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

Should you visit Mainz or Zagreb?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Mainz and Zagreb can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Mainz

Mainz is a historic, quaint, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mainz and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mainz attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Mainz different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Mainz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Mainz. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zagreb. 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 Mainz or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Zagreb has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Mainz or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Both Mainz and Zagreb have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Mainz or Zagreb Better for Families?

Zagreb is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Is Mainz or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

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 Mainz or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Zagreb is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 backpackers visit Mainz. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

Is Mainz or Zagreb Better for Students?

Both Mainz and Zagreb are very good destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

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.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Mainz and Zagreb.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mainz. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

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

Is Mainz or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Mainz 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 Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored 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 Mainz Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Mainz or Zagreb. In our opinion, Zagreb has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zagreb than Mainz. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. 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.

In Zagreb, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Mainz or Zagreb?

Mainz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Mainz or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. 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 is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Mainz or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Mainz. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Mainz and Zagreb, we can see that Mainz 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 Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz 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 Mainz 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 Mainz or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Mainz during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mainz is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Zagreb. Many travelers come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Mainz is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Zagreb. Many visitors come to Mainz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Mainz can get quite cold in the winter. Mainz is a little warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Mainz is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

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