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

Should you visit Granada or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Granada. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Granada is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Granada different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zagreb. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Zagreb have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Granada 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 Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Granada or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Granada 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 Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Zagreb?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Zagreb.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zagreb. 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 Granada or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Zagreb are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other 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.

Is Granada or Zagreb Better for Students?

Both Granada and Zagreb are superb destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Zagreb is very popular with students. 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 Granada or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Zagreb is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Granada and Zagreb are superb when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Granada?

How long in Granada or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Granada or Zagreb. In our opinion, Granada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Granada than Zagreb. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Granada or Zagreb?

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

In Zagreb, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Zagreb?

Granada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Zagreb, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zagreb has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

Zagreb is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Granada. This city 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. Granada is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Granada