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

Should you visit Ravenna or Zagreb?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ravenna and Zagreb. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a under-rated, local, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Ravenna and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Ravenna. Zagreb is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ravenna is more popular for its small town charm. Ravenna is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Ravenna different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ravenna and Zagreb offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Ravenna or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Zagreb is well-known for its shopping. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Ravenna or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Zagreb is a good town 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 Ravenna or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Ravenna or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

Many students visit Zagreb. 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Ravenna or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Ravenna and Zagreb are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored 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 Ravenna Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Zagreb?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zagreb than Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Zagreb?

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Ravenna or Zagreb?

Ravenna 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.

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 Ravenna or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. 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 Ravenna or Zagreb?

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When comparing the travel costs between Ravenna and Zagreb, we can see that Ravenna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ravenna Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Ravenna during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Ravenna is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Zagreb. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ravenna is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. In January, Ravenna is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

Ravenna is cooler than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Ravenna