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

Should you visit Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a cultural, vibrant, and historic 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 under-rated, local, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb. Although Dusseldorf and Zagreb are about the same size, Zagreb has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dusseldorf is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Dusseldorf different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zagreb. 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.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Both Dusseldorf and Zagreb offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dusseldorf makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Zagreb has a huge number of terrific 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 Dusseldorf or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Zagreb know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Dusseldorf or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Dusseldorf and Zagreb.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a great destination for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Dusseldorf or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is a very kid-friendly city. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

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 Dusseldorf or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Dusseldorf or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a great destination for students. However, Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Dusseldorf has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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

Is Dusseldorf or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Zagreb both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Zagreb, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Zagreb?

Dusseldorf 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Zagreb, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Zagreb, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Dusseldorf or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Zagreb is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Dusseldorf during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Zagreb. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dusseldorf. Dusseldorf is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Zagreb. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Dusseldorf is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dusseldorf in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Dusseldorf often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Dusseldorf