A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antwerp vs. Zagreb for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Antwerp or Zagreb?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Zagreb can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Antwerp travel costs.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a historic, beautiful, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Zagreb travel costs.

Antwerp and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Zagreb?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Antwerp than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Antwerp, Antwerp has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Antwerp different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zagreb and Antwerp. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antwerp or Zagreb?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Antwerp and Zagreb.

Many visitors head to Antwerp specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

Is the Food Better in Antwerp or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Zagreb can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Antwerp. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Antwerp or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Antwerp and Zagreb.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Many people head to Zagreb for the nightlife scene. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

Is Antwerp or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp and Zagreb are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Zagreb?

Antwerp is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Antwerp or Zagreb Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Antwerp or Zagreb.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Antwerp. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Antwerp or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Zagreb are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Antwerp makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Zagreb is a good port city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Antwerp or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Antwerp or Zagreb Better for Students?

Antwerp and Zagreb are high quality places to visit for students.

Antwerp is very popular with students. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Zagreb is a great port city to visit as a student. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

Is Antwerp or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zagreb is well known for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Zagreb has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

While Antwerp offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Antwerp or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Zagreb both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

For even more information, also check out Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Antwerp or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zagreb than Antwerp if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zagreb.

One day in Antwerp or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Zagreb, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antwerp or Zagreb?

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Zagreb, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zagreb has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Zagreb is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the genuine destination of Antwerp. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Croatia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Zagreb, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antwerp would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antwerp than you might in Zagreb.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antwerp Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Zagreb, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Antwerp or Zagreb?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antwerp or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Antwerp is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Antwerp during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Zagreb. The winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. In January, Antwerp is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Zagreb. The activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

Antwerp is much colder than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Antwerp