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

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

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a historic, beautiful, and authentic 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.

Frankfurt and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt. Although Frankfurt and Zagreb are both popular with visitors, Frankfurt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Frankfurt is more popular for its big city activities, while Zagreb is known for its historical sights. Frankfurt is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Zagreb and Frankfurt.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Zagreb can be an enjoyable experience.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zagreb makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Frankfurt or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Both Frankfurt and Zagreb have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Frankfurt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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.

Is Frankfurt or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Zagreb?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Frankfurt and Zagreb.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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.

Is Frankfurt or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Frankfurt and Zagreb are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Zagreb is a nice destination for couples. 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 Frankfurt or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt and Zagreb are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt or Zagreb Better for Students?

Frankfurt is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Frankfurt or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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

Is Frankfurt or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Frankfurt and Zagreb are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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 Frankfurt Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Frankfurt or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Zagreb 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 Frankfurt.

One day in Frankfurt or Zagreb?

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Zagreb?

Frankfurt 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local city of Zagreb. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Frankfurt or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, 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 Frankfurt and Zagreb, we can see that Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Frankfurt during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for 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.

In July, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 19°C (67°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 Frankfurt. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for 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.

Frankfurt is cooler than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Zagreb. The winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt 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. The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. In the winter, Frankfurt is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Frankfurt in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

In April, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 10°C (50°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Frankfurt