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

Should you visit Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a under-rated, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 authentic, under-rated, and local city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Warsaw and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Zagreb?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Warsaw. While Warsaw is larger than Zagreb, Zagreb has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zagreb is very popular for its food and shopping, while Warsaw attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Warsaw is famous for its historical position as a cultural and political center. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Warsaw different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Warsaw or Zagreb.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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 Warsaw or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zagreb is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Warsaw has something for everybody. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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 Warsaw or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

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

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a great city for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Warsaw and Zagreb are nice to visit with kids.

Warsaw offers lots of family activities. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Zagreb is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Warsaw or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Both Warsaw and Zagreb are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Zagreb makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Warsaw or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Warsaw. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Is Warsaw or Zagreb Better for Students?

For students, both Warsaw and Zagreb are very good places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Many students visit 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.

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

Warsaw and Zagreb both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Warsaw can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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

Is Warsaw or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known 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.

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Warsaw or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Warsaw, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Warsaw or Zagreb?

Warsaw 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 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.

Five days in Warsaw or Zagreb?

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

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

A week in Warsaw or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Warsaw. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Zagreb. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When comparing the travel costs between Warsaw and Zagreb, we can see that Warsaw is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Warsaw Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Zagreb?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Zagreb in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Warsaw is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Zagreb averages at about 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 Warsaw this time of the year. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Warsaw 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.

In October, Warsaw is generally cooler than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (49°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Warsaw usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Warsaw or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Warsaw during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Warsaw 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. Warsaw can get quite cold in the winter. Warsaw is much colder than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Zagreb in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Warsaw is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Warsaw