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

Should you visit Fussen or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Fussen 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.

Fussen

Fussen is a charming, picturesque, and quintesential town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Fussen and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Fussen or Zagreb?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Fussen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zagreb is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fussen is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Fussen is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Fussen different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fussen
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for its historical sights. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Fussen. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.


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

Fussen
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fussen area. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Fussen or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Fussen
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fussen or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Fussen
Zagreb

Fussen is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Fussen can be explored in its historical center. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

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 Fussen or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Fussen
Zagreb

Fussen 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 Fussen. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fussen or Zagreb?

Fussen
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Zagreb is well-known for its shopping. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fussen or Zagreb Better for Families?

Fussen
Zagreb

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fussen or Zagreb.

Fussen offers lots of family activities. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.

Zagreb is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Fussen or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Fussen
Zagreb

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

Couples visit Fussen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

Zagreb is a good town 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 Fussen or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fussen
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Fussen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

Is Fussen or Zagreb Better for Students?

Fussen
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen is not popular with students.

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.

Fussen is not popular with students.


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

Fussen
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

The public transit in Zagreb can get you around easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Fussen or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Fussen
Zagreb

Fussen is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Fussen on foot is easy. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

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 Fussen Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Fussen?

How long in Fussen or Zagreb?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Fussen or Zagreb? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fussen 2-3 
    Zagreb 2-4

One day in Fussen or Zagreb?

Fussen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Zagreb. 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.


A weekend in Fussen or Zagreb?

Fussen 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 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.

Five days in Fussen or Zagreb?

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

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

A week in Fussen or Zagreb?

Fussen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Zagreb. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Fussen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fussen is €210, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is €77. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fussen and Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fussen 109
    Zagreb 48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fussen 218
    Zagreb 96
Compare Hotels in Fussen and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Fussen or Zagreb? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fussen


Hotels in Zagreb


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fussen Hotel Prices and Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fussen 54
    Zagreb 9.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • private transfer from Trogir/Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,754
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Vienna: $930
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Budapest: $930
  • Transfer Zagreb - Split or Split - Zagreb: $760
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Split: $741
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice & Rastoke: $642
  • Private Transfer Tour from Zagreb - Split via Plitvice Lakes: $603
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Split or Split to Zagreb: $567
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb with stop at Plitvice: $556
  • Zagreb to Budapest Private Transfer by Minivan: $534
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Zadar: $528
  • Transfer Ljubljana - Zagreb: $452

Is it cheaper to fly into Fussen or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb and Fussen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fussen 59
    Zagreb 16
Typical Food Prices in Fussen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fussen:


  • Lunch
    10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fussen 60
    Zagreb 12

Tours and Activities in Fussen

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fussen.

  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $41
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $51
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $60
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $225
  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $254
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $270

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Grand Zagreb Tour : $99
  • Zagreb History Walking Tour: $32
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Zagreb City with Guide (up to 10): $153
  • 2-Hour Unveiling A Captivating History Tour: $107
  • 4 Day Touristic Adventure from Zagreb: $2,449
  • 4-hour Private Zagreb & the Mountain Tour in a Yugo car: $115
  • All-Inclusive Day Tour Zagreb-Rastoke-Plitvice Lakes-Split: $1,068
  • Back to Yugoslavia Private City Tour in Old-Timer Yugo Car: $93
  • Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour: $176
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $432
  • Best of ISTRIA: Amphitheater PULA + ROVINJ + HUM or POREČ - fully Private Tour: $262
  • Best of SLOVENIA - Bled + Postojna + Ljubljana - Day Tour from Zagreb: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fussen 20
    Zagreb 8.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fussen and Zagreb, we can see that Fussen 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 Fussen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fussen 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 Fussen Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fussen or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Fussen 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.