When travelling to Croatia, most people go from Spit to Dubrovnik. However, I believe you won’t have seen the true Croatia until you’ve ticked off Rijeka.
Nominated the European Capital of Culture in 2020, this gorgeous town is a traveler’s dream: it’s home to insane street art and the most eclectic mix of architecture I’ve ever seen. My time in Rijeka’s hostel involved meeting the coolest people to explore with. Between the Roman ruins and Austro-Hungarian architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a time-travelling amusement park.
I definitely recommend giving yourself enough time in this beautiful city in order to get the most out of what it has to offer. LUCKILY, there are some amazing, quirky, and central hostels in Rijeka that offer the perfect accommodation – no matter your budget.
Hostels are the best way to get up close and personal with the local culture – especially in a less touristy city like Rijeka. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a digital nomad, or a couple looking for cheaper accommodation, this article has everything you need to find your perfect hostel for your trip to Rijeka!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Rijeka
- Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Rijeka – Botel Marina
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Rijeka – Fun Hostel
- Epic Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rijeka – Hostel Korzo
- Hostel for Large Groups in Rijeka – HI Hostel Rijeka
- Great Dorm for Couples in Rijeka – Das Hostel
What to Expect from Hostels in Rijeka
Ever since I started backpacking, the quality of hostels has continued to improve to the point that they are now basically cheap hotels. While the patently cheaper price tag is obviously a huge draw card, the thing that always drew me to hostels is their ability to make new travel friends – both locally and internationally. Some of my best friends have come from the hostel’s free walking tours or bonding with my bunk buddy.
If you’re umming and ahhing as to whether to pick a hostel, here are some of the benefits of choosing a hostel:
- Communal areas and shared kitchens
- Very economical accommodation
- Organised activities like group tours and cultural events
- Prime locations close to Rijeka’s beaches
Okay, granted. Hostels aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, I highly recommend considering some of the amazing hostels in Rijeka if you fall into one of these categories:
- Solo backpackers
- Digital nomads
- Couples on a budget
- Party people
- Long-term travellers
There are many different types of hostels, each creating its own unique environment for travellers. Research your hostel to ensure their culture aligns with your travel needs. For example, digital nomads in party hostels can very quickly fall into the “Oh, Lord, what have I done?” category. And those wanting to stay more long term will find a 30-bed dorm very tedious and exhausting.
But boy, this list of the best hostels in Rijeka has everything to start your search for the perfect accommodation. When booking your hostel, I recommend using Hosteworld.
Even if a hostel does have a website, it can be hard to find genuine information for a perfect stay. Sites like Hostelworld make it easy to compare prices, facilities, and those all-important property ratings, giving you more time to hit the beach rather than trawl through booking admin.
When deciding where to book in Rijeka, most people like to stay near the water; we are in Croatia after all! Most Rijeka hostels are nestled between the main port of Rijeka and the beautiful old town, close to the stunning Rijeka Cathedral and the City Clock Tower. This is the perfect location to help you see all the key landmarks or take one of the local (and cheap!) buses just down the road to the seashore.
Best Hostels in Rijeka
As the hidden gem that is Rijeka begins to be uncovered by more and more tourists, there are a number of new hostels that have opened in the city. As far as backpacking Croatia goes, this is the highlight of many traveller’s global catalogues. Let’s check out my favourite places to stay!
Fun Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Rijeka
This is a new hostel in Rijeka and it has quickly grown to become one of the top hostels in Croatia. Just 10m from the sea, you can enjoy poster-like views directly from your room – which are conveniently very modestly priced.
The reviews for Fun Hostel attest to the positive stay travellers have had, particularly praising the social atmosphere promoted within the hostel. The layout of the property and the super friendly staff here make it super easy to meet new people – meaning it is one of the best hostels in Rijeka for solo travellers looking to find like-minded travel companions.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Amazing location
- Communal kitchen
- Free towels included
The joy of this hostel being fairly new to the scene is that they are working hard to build and maintain their already excellent reputation. The facilities are modern and clean at Fun Hostel, meaning you don’t need to use a frying pan that has been marinated in oil and grease for years.
