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

Should you visit Imperia or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Imperia 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.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Imperia and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Imperia or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb. Although Imperia and Zagreb are both popular with visitors, Zagreb has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zagreb is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Imperia is known for its impressive beauty. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Imperia different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

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

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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Imperia or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Imperia or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Imperia or Zagreb?

Zagreb is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Imperia or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Imperia or Zagreb.

Imperia is a family-friendly place to visit. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Zagreb is a family-friendly town. 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 Imperia or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Imperia and Zagreb make for a good place to visit.

Imperia is a good town for couples to visit. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Zagreb is a nice destination for couples. 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 Imperia or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Imperia or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is notable for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Imperia or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Imperia Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Imperia?

How long in Imperia or Zagreb?

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

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Imperia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Imperia or Zagreb?

Imperia 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.

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 Imperia or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Imperia. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, 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 Imperia and Zagreb, we can see that Imperia 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 Imperia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Imperia 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 Imperia Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Imperia or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Imperia 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 Imperia 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 Imperia or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Imperia and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Imperia 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.

In July, Imperia is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 25°C (76°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Imperia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Imperia usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Imperia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Imperia usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Imperia gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Imperia or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Imperia as well as Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Imperia 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.

Imperia is a little warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Imperia often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Imperia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Imperia usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Imperia gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Imperia or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Imperia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Imperia 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. In the winter, Imperia is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Imperia in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Imperia usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Imperia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Imperia usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Imperia gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Imperia or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Imperia during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Imperia for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Imperia is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 15°C (58°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Imperia often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Imperia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Imperia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zagreb. Imperia gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Imperia