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

Should you visit Wellington or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Wellington or Zagreb? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Wellington and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Wellington. Zagreb is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Wellington is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Wellington different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Both Wellington and Zagreb offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Dining out in Zagreb is an experience not to be missed. 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 Wellington or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Wellington and Zagreb.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Zagreb is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Wellington or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Zagreb?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Wellington and Zagreb.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Wellington or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Wellington is a very kid-friendly city. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington or Zagreb Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wellington and Zagreb make for a notable place to visit.

Wellington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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 Wellington or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington and Zagreb are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Zagreb is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Wellington or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Wellington and Zagreb.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Wellington or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Wellington and Zagreb are superb when it comes to walkability.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wellington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Zagreb, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Zagreb?

Wellington 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Zagreb, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the funky destination of Wellington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Zagreb is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, 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 Wellington and Zagreb, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific and Zagreb is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Zagreb?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zagreb has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Wellington is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wellington. In the summer, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Zagrebin July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets less rain in January than Zagrebin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Wellington because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the autumn, Wellington is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wellington usually receives more rain than Zagrebin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wellington or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Zagreb. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. In July, Wellington is generally much warmer than Zagrebin January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Zagrebin January. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Zagrebin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

Wellington is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in April.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Zagrebin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Wellington