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

Should you visit Christchurch or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Christchurch 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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

Christchurch and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Christchurch. Zagreb is bigger than Christchurch, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Christchurch is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Christchurch is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Christchurch different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Christchurch and Zagreb.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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 Christchurch or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Christchurch. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

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 Christchurch or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Christchurch and Zagreb.

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Many people head to Zagreb for the nightlife scene. 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 Christchurch or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a great destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Christchurch for it's beautiful beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Christchurch 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 Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Zagreb?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zagreb and Christchurch.

Christchurch is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Christchurch or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Christchurch is very family-friendly. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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 Christchurch or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

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 Christchurch or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch and Zagreb are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Christchurch is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

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 Christchurch or Zagreb Better for Students?

Christchurch and Zagreb are superb places to visit for students.

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

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

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

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Christchurch and Zagreb both are superb when exploring on foot.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy 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 Christchurch Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Christchurch or Zagreb. In our opinion, Christchurch has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Christchurch than Zagreb. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Christchurch or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zagreb, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Zagreb?

Christchurch 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 fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Zagreb?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Christchurch or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Christchurch. This 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.

Zagreb is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, 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 Christchurch and Zagreb, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch 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 Christchurch Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Zagreb?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Zagreb in the Summer?

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

Christchurch is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Zagrebin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Christchurch or Zagreb in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

In the autumn, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Zagrebin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Zagrebin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch 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. In July, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Zagrebin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Zagrebin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Christchurch or Zagreb in the Spring?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Zagrebin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Zagrebin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Christchurch