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

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Nice. Zagreb is bigger than Nice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Nice different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Nice or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Nice is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Nice is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

The nightlife in Zagreb has something for everybody. 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 Nice or Zagreb Better for Resorts?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Zagreb Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

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

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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 Nice or Zagreb?

Both Nice and Zagreb are very good shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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.

Is Nice or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Nice and Zagreb are notable to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Zagreb is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Zagreb is a good seaside destination 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 Nice or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Nice or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Nice and Zagreb offer very good public transit options.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Nice or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Nice?

How long in Nice or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Nice or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nice due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Zagreb?

Nice is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zagreb is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Zagreb. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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.

The beautiful city of Zagreb offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Nice and Zagreb, we can see that Nice 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice 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 Nice Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nice or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Zagreb. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Nice is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nice as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nice is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nice in the winter for 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. In January, Nice is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In January, Nice usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Nice during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

Nice is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nice usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zagreb. Nice gets 62 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 Nice