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

Should you visit Zagreb or Portland?

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 Portland. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a nature-filled, scenic, and laid-back city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Zagreb and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Portland. 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 Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. 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 Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Zagreb has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Zagreb is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Portland?

Zagreb is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for Families?

Both Zagreb and Portland 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.

Portland offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for Couples?

Zagreb and Portland both nice destinations for a couple.

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.

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb and Portland are very good 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Zagreb or Portland Better for Students?

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

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Zagreb or Portland a more walkable city?

Zagreb and Portland both are very good when exploring on foot.

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.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland?

The city of Zagreb offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Zagreb is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zagreb, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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 Zagreb or Portland?

Zagreb is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Zagreb is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Portland?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Zagreb or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zagreb is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 22°C (72°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In the summer, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Portland. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

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

Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Portland during autumn. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zagreb or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Zagreb during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. In the winter, Zagreb is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zagreb in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Portland. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zagreb usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Portland. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Zagreb is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Zagreb