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

Should you visit Inverness or Zagreb?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Zagreb can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a historic, beautiful, and authentic 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.

Inverness and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Inverness or Zagreb?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zagreb is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Inverness is more popular for its small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Inverness different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Zagreb

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Inverness and Zagreb.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Inverness or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Zagreb

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Zagreb.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Zagreb

Zagreb is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Zagreb

Zagreb is a well-known place for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Zagreb?

Inverness
Zagreb

Both Inverness and Zagreb are high quality shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

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 Inverness or Zagreb Better for Families?

Inverness
Zagreb

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Zagreb.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Inverness
Zagreb

Both Inverness and Zagreb are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

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 Inverness or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Zagreb

Zagreb is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Zagreb Better for Students?

Inverness
Zagreb

Zagreb is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Zagreb

Zagreb is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Zagreb has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Inverness
Zagreb

Inverness and Zagreb both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town 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 Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Zagreb?

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

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Inverness. 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 Inverness. 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 Inverness 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.


  • How many days in Inverness or Zagreb? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Zagreb 2-4

One day in Inverness or Zagreb?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Zagreb?

Inverness 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Inverness or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local city of Zagreb. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Inverness or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Inverness. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is £66. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Zagreb £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Zagreb £84
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Zagreb? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Zagreb


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices and Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Zagreb £7.84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $6.95
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • Zagreb to Franjo Tudman Airport(ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $20
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Train or Bus Station by car or van: $47
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $47
  • Private Transfer: Zagreb to Zagreb International Airport (ZAG): $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb and Inverness change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Zagreb £14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Zagreb £10

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.49
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • City Walking Tour w/ Funicular Ride and WW2 Tunnels: $19
  • City Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & WW2 Tunnels: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Zagreb £7.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Zagreb, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Zagreb?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Inverness is much colder than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°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. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Inverness is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. The weather in Inverness can be very cold. In January, Inverness is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Inverness during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

Inverness is much colder than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Inverness

Inverness Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)