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

Should you visit Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant, friendly, and relaxed city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Toulouse and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Toulouse or Zagreb?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Toulouse, Toulouse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Toulouse different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse
Zagreb

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Zagreb and Toulouse.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse
Zagreb

Toulouse 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 Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Zagreb

The vibe at night is very good in both Toulouse and Zagreb.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

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.

Is Toulouse or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Zagreb

Both Toulouse and Zagreb have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Zagreb?

Toulouse
Zagreb

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Zagreb both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Toulouse or Zagreb Better for Families?

Toulouse
Zagreb

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

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly city. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Zagreb

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

Couples visit Toulouse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulouse
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Zagreb Better for Students?

Toulouse
Zagreb

Zagreb is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Toulouse
Zagreb

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

Zagreb offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.


Is Toulouse or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Zagreb

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

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Toulouse or Zagreb. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zagreb than Toulouse 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.


  • How many days in Toulouse or Zagreb? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Zagreb 2-4

One day in Toulouse or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. 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.

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 Toulouse or Zagreb?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

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 Toulouse or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Toulouse or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Toulouse. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Toulouse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulouse is €125, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is €77. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Toulouse and Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Zagreb 48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Zagreb 96
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Zagreb? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Toulouse


Hotels in Zagreb


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Toulouse Hotel Prices and Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Zagreb 9.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

Also for Toulouse, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $92
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $87
  • Private transfer your alternative to taxi for your travels: $93
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $240
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • private transfer from Trogir/Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,754
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Vienna: $930
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Budapest: $930
  • Transfer Zagreb - Split or Split - Zagreb: $760
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Split: $741
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice & Rastoke: $642
  • Private Transfer Tour from Zagreb - Split via Plitvice Lakes: $603
  • Private transfer from Zagreb to Split or Split to Zagreb: $567
  • Private Transfer from Split to Zagreb with stop at Plitvice: $556
  • Zagreb to Budapest Private Transfer by Minivan: $534
  • Private Transfer Zagreb-Zadar: $528
  • Transfer Ljubljana - Zagreb: $452

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb and Toulouse change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Toulouse 34
    Zagreb 16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

For Toulouse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $52
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $76
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $105
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $107

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Zagreb 12

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Toulouse.

  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Toulouse : Walking tour with audio guide: $5.29
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Toulouse Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Toulouse's Timeless Splendor: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $16
  • Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Minibus: $17

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Grand Zagreb Tour : $99
  • Zagreb History Walking Tour: $32
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Zagreb City with Guide (up to 10): $153
  • 2-Hour Unveiling A Captivating History Tour: $107
  • 4 Day Touristic Adventure from Zagreb: $2,449
  • 4-hour Private Zagreb & the Mountain Tour in a Yugo car: $115
  • All-Inclusive Day Tour Zagreb-Rastoke-Plitvice Lakes-Split: $1,068
  • Back to Yugoslavia Private City Tour in Old-Timer Yugo Car: $93
  • Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour: $176
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $432
  • Best of ISTRIA: Amphitheater PULA + ROVINJ + HUM or POREČ - fully Private Tour: $262
  • Best of SLOVENIA - Bled + Postojna + Ljubljana - Day Tour from Zagreb: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Zagreb 8.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Toulouse:

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $530

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulouse and Zagreb, we can see that Toulouse 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 Toulouse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Zagreb. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°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 Toulouse this time of the year. In the summer, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, 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.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Toulouse during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulouse 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. In the winter, Toulouse is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zagreb. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In April, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Toulouse

Toulouse Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)