64. If you’re looking for cheap things to do, I suggest going on a tour of our solar system via Nine Views.
What are the best hostels in Zagreb for couples?
Ideal for lovebirds, Hostel Bureau is an epic hostel for couples in Zagreb. It has charming private rooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
What are the best hostels in Zagreb near the airport?
Zagreb Airport Franjo Tudman is quite far from the central area, so it is usually better to find the best place that offers airport transfers. Once you’re in the city, I highly recommend the Hostel Bureau, located in the center and close to the bus terminal.
Final Thoughts on Zagreb’s Hostels
Well, guys, that’s all I got: you have made it to the end of my guide to the best hostels in Zagreb 2024.
As Zagreb continues to gain popularity with backpackers, you can be sure that even more hostels will pop up. Certainly, there will be some winners and some losers in the new crop, and I’ll have to update this list!
Remember, where you stay matters. The last thing I want for any fellow traveller is to wind up with a less-than-awesome place to stay. This is why I immediately recommend The Chillout Hostel Zagreb, my top Zagreb hostel.
But honestly, if this doesn’t feel right for you, all of the best Zagreb hostels are at hand. If you’re looking for one of the cheap hostels, the best is Hostel Temza. It is up to you now which one to book…
The goal in writing this guide was to put all of the best accommodation options on the table. Hopefully, you were able to sort out your ideal hostel from the list.
Happy travels guys, I’m sure you’ll love Zagreb and I hope the Zagreb hostels make you love it even more!
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: Chris Lininger
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Croatia for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Zagreb if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Zagreb before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Balkans backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
