Zadar is not just another one of Croatia’s fab seaside towns. Lying on the country’s Dalmatian coast, Zadar is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town in addition to its low prices and world famous sunsets.
Zadar might just be the coolest city in Croatia.
Zadar is such a happening place in fact I decided to write this entire guide to the best hostels in Zadar for 2024.
This in-depth hostel guide breaks down the best accommodation options in town, so you can quickly book the hostel best suited to your own taste and budget.
I break down the best hostels in Zadar by category, thus I am certain there is a hostel for every traveler on my list.
Booking the best hostel in Zadar need not be complicated. With the help of my hostel guide all of your acommoddation questions and needs will be sorted.
The goal is for you to spend more time exploring the marble streets and stunning beaches of Zadar and less time worrying about where to stay.
Let’s do it…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Zadar
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Zadar – Boutique Hostel Forum
The 10 Best Hostels in Zadar
Boutique Hostel Forum – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Zadar
It’s just something we noticed, but… why is there so much orange going on at this Zadar backpackers hostel? We honestly have no clue but to be fair to ’em, it’s a pretty bold move, and once you’ve gotten over the whole big-top-circus-tent look to the walls (unless you like that sort of thing) you’ll probs agree with us that Boutique Hostel Forum is the best hostel with a private room in Zadar. The rooms are modern, minimal, compact, but really bright, cosy and super comfy, with decent views of the cathedral. Combine with a V good location for top marks. PLUS only the private rooms here get free breakfast, which makes you feel like a winner.
Windward Hostel Zadar – Overall Best Hostel in Zadar
This is a somewhat seafaring-themed hostel, which is fine, just funny. Often hostels have themed and not seen one with windsurfing sails tacked to the wall before. Hm. Anyway, this place is ultra clean, ultra comfy, but lacks somewhat in atmosphere. As for an overall place to stay, it feels like a modern home away from home in a way. The staff aren’t always there, but for the general decor, facilities and killer location (in easy walking distance: all the hotspots as well as the best beaches) this is the overall best hostel in Zadar. And if you like it quiet, then for you especially this is the best hostel in Zadar 2021.
The Drunken Monkey Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Zadar
Drunken Monkey: one of the most typical hostel names we have ever seen. Well, not typical, just… of course, it’s called The Drunken Monkey. Of course it is. And it’s not the only monkey-themed name in town (wait for that one). Regardless, this is a decent place to meet people and socialise – mainly helped by the hostel bar which can get quite vibey sometimes, which is good. The staff make you feel at ease straight away and help cultivate a really friendly atmosphere. So we’d deffo recommend this as the best hostel for solo travellers in Zadar.
The Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Zadar #1
Maybe this hostel is such a bargain because it didn’t have to pay anything for a creative team to come up with a name – The Hostel will do just fine. Simple: we like it. And it’s the best cheap hostel in Zadar, not only because it is one of the cheapest hostels going, but for what’s on offer for the price – very clean, very new-looking, very modern. It’s also quiet and peaceful and within a nice walking distance of the old town. Side note: one of the bathrooms at this budget hostel in Zadar has crazy black-and-white tiles, which can feel a bit mad after the relative minimalism of the dorms.
City Hostel Zadar – Best Cheap Hostel in Zadar #2
This is quite a new hostel so it still looks pretty polished and shiny – in addition to that it’s done in a kinda cutesy minimalist style, which is easy on the eyes and not too crazy or not overly sparse. The dorms can feel a little cramped, as well as quite warm, and the facilities aren’t top-notch – um, for instance, there’s no kitchen and only two bathrooms for the amount of beds here – but for a budget hostel in Zadar we’d say this fits the bill nicely. I mean, the location alone (right at the ‘beginning’ of the old town) certainly puts them up there as a recommended hostel in Zadar.
Hostel Elena – Best Cheap Hostel in Zadar #3
The location at this top hostel in Zadar is equally top: you’re between multiple cafes and restaurants with sunny terraces and stuff for the quintessential Mediterranean experience… when it comes to eating and drinking, that is. And at night, it’s pretty lively round here too, so you get the best of both worlds. The hostel staff are really accommodating, knowledgeable, helpful, which is always a plus. As for this Zadar backpackers hostel itself, the rooms are on the basic side but for the price and convenient-yet-peaceful location we think it’s more than ok.
