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

Should you visit Canberra or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Canberra 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated 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, hiking, and shopping.

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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Canberra. Zagreb is bigger than Canberra, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Canberra is more popular for its hiking. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Canberra different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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 Canberra or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Canberra and Zagreb.

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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).

Is Canberra or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Zagreb has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Canberra 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Canberra or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Zagreb?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Zagreb is well-known for its shopping. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Canberra is a very kid-friendly city. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Canberra and Zagreb make for a notable place to visit.

Canberra makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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 Canberra or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Zagreb Better for Students?

Both Canberra and Zagreb are superb destinations for students.

Canberra is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Zagreb has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Canberra or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Zagreb?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Zagreb than Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Zagreb?

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

Canberra 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 Canberra or Zagreb?

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

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 Canberra or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Canberra. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, 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 Canberra and Zagreb, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Zagreb is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Zagreb?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zagreb has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Canberra during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, 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.

Canberra is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.

Canberra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagrebin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and 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 the autumn, Canberra is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Canberra usually receives more rain than Zagrebin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Canberra or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra 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 July, Canberra is generally much warmer than Zagrebin January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Canberra usually gets less rain in July than Zagrebin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

Canberra is a little warmer than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in April.

In October, Canberra usually receives more rain than Zagrebin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Canberra