The fully-equipped kitchen makes it easy to whip up some delicious dinners and save some dollaridoodles at the same time. Especially being such a social hostel, you’ll find people cooking some family meals together (so wholesome). There are also vending machines and hot drinks available – perfect for those late-night munchies.
Towels are included in your booking (win) and the rooms have air conditioning so you don’t roast in a multi-person dorm room in the middle of Summer. Once the sun is out you can walk down the road to the ocean or just 15 minutes to the city centre.
Pecine, the area where the hostel is located is a cool neighbourhood of Croatia to stay in: its claim to fame is its mix of old villas and modern skyscrapers. There are a number of beaches within easy distance and a bus stop near the hostel is an economical transport to reach further away destinations.
Hostel Korzo – Epic Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rijeka
Hostel Korzo is a cute little hostel in the centre of Rijeka. Being able to only host 12 people means you become part of a very exclusive club where everyone knows each other and it doesn’t get too rowdy at night. The owner has done a great job of making everyone feel at home, and the kitchen is a popular place for people to hang out and meet new friends.
Out of all the hostels in Rijeka, this is also one of the best for digital nomads in Croatia wanting to take it easy and get a bit of work done. Take it from someone who has made the mistake one too many times of making business calls in a party hostel… It is always better to find quieter accommodation when trying to live the double life of a traveller and digital nomad.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super-fast Wifi
- Central location
- Fully-equipped kitchen
Hostel Korzo is named after the main promenade (Corso) it is located on. Sitting right in the heart of Rijeka, this hostel gives you no excuse not to walk to all the landmarks around the city.
This makes it ideal for those wanting to tick off the main attractions of the city but are limited in time. The rooms are spacious and come with all the classics including free towels, reading lamps, lockers, and air conditioning.
Connect to the outside world with fast wifi or have a lazy afternoon with cable TV. (Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need to Netflix and chill after long-haul buses.) Particularly for those wanting a place to set up for a longer-term stay, these small perks make it easy to feel at home.
HI Hostel Rijeka – Hostel for Large Groups in Rijeka
I fell in love with this lemon-coloured gem the moment I saw it. Dating back to the 19th century, this old villa allows you to live in a part of Rijeka’s history. This hostel is a nature haven – while still providing you easy access to all the main destinations around the city.
HI Hostel Rijeka has room enough to welcome 61 people, with discounts for larger groups. Particularly for my more spontaneous travellers, I found that this hostel is one of the only places that had space to host large groups on a last-minute booking.
The shared dining and living room encourages travellers living the hostel life to socialise. Of course, you can then lose all these new friends when they see how competitive you are at table tennis or board games. I’ll be honest, I don’t consider competitiveness a strength of mine.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free breakfast
- 100m from the ocean
- Hostelling International discount
Located in the neighbourhood of Pecine, HI Hostel is a quick stroll to the beach and the city centre. For those too tired to walk in the heat (cough cough – me), grab the local bus (line 1) which stops close to the hostel.
HI Hostel welcomes a range of different people from backpackers to families, meaning you will have a host of new people to meet. The best thing to do at HI Hostel Rijeka is to chill on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the beautiful sea view and sunset amongst the trees.
When you’re starting to feel peckish, grab a snack from the vending machines to save yourself a walk into town. Or get your money’s worth with the breakfast offered daily at the hostel.
Das Hostel – Great Dorm for Couples in Rijeka
Das is a new addition to the hostels in Rijeka, super close to Trsat Castle. Despite feeling like you’re in the middle of a forest, Das Hostel Rijeka is close landmarks including the history museum and The Croatian National Theatre.
Get in on this unexplored hostel: mint beds, freshly painted walls, and garden views from the balcony in every room. The property has lovely natural light – you’ll be needing that sunscreen. The area is also quiet meaning you’ll get a great night’s sleep with the sounds of Croatian wildlife to keep you company. (Don’t worry there are no wolves, I’ve checked!).
