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

Should you visit Arles 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 Arles and Zagreb can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a historic, beautiful, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zagreb is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Arles different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Arles or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Arles is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zagreb. 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 Arles or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Zagreb is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Arles or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Arles can be explored in its historical center. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. 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 Arles or Zagreb?

Zagreb is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Arles or Zagreb Better for Families?

Zagreb is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zagreb. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Arles or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Arles is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Zagreb is a good town 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 Arles or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Arles or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is well known for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Zagreb is very popular with students. 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.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

While Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Arles or Zagreb a more walkable city?

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

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

Zagreb is very walkable. 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 Arles Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Arles?

How long in Arles or Zagreb?

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

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Arles. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zagreb, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Zagreb. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Arles that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zagreb than Arles 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 Arles or Zagreb?

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

In Zagreb, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Arles or Zagreb?

Arles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Don't miss the museums, 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Arles. This town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arles and Zagreb, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles 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 Arles 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 Arles or Zagreb in the Summer?

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

In July, Arles is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 24°C (75°F), 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 Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Zagreb in the Autumn?

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

Arles is a little warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Arles often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Zagreb. The winter months attract visitors to Arles 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. In the winter, Arles is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arles in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arles usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Zagreb in the Spring?

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

In April, Arles is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 13°C (56°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In the spring, Arles often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Arles