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

Should you visit Pamplona or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Pamplona 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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful 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.

Pamplona and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Zagreb?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is better known for its hiking, while Zagreb is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Pamplona is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Pamplona different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Both Pamplona and Zagreb are superb when it comes to partying.

Pamplona offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Zagreb has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Pamplona or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Pamplona or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Pamplona or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Zagreb.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Pamplona and Zagreb make for a notable place to visit.

Pamplona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

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 Pamplona or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Pamplona and Zagreb are superb destinations for backpackers.

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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.

Is Pamplona or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a well-known place for students. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Zagreb can get you to some places easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Pamplona or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Zagreb both are superb when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to 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 Pamplona Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Pamplona or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamplona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Pamplona. 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.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Zagreb offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pamplona or Zagreb?

Pamplona 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zagreb, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. 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.

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Pamplona. 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.

Zagreb is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, 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 Pamplona and Zagreb, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamplona is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona 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 January, Pamplona is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Pamplona usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Pamplona