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

Should you visit Girona 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 Girona 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.

Girona

Girona is a ancient, charming, and beautiful city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a under-rated, local, 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Girona or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Girona. Zagreb is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Girona different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Girona and Zagreb.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Zagreb offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Girona 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 Girona can be explored in its historical center. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona or Zagreb?

Both Girona and Zagreb are excellent shopping destinations.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona or Zagreb Better for Families?

Zagreb is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Girona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Girona or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Zagreb can get you to some places easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Girona or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Girona?

How long in Girona or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Girona or Zagreb?

Girona 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 Girona or Zagreb?

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

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 Girona or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Girona. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Girona and Zagreb, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Girona or Zagreb?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Zagreb. The summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Girona is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Girona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Girona or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Girona as well as Zagreb. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Girona is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Girona in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Girona often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Girona or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Girona 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. In January, Girona is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 8°C (46°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Girona usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Girona or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Girona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

Girona is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Girona often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Girona