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

Should you visit Taormina 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 Taormina 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb. Although Taormina and Zagreb are both popular with visitors, Zagreb has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zagreb is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Taormina is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Taormina different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Both Taormina and Zagreb offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zagreb makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Taormina or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Taormina and Zagreb.

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Zagreb offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Taormina or Zagreb Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a great destination for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Taormina is a good destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Taormina or Zagreb Better for Families?

Zagreb is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Zagreb is a good town 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 Taormina or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Taormina or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

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.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Taormina or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Taormina and Zagreb are very good when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Taormina or Zagreb. In our opinion, Zagreb has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zagreb than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Taormina or Zagreb?

Taormina 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 Taormina or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Taormina or Zagreb?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in 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 Taormina and Zagreb, we can see that Taormina 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 Taormina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taormina 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 Taormina Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Zagreb. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°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 Taormina this time of the year. In the summer, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

Taormina is much warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Taormina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Taormina 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, Taormina is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Taormina