A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zagreb vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Zagreb or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. 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. 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.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Rotorua travel costs.

Zagreb and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Rotorua, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zagreb is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Rotorua is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Zagreb different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Zagreb and Rotorua.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Rotorua offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Both Zagreb and Rotorua 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).

Rotorua has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Zagreb or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Zagreb has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Zagreb or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Zagreb or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Rotorua?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Zagreb or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Zagreb or Rotorua Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rotorua is very family-friendly. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Rotorua Better for Students?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Zagreb or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Zagreb is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Rotorua?

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

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

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

In Zagreb, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

In Zagreb, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zagreb has to offer.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

Zagreb is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the world-renowned destination of Rotorua. This 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Zagreb and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zagreb is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zagreb Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Rotorua?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zagreb has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Zagreb or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Rotorua. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zagreb is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zagreb in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In October, Zagreb is generally cooler than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zagreb or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua 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. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. Zagreb is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 1°C (35°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Rotorua. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zagreb is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zagreb in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Zagreb