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

Should you visit Como or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Zagreb, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Como or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zagreb is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Como different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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 Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Como or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

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

Como offers a nice beach destination. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Como or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Como or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Como 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 Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Zagreb?

Como is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Como make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Como is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Zagreb is a good lake area 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 Como or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como and Zagreb are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Como or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Zagreb is a great 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.

Como is not popular with students.

Is Como 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, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Como or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Como and Zagreb are great when it comes to walkability.

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

Zagreb is very walkable. 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 Como Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Como?

How long in Como or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zagreb than Como 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 Como or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Como or Zagreb?

Como 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. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Como or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. 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 authentic destination of Zagreb. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Como or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Como. This lake area 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.

The beautiful city of Zagreb offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome, 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 Como and Zagreb, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Como or Zagreb?

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

Both Zagreb and Como during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Como is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Como average around 23°C (73°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Como. In the summer, Como often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

Como usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Como usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Como or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Como as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Como can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Como is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Como in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Como often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Como are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In April, Como is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Como average around 13°C (55°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Como usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Como usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Como