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

Should you visit Zagreb or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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 beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Zagreb and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco. Although Zagreb and San Francisco are roughly the same size, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is known for its nightlife and historical sights. San Francisco is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Zagreb different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Is Zagreb or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Zagreb is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Zagreb is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Zagreb or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Zagreb or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Zagreb or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zagreb to see the historical old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Zagreb or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

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

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods 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.

Is Zagreb or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit San Francisco frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb and San Francisco are great 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Zagreb or San Francisco Better for Students?

Zagreb and San Francisco are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit 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.

San Francisco is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

San Francisco has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Zagreb or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Zagreb and San Francisco both are great 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or San Francisco?

Both Zagreb and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Zagreb. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Zagreb, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Zagreb or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zagreb. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Zagreb. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zagreb or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Zagreb. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Zagreb during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zagreb is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zagreb in July average around 22°C (72°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Zagreb usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and San Francisco. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zagreb is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Zagreb usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zagreb or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as San Francisco. The winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Zagreb is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 1°C (35°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Zagreb usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zagreb is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zagreb in April average around 13°C (55°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Zagreb usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Zagreb