A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Zagreb for Old Town, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Zagreb. Stockholm is bigger than Zagreb, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is better known for its music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its food. Stockholm is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Also, Stockholm is famous for Gamla Stan (the old town). Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Stockholm and Zagreb.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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.

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

Zagreb is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zagreb. 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).

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Stockholm or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Zagreb.

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

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.

Is Stockholm or Zagreb Better for Music?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Stockholm can be explored in its historical center. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Zagreb?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zagreb and Stockholm.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

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 Stockholm or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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 Stockholm or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Is Stockholm or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Stockholm 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.

Stockholm has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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

Is Stockholm or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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 Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Zagreb?

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

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

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

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

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Stockholm or Zagreb?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 historic 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 Stockholm or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful 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 Stockholm or Zagreb?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Zagreb?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Stockholm 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 Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Stockholm is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, 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 Stockholm. Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Zagreb in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Zagreb in the Winter?

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

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Zagreb in the Spring?

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

Stockholm is much colder than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Stockholm