ACCOMMODATION ZAGREB

Best Hotels and Hostels for Backpackers in Zagreb – Affordable and Comfortable Stay 2025 / 2026

Traveling to Zagreb on a budget? Discover the best hostels and hotels for backpackers offering comfort, great locations, and affordable prices. Check out our recommendations and find the perfect place to stay

Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

Travel cheap, sleep comfortably: The best hostels and hotels for backpackers – Zagreb 2025 / 2026

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is an increasingly popular destination among backpackers thanks to its rich history, vibrant culture, and affordable accommodation. The city offers a variety of options for travelers seeking comfort at reasonable prices, allowing them to explore everything Zagreb has to offer without straining their budget.

Our recommendation for your ideal accommodation

  • Stay Swanky Hostel
    • A modern hostel in the center of Zagreb with comfortable accommodation and numerous amenities.
    • Location: Ilica 82, 700 meters from Ban Jelačić Square
    • Reasons for recommendation: Proximity to main attractions, shared kitchen, bar with live events
    • Amenities: Air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, restaurant
    • Stars: ★★★
    • According to guest reviews, the hostel offers an excellent location and cleanliness, with an average rating of 8.5/10. Prices from 55,02 € per night for two people.
  • Main Square Hostel
    • A hostel located right next to the main square, ideal for exploring the city.
    • Location: 20 meters from Ban Jelačić Square
    • Reasons for recommendation: Immediate proximity to major sights, comfortable beds with privacy
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, breakfast included
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Guests praise the location and comfort, with an average rating of 8.4/10. Prices from 53,13 € per night for two people.
  • Chillout Hostel Zagreb
    • A newly built hostel in the historic core of the city, with a restaurant and a bar open 24 hours a day.
    • Location: 300 meters from the main square
    • Reasons for recommendation: Proximity to major attractions, 24-hour availability of facilities
    • Amenities: Air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Guests appreciate the friendly staff and cleanliness, with an average rating of 8.3/10. Prices from 63,72 € per night for two people.
  • Hostel Bureau
    • A hostel with modern dormitories and private rooms in the center of Zagreb.
    • Location: 5 minutes drive from the Main Train Station
    • Reasons for recommendation: Proximity to main attractions, game room with billiards
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, game room
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Guests praise the cleanliness and friendly staff, with an average rating of 8.7/10. Prices from 66,42 € per night for two people.
  • KAPTOL Rooms
    • Located right next to the cathedral, with its own restaurant and bar.
    • Location: Kaptol, a few steps from the main square
    • Reasons for recommendation: Excellent location, modern rooms
    • Amenities: Restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Guests value the location and the value for money, with an average rating of 8.8/10.
  • Hostel Temza
    • A hostel near the Main Railway Station, with air-conditioned rooms.
    • Location: 300 meters from the Main Railway Station
    • Reasons for recommendation: Proximity to transport, cleanliness
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Guests commend the friendly staff and location, with an average rating of 8.0/10. Prices from 56,72 € per night for two people.
  • Whole Wide World Hostel
    • A party hostel in the center of Zagreb, ideal for social travelers.
    • Location: 10 minutes walk from Ban Jelačić Square
    • Reasons for recommendation: Social atmosphere, proximity to attractions
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, bar, organized activities for guests
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Guests praise the atmosphere and friendly staff, with an average rating of 8.2/10. Prices from 50,15 € per night for two people.

Zagreb - great preparation for a perfect backpacker experience!

Traveling to Zagreb as a backpacker requires a certain level of preparation in order to take advantage of all the benefits the city offers. The city is known for its well-connected infrastructure, affordable prices, and diverse amenities that allow for a pleasant stay.

  • Transport: Zagreb's public network of trams and buses makes getting around the city easy with low ticket prices. For day trips to surrounding areas, trains offer affordable options.
  • Seasonal offers: During spring and autumn, accommodation is cheaper, while the summer months are popular due to festival events.
  • Cuisine: Numerous affordable bakeries and restaurants offer traditional dishes such as burek and štrukli at backpacker-friendly prices.

Additionally, many hostels offer free city tours, allowing visitors to explore Zagreb without extra costs.

More accommodation recommendations

  • Swanky Mint Hostel
    • One of the most popular hostels in Zagreb, located in a former factory with modern interiors.
    • Location: 10 minutes walk from the center
    • Reasons for recommendation: Industrial design, excellent atmosphere
    • Amenities: Outdoor pool, bar, free Wi-Fi
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Average rating of 9.0/10. Prices from 62,30 € per night for two people.
  • Hostel 63
    • A modern hostel with private rooms and common areas ideal for socializing.
    • Location: 800 meters from Ban Jelačić Square
    • Reasons for recommendation: Cleanliness, friendly staff
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Average rating of 8.6/10. Prices from 58,40 € per night for two people.
  • Whole Wide World Hostel
    • A popular party hostel with a relaxed atmosphere and organized events.
    • Location: 10 minutes walk from the center
    • Reasons for recommendation: Social program, evening activities
    • Amenities: Bar, organized trips, free Wi-Fi
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Average rating of 8.3/10. Prices from 50,70 € per night for two people.

