A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Zagreb vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Zagreb or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Zagreb and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zagreb is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Zagreb different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hvar 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 Hvar?

Zagreb is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Both Zagreb and Hvar offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Zagreb or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Zagreb or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zagreb or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Zagreb or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Zagreb or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Hvar?

Zagreb is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Zagreb or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Zagreb or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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.

Is Zagreb or Hvar Better for Students?

Zagreb is notable for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Zagreb or Hvar a more walkable city?

Zagreb is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Zagreb or Hvar. In our opinion, Hvar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hvar than Zagreb. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Zagreb or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. 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.

A weekend in Zagreb or Hvar?

Zagreb is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Zagreb. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Zagreb or Hvar?

The local city of Zagreb offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented destination of Hvar. This island 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Hvar?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

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

Zagreb is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Hvar. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zagreb or Hvar in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Zagreb is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zagreb in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar 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 Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. In January, Zagreb is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 1°C (35°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Hvar. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zagreb or Hvar in the Spring?

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

Zagreb is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hvar. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Zagreb