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

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Zagreb can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

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

Porto and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Zagreb?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb attracts visitors for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Porto different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Porto or Zagreb.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Porto or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto 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 Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Porto and Zagreb.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Zagreb are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Zagreb is a good port 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 Porto or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto 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 Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Zagreb Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Zagreb are high quality places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Zagreb is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Porto or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Porto and Zagreb both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Zagreb has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Porto or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Porto and Zagreb are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

Zagreb is a very walkable port 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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Porto?

How long in Porto or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Porto or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Porto due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Zagreb?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

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 Porto or Zagreb?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

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 Porto or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Porto or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Porto. This port 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, 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 Porto and Zagreb, we can see that Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Zagreb?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Zagreb. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°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 Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. Porto is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Zagreb. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Porto