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

Should you visit Rome or Zagreb?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Zagreb can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rome and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Zagreb, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is known for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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 Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a world class party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Zagreb Better for Music?

Rome 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 Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Zagreb?

Rome 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 Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome or Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Rome or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Rome?

How long in Rome or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rome or Zagreb?

Rome 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.

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 Rome or Zagreb?

Rome 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.

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 Rome or Zagreb?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local 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 Rome or Zagreb?

Rome 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.

The authentic 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to 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 Rome and Zagreb, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rome or Zagreb?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome or Zagreb?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rome or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rome is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 25°C (77°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. Rome usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rome usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rome or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Rome during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Rome often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Rome in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rome is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rome in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Rome usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rome usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rome or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rome as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In April, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 14°C (57°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In the spring, Rome often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Rome