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

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

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Auckland and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Zagreb?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Auckland than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is better known for its beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Zagreb is more popular for its historical sights. Auckland is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Auckland different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Zagreb.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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 Auckland or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Auckland and Zagreb offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Dining out in Zagreb is an experience not to be missed. 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 Auckland or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Zagreb have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

The people in Zagreb know how to have a good time. 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 Auckland or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a great destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Zagreb?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Auckland and Zagreb.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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.

Is Auckland or Zagreb Better for Families?

Auckland is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly city. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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

Auckland and Zagreb are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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.

Is Auckland or Zagreb Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Zagreb are high quality destinations for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Zagreb can get you around easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Zagreb offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Zagreb?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zagreb is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zagreb, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adrenaline-filled big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zagreb is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, 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 Auckland and Zagreb, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Zagreb is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Zagreb?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zagreb has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Auckland during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

Auckland is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Auckland. In the summer, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Zagrebin July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets less rain in January than Zagrebin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Auckland is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Auckland usually receives more rain than Zagrebin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auckland or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Zagreb. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 July, Auckland is generally much warmer than Zagrebin January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Zagrebin January. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Zagrebin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

Auckland is a little warmer than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in April.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Auckland usually receives more rain than Zagrebin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Auckland