Zagreb - great preparation for a perfect backpacker experience!

Zagreb is not only an excellent destination due to its affordable accommodation, but also because of the numerous activities that backpackers can enjoy at low or even no cost. The city offers diverse culture, historical sights, a pleasant atmosphere, and excellent public transport connections, making it an ideal destination for travelers on a limited budget.

How to get around Zagreb?

Public transport in Zagreb is extremely simple and affordable. Trams and buses operate throughout the city, and a day ticket allows unlimited use of all lines. It is recommended to purchase the ticket at kiosks to avoid extra costs when buying from the driver. Alternatively, the city is compact enough to explore on foot or by using city bicycles.

  • Trams: The best way to quickly get around Zagreb.
  • Buses: Cover parts of the city where trams do not run.
  • GPP app: Allows checking timetables in real time.

The best time to visit Zagreb

Although Zagreb has something to offer throughout the year, certain periods may be more suitable for backpackers.

  • Spring (2025 / 2026): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation prices.
  • Summer (2025 / 2026): Festival season, more events, but also more tourists.
  • Autumn (2025 / 2026): Ideal for exploration without the heat and at lower prices.
  • Winter (2025 / 2026): The Advent in Zagreb offers a unique experience.

Affordable restaurants and where to eat cheaply

One of Zagreb's major advantages is its rich gastronomic scene which offers various options for backpackers. In the city, you can find affordable restaurants, bakeries, and bistros with local specialties at low prices.

  • La Štruk: A specialized restaurant for traditional štrukli.
  • Plac Kitchen & Grill: Affordable meat and vegetarian options.
  • Burek Bar: Delicious and cheap burek ideal for a quick meal.
  • Mali Bar: Popular among backpackers due to its affordable prices.

The best neighborhoods for backpacker accommodation

Zagreb has several neighborhoods that are popular among backpackers due to affordable prices, good connectivity, and a lively atmosphere.

  • Donji grad: The city center, close to attractions and restaurants.
  • Gornji grad: The historic core with beautiful views.
  • Britanski trg: A hipster zone with a relaxed atmosphere.

More accommodation recommendations

  • Hotel Jägerhorn
    • The oldest hotel in Zagreb, ideal for backpackers seeking a bit more comfort.
    • Location: Near the main square
    • Reasons for recommendation: Historical ambiance, excellent location
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast included, terrace
    • Stars: ★★★★
    • Average rating of 9.1/10. Prices from 79,50 € per night for two people.
  • Bed & Breakfast Sky
    • Affordable accommodation with modern rooms in a new building.
    • Location: 15 minutes tram ride to the center
    • Reasons for recommendation: Newly renovated, quiet surroundings
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast included
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Average rating of 8.8/10. Prices from 65,80 € per night for two people.
  • Hotel National
    • An affordable hotel near the Main Train Station.
    • Location: 500 meters from the train station
    • Reasons for recommendation: Proximity to transport, comfort
    • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception
    • Stars: ★★★
    • Average rating of 8.5/10. Prices from 72,00 € per night for two people.

Author: AI Ana Vau

Note for our readers!

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AI Ana Vau

Ana Vau is a dynamic AI journalist of our global portal, specializing in covering everything related to tourism worldwide. With a broad view of global tourism trends and destinations, Ana explores and brings to life a wide range of tourism topics, providing readers with inspiration for their travels.

Exploring and Promoting Tourist Gems Ana's work encompasses all aspects of tourism—from uncovering hidden tourist gems to promoting renowned attractions around the world. Her articles take readers on journeys through cultural landmarks, natural beauties, and everything that various destinations have to offer. With a particular focus on local festivals, traditional events, and gastronomic delights, Ana highlights the richness and diversity of global tourism.

Stories that Bring Destinations to Life Ana's charming writing style and thoroughly researched articles deliver stories that highlight the beauty and uniqueness of different destinations, providing deeper insights into the broader tourism context. Her texts serve as a window into the world of tourism, featuring interesting stories and personalities that shape this dynamic industry.

Ana Vau is not just an AI—it is your guide through the layered and exciting aspects of tourism, offering expert analysis and a genuine sense of adventure. Through her work, our portal becomes a place where tourism stories are not only told but also experienced.