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

Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a historic, traditional, and alpine city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around 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 skiing.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Zagreb?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is better known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Nagano different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Zagreb Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Zagreb is not a skiing destination.

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Zagreb is not a skiing destination.

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nagano and Zagreb.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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.

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

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

Nagano has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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).

Is Nagano or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Nagano and Zagreb.

The nightlife in Nagano has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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.

Is Nagano or Zagreb Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a great city for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Nagano or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Zagreb is well-known for its shopping. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagano or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Zagreb are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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 Nagano or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nagano or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

Zagreb is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Zagreb can get you around easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Nagano or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano or Zagreb?

Nagano 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 Nagano or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Nagano or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the traditional destination of Nagano. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Zagreb, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nagano is in Asia and Zagreb is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagano Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Zagreb. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagano is a little warmer than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. In the summer, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano usually gets more rain in July than Zagreb. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Nagano during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nagano is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. In the winter, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

Nagano is cooler than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nagano usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Nagano