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

Should you visit Zagreb or Anchorage?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zagreb and Anchorage. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a scenic, breathtaking, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Zagreb and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Anchorage is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Zagreb different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Zagreb or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Zagreb or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Zagreb or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

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

Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Anchorage?

Zagreb is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Zagreb or Anchorage Better for Families?

Both Zagreb and Anchorage are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zagreb. 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.

Anchorage offers lots of family activities. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Zagreb or Anchorage Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Zagreb or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Zagreb or Anchorage Better for Students?

Zagreb is a well-known place for students. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Zagreb or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zagreb and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zagreb than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Zagreb, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zagreb or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Zagreb or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Zagreb. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Zagreb or Anchorage?

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artsy destination of Anchorage. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zagreb and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zagreb is in Europe and Anchorage is in North America, 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Zagreb Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Anchorage?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and Anchorage, 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 Zagreb or Anchorage?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zagreb or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zagreb is generally a little warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 22°C (72°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zagreb usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zagreb or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Anchorage. The autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. Zagreb is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In the autumn, Zagreb often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. In the winter, Zagreb is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zagreb in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zagreb or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Zagreb during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Zagreb is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Zagreb