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

Should you visit Calais or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful 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.

Calais and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zagreb is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Calais is known for its beaches. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Calais different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Zagreb is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Zagreb is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Zagreb is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Calais or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

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

Calais offers a nice beach destination. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Calais or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Zagreb?

Zagreb is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Zagreb.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Calais and Zagreb make for a good place to visit.

Calais is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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 Calais or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Calais or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Calais?

How long in Calais or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Calais 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 Calais, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Calais. 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 Zagreb than Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Calais or Zagreb?

Calais 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 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.

Five days in Calais or Zagreb?

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

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

A week in Calais or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Calais. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Zagreb. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, 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 Calais and Zagreb, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, 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.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°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 Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Zagreb in the Autumn?

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

Calais is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Calais in the winter. In the winter, Calais is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Calais usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Calais