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

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Messina attracts visitors for its beaches. Messina is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Messina different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Zagreb is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Messina and Zagreb.

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Many people head to Zagreb for the nightlife scene. 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 Messina or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

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

Zagreb is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Zagreb?

Zagreb is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Zagreb Better for Families?

Messina is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. 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 Messina or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Zagreb are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Zagreb makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Messina or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

Zagreb is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Messina and Zagreb both are very good when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Zagreb is a very walkable port city. 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 Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Messina?

How long in Messina or Zagreb?

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

Families should spend more time in Messina than Zagreb. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Messina, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zagreb than Messina. 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 Messina 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 Messina or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Messina or Zagreb?

Messina 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 Messina or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Messina. This port city 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Messina and Zagreb, we can see that Messina 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Messina is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Messina is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Messina