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

Should you visit Graz or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Graz and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Graz. Zagreb is bigger than Graz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its big city activities, while Graz is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Graz is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Graz different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Graz and Zagreb.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Many visitors head to Zagreb specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Graz or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Graz and Zagreb.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Dining out in Zagreb is an experience not to be missed. 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 Graz or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Graz and Zagreb.

Many people head to Graz for the nightlife scene. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Zagreb has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Graz or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Graz 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 Graz can be explored in its historical center. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 Graz or Zagreb?

If you're looking to go shopping, Graz and Zagreb both offer plenty of superb spots.

Graz is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Graz or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Graz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Graz or Zagreb Better for Students?

For students, both Graz and Zagreb are superb places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Graz and Zagreb both offer superb public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Graz can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Zagreb offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Graz or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Graz 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 Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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 Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Graz?

How long in Graz or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Graz or Zagreb?

Graz 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Zagreb?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Zagreb. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Graz or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Graz. 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.

The beautiful city of Zagreb offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, 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 Graz and Zagreb, we can see that Graz 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 Graz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Graz 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 Graz Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Graz or Zagreb?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Graz as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Graz for 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.

Graz is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In the summer, Graz often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Zagreb. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Graz because of 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 the autumn, Graz is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Graz or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Graz during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Graz in the winter. In January, Graz is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Zagreb. Many travelers come to Graz for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Graz 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 Graz