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

Should you visit Pisa or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Pisa. Zagreb is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Pisa is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Pisa different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Many visitors head to Zagreb specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Pisa or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Pisa and Zagreb.

The nightlife in Pisa has something for everybody. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a good destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Pisa offers a nice beach destination. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Pisa or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Pisa and Zagreb.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

There is a nice variety of sights 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 Pisa or Zagreb?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pisa and Zagreb both offer plenty of superb spots.

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Pisa or Zagreb Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or Zagreb.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Zagreb is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Pisa or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Pisa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples 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 Pisa or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pisa and Zagreb are superb places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Zagreb is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Pisa or Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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 Pisa 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, Pisa 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.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Pisa or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Pisa and Zagreb are superb when it comes to walkability.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Zagreb?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa 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 Pisa.

One day in Pisa or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Pisa or Zagreb?

Pisa 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 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 Pisa or Zagreb?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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 Pisa or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Pisa. 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.

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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, 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 Pisa and Zagreb, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa 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 Pisa or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Pisa is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 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 Pisa this time of the year. In the summer, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Pisa usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Pisa because of the shopping 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 the autumn, Pisa is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pisa in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. In October, Pisa usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pisa or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Pisa during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pisa 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, Pisa is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 7°C (45°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Pisa usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Zagreb in the Spring?

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

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

Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pisa usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Pisa