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

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

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port 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.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Zagreb?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Catania than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Catania is better known for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Zagreb is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Catania is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Catania different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Catania 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 Catania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Catania and Zagreb.

Catania has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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.

Is Catania or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

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

Catania offers a nice beach destination. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Catania is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Zagreb?

Zagreb is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Zagreb are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Catania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Zagreb is a good port 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 Catania or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Zagreb are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania or Zagreb Better for Students?

Catania and Zagreb are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Catania is very popular with students. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Zagreb is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Catania or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Catania and Zagreb offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Catania can get you around easily. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

Zagreb offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Catania or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Catania and Zagreb both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access 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 Catania Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Catania?

How long in Catania or Zagreb?

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

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

One day in Catania or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Zagreb, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Catania or Zagreb?

Catania 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.

In Zagreb, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zagreb has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Catania or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Catania. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Zagreb?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

Catania is a little warmer than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Catania as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene 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, Catania is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, Catania is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

Catania is a little warmer than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Catania