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 REIThe Lazy Monkey Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Zadar
Ahh, the obligatory monkey-themed name – common the world over for hostel names. And why are they always lazy? Never met a lazy monkey. Accordingly, here it’s not exactly a lazy time you’re gonna be having – it’s all about meeting people and having fun. The owners (themselves non-Croatian globetrotters) take you cliff diving, take you for beers and tequila, and organise game nights and other communal activities, which makes it a nice buzzy atmosphere. Prob the best party hostel in Zadar, we’d say.
Downtown Boutique Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Zadar
It is a boutique hostel and it is downtown – what more do you need to know? Seriously though, this place is super nice. Could be the coolest hostel in Zadar quite easily, we reckon. It really is decorated like a boutique, everything’s very design-y and like it’s all had a lot of care and thought put into it. We say it’s the best hostel for couples in Zadar since, well, you wanna stay somewhere nice when you’re travelling with your partner, right? Here’s possibly the nicest place in town. Definitely a hotel feel, but if you couldn’t care less and like your surroundings spotless and photogenic then that doesn’t matter.
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 Best Hostels in Zadar
Stay in the middle of the action (or in an off the beaten path location) using our comprehensive neighborhood guide for Zadar!
Backpackers Home
We wonder: do you think people just put ‘backpackers’ in the name of their hostel to attract backpackers? Surely, right? Like, ‘oh, Backpackers Home, this must be for me.’ Well, whatever. Backpackers Home is actually really nice, ok? Clean, minimalist if a little basic-looking, this youth hostel in Zadar is located in a chill area called Borik, 100 metres from a beach and 10 mins to Zadar’s old town (which recently earned UNESCO world heritage status). Bakery, bus stop, cafe, pharmacy all in the immediate vicinity of the hostel. So, to be in a more traditional sorta area away from the touristy old town, here’s a nice place.
Design Hostel Mr. Charles
The name, errr, we don’t really get it at all. Is it themed on Ray Charles? I mean there are a few images of him around, plus a huge piano decal (not an actual piano though) stuck to the wall in the common room, but it’s a really tenuous theme. We dunno. It’s not exactly super design-y either, but it’s alright and everything’s very, VERY clean. The dorms are modern, functional, and the staff are super friendly, though not always there. Location is good too, with restaurants and all of the best things to see and do in Zadar walking distance. Nothing amazing but solid: a nice, recommended hostel in Zadar.
What to Pack for your Zadar 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Zadar
And Voila! We have now come to the end of the line for my guide to the best hostel in Zadar 2024.
Zadar is certainly one of the most happening cities in Croatia at the moment. As with most awesome places I am sure it will continue to grow in popularity. At least the city is safe from the cruise ship hordes; well at least for now.
After reading this hostel guide, you are now armed with all of the information you need to book a sweet hostel for yourself.
Where you stay is super important, as any traveler will tell you. Finding the right hostel is the difference between having an epic trip and having a lousy one.
Due to its increasing popularity with backpackers, I highly recommend that you book your Zagreb hostel in advance to ensure that you get your top choice locked down.
The last thing I wish for any backpacker is to miss out on a fantastic hostel when so many cool ones exist.
All of the best hostels in Zadar are now in your lap. The choice of where to book is up to you!
Still not sure of which direction to go? Too many choices on the table? No worries…
When in doubt, I advise you to just book my top overall pick for best hostel in Zadar: Windward Hostel Zadar.
Going on an extended Croatia backpacking adventure? Check out this awesome post on the best hostels in Croatia.
Happy travels!
FAQ about Hostels in Zadar
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Zadar.
How much does a hostel cost in Zadar?
Hostels in Zadar, on average, will cost you around $19-33 a night, depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.
What are the best hostels in Zadar for couples?
Downtown Boutique Hostel is the coolest hostel for couples in Zadar. It’s nicely decorated and located in downtown.
What are the best hostels in Zadar near the airport?
Since there is no hostel near the airport, I highly recommend The Lazy Monkey Hostel, located near the city center and the best party hostel in Zadar. It also offers airport transfer.
Travel Safety Tips for Zadar
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.
More Epic Hostels in Croatia and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Zadar.
Planning an epic trip all across Croatia? Be sure to check out our comprehensive where to stay guide for Croatia!
Or maybe you’re going on an epic Europetrip?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Zadar has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Croatia for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Zadar before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Balkans backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
