Why choose a hostel in Zagreb?
Zagreb rewards curious travellers with a compact old town, a thriving cafe culture, and a calendar full of markets and festivals. Dolac Market has supplied the city with fresh produce for decades and remains a daily ritual for locals. St. Mark's Church, with its tiled roof, is one of the most recognised landmarks in the upper town. Hostels in Zagreb put you close to all of it, often at prices that make a longer stay genuinely viable.
Hostels here suit solo travellers and social groups especially well. Shared dorms keep costs low and common areas make it easy to meet people. Private rooms give you more space without the premium that hotels charge. Compared to private homes, hostels offer better flexibility and on-site support. The social value alone sets them apart from other options in the city.
How to find the best hostel deals in Zagreb
Our search engine is a genius at tracking down flight deals. The good news? It's equally talented at hunting down bargains on hostels. Spend less on your stay with these tips.
Book in advance
The sooner you book, the better. You're more likely to snag a cheaper price on a hostel in Zagreb and have more options.
…or bag a last-minute Zagreb hostel deal.
Although prices tend to rise the closer it gets to the date of your stay, sometimes hostels reduce their rates at the last minute to keep rooms from sitting empty. It's more likely this will happen in low season.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Even small changes to your travel dates can make a difference when searching for cheap hostels. Swap weekend stays for weekdays, or travel during shoulder season instead of the most popular months.
Where to base yourself in Zagreb
Donji Grad, Zagreb's lower town, is where many of the hostels in Zagreb are worth your attention. Tram lines cross the neighbourhood in every direction, making it easy to get around without much effort. Jelačić Square sits at its centre, with cafes, markets, and the Dolac farmers market close by. The Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Art Pavilion are both within walking distance if you want to fill a morning.
Gornji Grad, the upper town, suits you if you prefer a slower pace and older streets. Funicular rides connect it to the lower town in under a minute. St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower are nearby, and the hilltop bars stay open late into the evening. It's a quieter neighbourhood, but you're never far from where the city picks up.
Best hostels in Zagreb
Hostel ratings on Skyscanner come from actual traveller reviews, covering everything from cleanliness and service to value and overall experience. Whether you're keeping travel costs to a minimum or want a little more from your stay, these scores help you compare your options and find a place that suits you.
Best all-rounder hostels
Main Square Hostel has attracted its fair share of positive reviews. From its location and cleanliness to its value, this accommodation option ticks the boxes that matter most.
Hostel Moving is another solid option. Guests give it strong ratings for its cleanliness, rooms and its service, so you can expect more than just somewhere to sleep.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
If a hostel that keeps things clean and tidy is essential, Hostel Moving fits the bill. Guests give it top marks for cleanliness, with extras like a games room and a safe deposit box.
Well-presented rooms and tidy shared areas are also part of the package at Guesthouse Centar 2. Along with good ratings for cleanliness, it includes Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Hostels with the best customer service
When it comes to customer service, The Dots Hostel is among the best-rated hostels in Zagreb. This property comes with an airport shuttle and a ticket office.
Hostel Bureau is also known for its customer service, with travellers highlighting the staff for going above and beyond. A safe deposit box and luggage storage are among its amenities.
Centrally located hostels
Location is where Main Square Hostel earns its reputation, according to the guests who've stayed there before. You get everything you need, including a lounge and a bar.
Or consider Guesthouse Centar 2. This well-located stay features Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Hostels near the best attractions in Zagreb
Where to stay near Park Maksimir
Park Maksimir is one of the oldest public parks in Southeast Europe, covering a large stretch of forested land in Zagreb with five lakes, open meadows, and woodland paths winding through it. It's also home to the Zagreb Zoo. Travellers searching for hostels near Park Maksimir will find it's a serious green space, not just a city square with a few trees.
Check out Funk Lounge Hostel for a base near Park Maksimir. This hostel in Zagreb keeps guests satisfied with a 24-hour front desk, a desk and more.
Hostels close to Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus
Zagreb's Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus draws visitors who want a moment of calm and genuine architectural beauty away from the city's busier spots. The ornate interior rewards anyone who steps inside, with soaring ceilings and detailed craftsmanship that are hard to take in quickly. Travellers staying at hostels near Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus tend to find it's worth more than a passing glance.
The Dots Hostel makes an excellent base for visiting Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus. You'll find heating and a safe deposit box at this hostel in Zagreb.
You'll also love Hostel Bureau. It's close to this attraction and comes with amenities like air conditioning and a safe deposit box.
Cathedral of Zagreb hostels
The neighbourhood around hostels near Cathedral of Zagreb is one of the city's most rewarding areas to wander. Dolac market sits just steps away, where you can pick up local produce and grab a coffee among Zagreb regulars. Kaptol's streets are lined with cafes, bakeries, and small restaurants. The Upper Town is easily reachable on foot, offering galleries, viewpoints, and the kind of slow, exploratory pace that rewards curious travellers.
Put yourself in a great spot for sightseeing at The Dots Hostel. This hostel in Zagreb comes with a ticket office, a bar and plenty more.
Hostel Bureau is also easy to recommend. Tour services and a bar are among the amenities here.
