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

Should you visit Nafplio or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Nafplio 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.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a beautiful, picturesque, and romantic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb. Although Nafplio and Zagreb are both popular with visitors, Zagreb has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zagreb is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Nafplio is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Nafplio is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Nafplio different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Zagreb and Nafplio.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

Many visitors head to Zagreb specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Nafplio or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nafplio and Zagreb offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Nafplio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

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).

Is Nafplio or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Zagreb have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

The people in Zagreb know how to have a good time. 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 Nafplio or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a good destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Nafplio offers a nice beach destination. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Nafplio and Zagreb.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Zagreb?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Zagreb.

Nafplio is a family-friendly city. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zagreb. 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 Nafplio or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Nafplio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

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 Nafplio or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Nafplio is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Is Nafplio or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio 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.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Zagreb offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio on foot is easy. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore 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 Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nafplio. 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, 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 Nafplio or Zagreb?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Nafplio. 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, 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 Nafplio and Zagreb, we can see that Nafplio 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 Nafplio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nafplio 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 Nafplio Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and 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, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio 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.

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

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio 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, Nafplio is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Nafplio