A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pompeii vs. Zagreb for Attractions, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Pompeii or Zagreb?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Zagreb can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a historic, beautiful, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb. Although Pompeii and Zagreb are both popular with visitors, Zagreb has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zagreb is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Pompeii different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii 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 Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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).

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Zagreb has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Pompeii or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Zagreb?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Pompeii or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Pompeii and Zagreb are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Pompeii is a good archeological site for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Zagreb is a nice destination for couples. 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 Pompeii or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Pompeii or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Zagreb is very popular with students. 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Pompeii or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Zagreb, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Pompeii or Zagreb?

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Zagreb, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zagreb has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pompeii or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the one-of-a-kind destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking 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 Pompeii and Zagreb, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Pompeii during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pompeii. In the summer, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Zagreb. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Pompeii is a little warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Zagreb. The winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. In the winter, Pompeii is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pompeii usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

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

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Pompeii