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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty 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 under-rated, local, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Zagreb. Shanghai is bigger than Zagreb, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Shanghai is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Shanghai different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Zagreb?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city 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 Shanghai or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Zagreb are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai or Zagreb Better for Students?

Shanghai and Zagreb are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Both Shanghai and Zagreb offer excellent public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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

Is Shanghai or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Zagreb both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Zagreb?

Shanghai 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.

The city of Zagreb offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Zagreb?

Shanghai 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.

Zagreb is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zagreb, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Zagreb?

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

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Shanghai. 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 great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Shanghai and Zagreb, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Zagreb is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Zagreb?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Zagreb. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Zagreb. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Shanghai. In January, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Shanghai