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

Should you visit Galway or Zagreb?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Galway and Zagreb can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively 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 authentic, under-rated, and local city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Galway different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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

Zagreb is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Galway or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Galway and Zagreb.

Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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.

Is Galway or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Zagreb?

Zagreb is notable for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Galway or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Galway and Zagreb are nice to visit with kids.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. 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 Galway or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Galway and Zagreb are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Galway is a nice destination for couples. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Zagreb makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Galway or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Galway and Zagreb are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

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.

Is Galway or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is notable for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

Zagreb is notable for its public transit. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Galway or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Galway and Zagreb both are very good when exploring on foot.

Galway is very walkable. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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 Galway Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Galway?

How long in Galway or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

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

Galway 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 Galway or Zagreb?

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, 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 Galway and Zagreb, we can see that Galway 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 Galway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galway 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 Galway Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galway or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway 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 Galway 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 Galway or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Zagreb. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galway is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galway in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Galway is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galway in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Galway is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Galway usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Galway during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Galway often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Galway