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

Should you visit Paris or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Zagreb. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb attracts visitors for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.

Is Paris or Zagreb Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Zagreb is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Zagreb is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Zagreb Better for Music?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Zagreb?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Zagreb Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Zagreb does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Zagreb does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Paris or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Paris and Zagreb are superb when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Paris?

How long in Paris or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Paris or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paris due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Zagreb 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Zagreb?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zagreb, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Zagreb?

Paris 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Zagreb?

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

Zagreb is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Zagreb?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Zagreb?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, 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 the summer, Paris is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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.

In October, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagreb. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Zagreb. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Paris is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Paris gets 50 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 Paris