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

Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local 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.

Beijing and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Zagreb, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is known for its historical sights. Beijing is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Beijing different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing 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 Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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 Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Zagreb has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 Beijing or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Zagreb?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zagreb and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Beijing or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Zagreb are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

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 Beijing or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Zagreb are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Zagreb is a nice destination for couples. 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 Beijing or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Zagreb are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Zagreb is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Beijing or Zagreb Better for Students?

Beijing and Zagreb are very good places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Many students visit Zagreb. 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 Beijing or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Zagreb.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Beijing or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Zagreb?

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

One day in Beijing or Zagreb?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Beijing or Zagreb?

Beijing 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.

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 Beijing or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Beijing or Zagreb?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When comparing the travel costs between Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Zagreb?

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

Both Zagreb and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°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 Beijing. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Beijing 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. Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Beijing for 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 April, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Beijing