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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Saint-Etienne. Zagreb is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

Zagreb is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zagreb is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Zagreb has a huge number of terrific 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).

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Zagreb for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

Zagreb is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Zagreb are notable family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Zagreb is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Saint-Etienne or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Zagreb is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Zagreb makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Zagreb than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

Saint-Etienne 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 destination of Zagreb. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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 Saint-Etienne and Zagreb, we can see that Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Zagreb in the Summer?

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

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, 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 Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagreb. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Zagreb in the Spring?

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

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

Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Saint-Etienne