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

Should you visit Barcelona or Zagreb?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Zagreb can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 authentic, under-rated, and local city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Zagreb. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Barcelona different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Barcelona and Zagreb have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zagreb. 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 Barcelona or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Barcelona and Zagreb.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Zagreb has a huge number of terrific 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 Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

Barcelona is a world class party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Music?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a good destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Both Barcelona and Zagreb have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Zagreb?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Barcelona and Zagreb are nice to visit with kids.

Barcelona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. 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 Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Barcelona and Zagreb are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Barcelona is a nice destination for couples. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Zagreb makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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 Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Students?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Barcelona or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Barcelona and Zagreb offer very good public transit options.

Visitors to Barcelona can move around easily with public transportation. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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

Is Barcelona or Zagreb a more walkable city?

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

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.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Barcelona or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Barcelona due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona 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 Barcelona.

One day in Barcelona or Zagreb?

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Zagreb?

Barcelona 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Zagreb. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Barcelona or Zagreb?

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, 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 Barcelona and Zagreb, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Zagreb?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Zagreb. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Barcelona in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Barcelona or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Barcelona is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 17°C (63°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Barcelona is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

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

In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Barcelona or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Barcelona during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Barcelona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. In the spring, Barcelona often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Barcelona