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

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

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural 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 historic, beautiful, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Zagreb. Budapest is bigger than Zagreb, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Budapest different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Zagreb.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Budapest or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zagreb is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Budapest and Zagreb.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Zagreb has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Budapest or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Budapest and Zagreb are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. 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 Budapest or Zagreb?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Zagreb both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Budapest or Zagreb Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Zagreb.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Zagreb is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Budapest or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest or Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Budapest or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Zagreb?

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

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

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

One day in Budapest or Zagreb?

Budapest 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.

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 Budapest or Zagreb?

Budapest 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 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 Budapest or Zagreb?

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

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 Budapest or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Budapest. 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.

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 Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Zagreb, we can see that Budapest 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Zagreb?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Zagreb. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Budapest is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Budapest is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Zagreb. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

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

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Budapest