Swanky Mint Hostel in Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia

Distance to centre 0.7 km

Excellent

8.8 /10

Swanky Mint has situated itself in the uniquely renovated 19th century dry cleaning and textile-dye factory on Zagreb's main street, not far from the city centre.

All rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi. Dormitories feature private lockers for each bed and shared bathroom with shower, while private rooms have an en-suite bathroom, wardrobe, a desk and some feature a LCD TV. All major sights in Zagreb can be easily reached by foot. Explore Zagreb's attractions by foot or use the tram network. Fast, budget-friendly, and easily accessible, trams in Zagreb efficiently connect key areas across the city.

Swanky Mint Hostel's bar is the ideal spot to kick off and wrap up your Zagreb adventure. By day, it serves local craft coffee and hot drinks, while each evening, it transforms into a lively cocktail bar.

Unique Stay at Swanky Mint Hostel

Swanky Mint Hostel, a vibrant and eco-friendly retreat, is housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century dry cleaning and textile-dye factory on Zagreb’s main street, Ilica 50, just 0.7 km from Ban Jelačić Square. This award-winning hostel, voted Croatia’s best in the 2016 Hoscars Awards, blends industrial chic with modern comforts, offering a unique stay with a rooftop pool, the only one of its kind among Zagreb hostels. With free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and a traditional rakija welcome drink, it’s perfect for backpackers and families alike.

Located 0.7 km from Zagreb’s city center, it’s a 5-minute walk to major attractions like the Croatian National Theatre (0.8 km) and 12 km from Franjo Tuđman Airport, with an airport shuttle available (surcharge). 2025 Update: Enhanced sustainability initiatives, including solar-powered water heating, and a refreshed communal kitchen with eco-friendly appliances.

Accommodations at Swanky Mint Hostel

Private Rooms: Choose from Single Rooms (12 m², single bed, ensuite bathroom), Double Rooms (18 m², queen-size bed, LCD TV), or Family Studios (30 m², accommodating 3 adults + 3 children, with a kitchenette). All feature soundproofing, modern bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, and industrial-style decor with upcycled factory machinery.

Dormitories: Options include 4-Bed Mixed Dorm, 6-Bed Female Dorm, 8-Bed Mixed Dorm, and 11-Bed Mixed Dorm, each with private lockers (bring your own padlock), curtains for privacy, and shared bathrooms with showers. Beds come with fresh linens and USB charging ports.

Swanky Monkey Garden Bar & Breakfast at Swanky Mint Hostel

Start your day with a diverse breakfast buffet (8–10 AM, €11 surcharge) featuring continental, vegetarian, and vegan options, including local pastries and craft coffee. By evening, the bar transforms into a lively hotspot with live music, pub quizzes, and affordable cocktails, popular with both guests and locals. The terrace overlooks a lush garden at the foothills of Medvednica Mountain, perfect for unwinding.

Amenities & Services: Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour reception, bicycle rentals, and organized tours to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The hostel offers a fully equipped communal kitchen, a cozy lounge with board games, and a book exchange. 2025 Update: Added contactless check-in, expanded bike rental fleet, and introduced eco-conscious toiletries in all bathrooms.

Dining Near Swanky Mint Hostel

Indulge in Asian fusion cuisine at the on-site SOI restaurant, located in the hostel’s indoor garden, renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, proclaimed Zagreb’s best new restaurant in recent years. The Swanky Monkey Garden Bar offers a daily breakfast buffet (8–10 AM, €11) with continental, vegetarian, and vegan options, featuring local pastries, craft coffee, and seasonal fruits. Nearby, savor traditional Croatian dishes at Stari Fijaker (0.5 km), known for its hearty štrukli and warm ambiance.

For healthy dining, Zrno Bio Bistro (0.5 km) offers organic vegetarian and vegan meals, highly rated for quality. Enjoy craft cocktails and small plates at Roots Juice & Cocktail Bar (0.6 km), perfect for a lively evening. A grocery shop (0.1 km) is available for snacks and essentials. 2025 Update: Enhanced breakfast with new Croatian specialties like soparnik, partnered with local eateries for exclusive guest discounts, and introduced a curated Zagreb food guide available at reception.

Guest Experiences at Swanky Mint Hostel

Travelers rave about the vibrant atmosphere and prime location of Swanky Mint Hostel. Here’s what recent guests have shared:

"The staff were absolute legends! They helped with city tips and even walked me to my room. The pool and bar made it so easy to meet people, and the rakija welcome drink was a fun touch!" – Sophie L., Berlin, 2025

"Stayed in a private room, and it was stylish, clean, and quiet despite the central location. The terrace bar is a vibe, and the breakfast was a great start to exploring Zagreb!" – Liam T., Melbourne, 2025

2025 Updates: Based on guest feedback, improved dorm bed curtains for better privacy, added more toilets to shared bathrooms, and introduced soundproofing in rooms above the bar to minimize noise.

Explore Zagreb from Swanky Mint Hostel

Situated in the heart of Zagreb’s Lower Town, Swanky Mint Hostel is steps away from key attractions and the city’s efficient tram network, with a stop right outside. Here’s a sample 1-day itinerary:

Morning: Enjoy the Swanky breakfast buffet, then walk 6 minutes to Lotrščak Tower (0.5 km) for panoramic city views. Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships (0.5 km) for a quirky cultural experience.

Afternoon: Stroll 9 minutes to Ban Jelačić Square (0.8 km) and explore Dolac Market (1 km) for local produce. Grab lunch at Stari Fijaker (0.5 km) for traditional Croatian dishes.

Evening: Return to the Swanky Monkey Garden Bar for live music or join a hostel-organized pub crawl. Alternatively, dine at SOI, the hostel’s Asian fusion restaurant in the indoor garden.

Top Nearby Attractions

Croatian National Theatre (0.8 km): Iconic venue for opera and ballet.
Zagreb Cathedral (1 km): Stunning Gothic architecture.
Upper Town (0.6 km): Historic charm with cobblestone streets and cafes.

For more ideas, check out our guide to Attractions in Zagreb or explore Day Trips from Zagreb for adventures like Plitvice Lakes.

Swanky Mint Hostel