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

Should you visit Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a cultural, active, and young 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 and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Zagreb travel costs.

Kaunas and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Kaunas, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Kaunas different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas 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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zagreb is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Zagreb?

Zagreb is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Kaunas and Zagreb are good family-friendly destinations.

Kaunas is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

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 Kaunas or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Zagreb is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is notable for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is notable for students. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Is Kaunas or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

A weekend in Kaunas or Zagreb?

Kaunas 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 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.

Five days in Kaunas or Zagreb?

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

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

A week in Kaunas or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the young destination of Kaunas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Zagreb. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Zagreb. The summer months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In July, Kaunas is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°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 Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Zagreb. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Kaunas is much colder than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kaunas 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 Kaunas. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Kaunas is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Kaunas