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

Should you visit Zagreb or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 historic, beautiful, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Zagreb and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb. Although Zagreb and Kotor are popular destinations, Zagreb has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zagreb is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Kotor is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. 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 Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zagreb is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Zagreb specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Zagreb or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a good destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for Hiking?

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

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Kotor?

Zagreb is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Zagreb and Kotor 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal 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 Zagreb or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb and Kotor are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 budget travelers and backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Zagreb or Kotor Better for Students?

Zagreb is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Zagreb is very popular with students. 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Zagreb can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Zagreb or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Zagreb Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Zagreb or Kotor. In our opinion, Kotor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kotor than Zagreb. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Zagreb, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor 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 Kotor.

One day in Zagreb or Kotor?

In Zagreb, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zagreb or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zagreb or Kotor?

Zagreb is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Kotor?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zagreb is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 22°C (72°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zagreb. Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Kotor. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zagreb or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Zagreb during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Zagreb is cooler than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zagreb usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Kotor. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zagreb is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zagreb in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Kotor. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zagreb or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In April, Zagreb is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Zagreb usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Zagreb