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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Zagreb?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Carcassonne and Zagreb. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Zagreb

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

Carcassonne and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb. Although Carcassonne and Zagreb are popular destinations, Zagreb has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zagreb is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Carcassonne different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Carcassonne or Zagreb.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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.

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

Both Carcassonne and Zagreb offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Is Carcassonne or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Zagreb has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Carcassonne and Zagreb are nice family-friendly destinations.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zagreb. 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 Carcassonne or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Carcassonne and Zagreb both nice destinations for a couple.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

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 Carcassonne or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne and Zagreb are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Zagreb is a great town 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.

Is Carcassonne or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Zagreb. 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Zagreb is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Carcassonne or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Zagreb?

Carcassonne 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Zagreb?

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

The authentic city of Zagreb offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fairytale destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Carcassonne and Zagreb, we can see that Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Carcassonne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the summer, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Zagreb. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. Carcassonne is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagreb. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Carcassonne