The outdoor patio/terrace is also a favourite for people to relax in. Hook yourself up in a nook with a good book…
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- One of the best kitchens I’ve ever seen
- Movie projector
- Balcony views from all rooms
Das Hostel Rijeka has all the ingredients for a comfortable stay. There is air conditioning in every room as well as a private bathroom for late-night wees.
Being a new hostel, Das Hostel Rijeka has a user-friendly kitchen to cook up a storm with your companions. There are also games and a projector to hang out with your fellow roommates and enjoy a movie now that Netflix has kicked us out of our parents’ accounts.
This is a great hostel for couples looking for the budget backpacker experience in Europe, but need the space away from those meddling kids in the 16-bed dorm. The rooms are spacious and reasonably priced, so it’s way more economical than a hotel. The hostel has private rooms available – so if you find the dorm rooms are not for you, go and retreat into your own personal space.
Botel Marina – Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Rijeka
There are not many people out there who can say they’ve lived on a boat. In fact, Botel Marina is one-of-a-kind in Croatia, so it has plenty to brag about. While technically a hotel, the rooms at Botel Marina are similar prices to other hostels in Rijeka and multi-person bunk bed accommodation like you’re on a real-life cruise (ideally not the Titanic though).
This property is perfect for a sea escape with comfortable private rooms and facilities to suit all types of travellers. Whether you are in Rijeka for work or simply hankering to see the ocean, this is a great option for travellers looking for a relaxed stay.
Why you’ll love this accommodation:
- Recently renovated rooms
- Heating & airconditioning
- Open deck – Pirates of the Caribbean style.
Botel Marina has 35 rooms that cater to all needs, including families, backpackers, or couples. The rooms come with custom-made furniture, keeping with the marine theme (obviously!). The rooms also come with fully-equipped bathrooms and air conditioning – meaning you won’t be stuffy in your rooms below deck.
Free towels are also included, which I don’t know about you but for me is a huge tick for Botel Marina (so I can finally wash my smelly travel towel). One of my favourite things about this property is the real, genuine portholes you get in the rooms, making you feel like a true sailor – hopefully without the scurvy or bad hygiene.
Botel Marina also has a restaurant on-site, which means you don’t have to venture ‘on land’ in order to find your lunch and dinner. Finish your day of sightseeing in Rijeka by grabbing your binoculars and heading to the open deck and lounge area to enjoy the fresh sea air.
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!What to Pack for your Rijeka 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!
Rijeka Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Rijeka cost?
Hostels in Rijeka range from $20 USD – $60 USD. Of course, it usually depends on which season you are visiting. Check out Hostelworld to compare prices and get the best deals.
What are the best hostels in Rijeka for couples?
Das Hostel is the most stylish hostel for couples in Rijeka. It is modern, comfy, and near the Trsat Castle.
What is the best hostel in Rijeka near the airport?
Fun Hostel is an epic hostel near Rijeka International Airport. It has a friendly atmosphere and is located in front of the beach.
Travel Safety Tips for Rijeka
Before you go anywhere, getting good travel insurance is a must. Rijeka can be a dreamy getaway… Covering your ass with insurance is the best way for your trip to go that way.
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.
Final Thoughts on Rijeka’s Best Hostels
News flash: hotels are boring. The times I have stayed in hotels, I could never stop thinking about how much money I was paying to lock myself in a room where my only local interaction would be with the reception desk and the waiter.
Conversely, while staying in a hostel in Rijeka, I found myself getting a free Croatian lesson because I apparently kept butchering the word ‘thank you’. Many reminders and beers later, I finally mastered it and felt confident enough to try my hand on the streets of Rijeka.
It is invaluable experiences like these that make hostels so unique. Places like the Fun Hostel each have their own flair and personality, inspired both by the locals that run them and the travellers they welcome.
The beauty of hostels in Rijeka is balance. Whether you’re a social butterfly or a self-proclaimed hermit, with the help of this list, you will find the perfect bunk bed with your name on it.
Hvala vam (thank you) and sretan put (happy travels)!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Croatia for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Croatia before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Europe to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Croatia for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Croatia before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe 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!
