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

Should you visit Oxford or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Zagreb, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

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

Oxford and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Oxford is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Oxford different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Oxford or Zagreb.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Zagreb.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Zagreb is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Oxford or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Zagreb Better for Families?

Oxford and Zagreb are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Zagreb is a good college 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 Oxford or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Zagreb Better for Students?

Oxford is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Zagreb is a very popular college town 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.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Oxford and Zagreb are great when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Zagreb is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Zagreb?

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

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Oxford. 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.

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

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the 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 Oxford or Zagreb?

Oxford 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 Oxford or Zagreb?

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

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Oxford and Zagreb, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Oxford can be very cold during winter. Oxford is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagreb. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Oxford