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

Should you visit Tenerife or Zagreb?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Zagreb, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a volcanic, scenic, and vibrant island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Zagreb?

Both Zagreb and Tenerife have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities. Tenerife is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Tenerife different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Tenerife is a world class party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

The nightlife in Zagreb has something for everybody. 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 Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Tenerife to choose from. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a great destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tenerife for it's beautiful beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Zagreb?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tenerife and Zagreb.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Families?

Tenerife 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, Tenerife is very family-friendly. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Zagreb is a good island 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 Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Zagreb is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Zagreb is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Zagreb is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

For even more information, also check out Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Tenerife or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tenerife due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tenerife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Tenerife or Zagreb?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Tenerife or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tenerife or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Tenerife. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, 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 Tenerife and Zagreb, we can see that Tenerife 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 Tenerife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Tenerife during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tenerife is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the summer, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Tenerife is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Tenerife