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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 local, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Zagreb?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Bordeaux, Bordeaux has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bordeaux is better known for its food and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Bordeaux different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Bordeaux or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Zagreb?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zagreb and Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Zagreb.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Bordeaux or Zagreb Better for Students?

Bordeaux and Zagreb are superb places to visit for students.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux and Zagreb.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Bordeaux or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Zagreb both are superb when exploring on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux or Zagreb?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Bordeaux or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 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 Bordeaux or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Bordeaux and Zagreb, we can see that Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Zagreb?

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

Both Zagreb and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, 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 Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the autumn, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux 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. In January, Bordeaux is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

Bordeaux is cooler than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Bordeaux