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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a historic, quaint, and energetic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a under-rated, local, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zagreb is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Heidelberg different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Zagreb can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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).

Is Heidelberg or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Heidelberg and Zagreb.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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.

Is Heidelberg or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg can be explored in its historical center. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Heidelberg or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Zagreb are good family-friendly destinations.

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and 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.

Is Heidelberg or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Heidelberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

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 Heidelberg or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Zagreb are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Heidelberg or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

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.

Heidelberg is a good town to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Heidelberg and Zagreb both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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

Is Heidelberg or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Zagreb are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

Zagreb is very walkable. 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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Heidelberg or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Zagreb, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Zagreb?

Heidelberg 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Zagreb, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Heidelberg or Zagreb?

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

Zagreb, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. This town 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.

Zagreb is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, 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 Heidelberg and Zagreb, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Zagreb. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In July, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), 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 Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In the winter, Heidelberg is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagreb. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

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

Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Heidelberg