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

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

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bali and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Zagreb?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bali than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Bali, Bali has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Bali different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Zagreb specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Bali, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

The nightlife in Zagreb has something for everybody. 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 Bali or Zagreb Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Bali for its luxury resorts. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Zagreb Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Bali is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Bali offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a well-known place for its old town. However, Bali 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.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Zagreb?

Both Bali and Zagreb are high quality shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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 Bali or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Bali or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bali is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zagreb. 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 Bali or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a well-known place for students. However, Bali 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.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Zagreb can get you to some places easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Bali?

How long in Bali or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Bali or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bali due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Zagreb 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Zagreb?

Bali is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zagreb is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Zagreb. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The authentic city of Zagreb offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Bali and Zagreb, we can see that Zagreb is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Bali is in Asia and Zagreb is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Zagreb. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bali is a little warmer than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Zagreb. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. 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 January, Bali is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Bali usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

Bali is much warmer than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zagreb. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Bali