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

Should you visit Bonn or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Zagreb? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bonn attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Bonn is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Bonn different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Bonn or Zagreb.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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.

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

Zagreb is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Bonn and Zagreb.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Zagreb?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Zagreb both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Bonn or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Zagreb make for a nice place to visit.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

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 Bonn or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Zagreb Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and Zagreb are superb places to visit.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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.

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

Bonn and Zagreb both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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

Is Bonn or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Bonn and Zagreb are superb when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Bonn or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

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

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

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 Bonn or Zagreb?

Bonn 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 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 Bonn or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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 Bonn or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Bonn. This city 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.

The beautiful 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Croatia, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Zagreb?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bonn or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In October, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Bonn during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Bonn is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Zagreb. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Bonn