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

Should you visit Zagreb or Quepos?

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 Quepos. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Zagreb travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a laid-back, relaxed, and local town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Quepos travel costs.

Zagreb and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Quepos?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb. Although Zagreb and Quepos are both popular with visitors, Zagreb has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zagreb is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Quepos is known for its resorts and beaches. Quepos is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its big game sport fishing. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Zagreb different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

Zagreb is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Zagreb or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Zagreb or Quepos Better for Resorts?

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

Not known for its high-end resorts, Quepos offers a few options. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Zagreb or Quepos Better for Beaches?

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

Quepos offers a nice beach destination. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Zagreb or Quepos Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Quepos?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Zagreb or Quepos Better for Families?

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

Quepos is a very kid-friendly town. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

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 Quepos Better for Couples?

Quepos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Quepos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

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 Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos 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 Quepos. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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 Quepos Better for Students?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Quepos 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.

Quepos is not popular with students.

Is Zagreb or Quepos 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, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Quepos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Zagreb or Quepos a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Quepos?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Zagreb than Quepos. 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 Quepos 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 Quepos?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Zagreb. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Quepos. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zagreb or Quepos?

Zagreb 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.

Quepos 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 Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Zagreb. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Quepos. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

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

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Quepos?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

Zagreb has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Quepos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Quepos. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In the summer, Zagreb is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zagreb in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In the summer, Zagreb often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Zagreb usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Zagreb is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In October, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Quepos. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.

Should I visit Zagreb or Quepos in the Winter?

Both Quepos and Zagreb during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. Zagreb is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 1°C (35°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Quepos. The spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Zagreb is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zagreb in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during spring. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Quepos. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Zagreb