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

Should you visit Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a under-rated, local, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb. Although Rotterdam and Zagreb are roughly the same size, Zagreb has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zagreb is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Rotterdam is known for its big city activities. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Rotterdam different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zagreb. 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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Zagreb is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Rotterdam and Zagreb.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Zagreb has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Rotterdam or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is great for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Zagreb?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Rotterdam. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Rotterdam or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Zagreb both good destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

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 Rotterdam or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Rotterdam or Zagreb Better for Students?

For students, both Rotterdam and Zagreb are excellent places to visit.

Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Zagreb is a very popular port 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 Rotterdam or Zagreb Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rotterdam and Zagreb both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Rotterdam or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Zagreb are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

Zagreb is very walkable. 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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Zagreb?

Rotterdam 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Zagreb. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Rotterdam or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, 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 Rotterdam and Zagreb, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Zagreb. The summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), 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 Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Rotterdam is cooler than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Rotterdam. In the winter, Rotterdam is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Rotterdam