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

Should you visit Zagreb or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. 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 under-rated, local, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Zagreb and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Sarajevo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Zagreb, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sarajevo is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its nightlife. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Zagreb different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zagreb and Sarajevo.

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.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Zagreb or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo can be explored in its historical center. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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 Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Sarajevo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sarajevo and Zagreb.

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Zagreb or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Zagreb is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Zagreb or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Zagreb is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Zagreb or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb and Sarajevo are excellent 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Zagreb or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Zagreb and Sarajevo.

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Zagreb or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

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

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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zagreb and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zagreb than in Sarajevo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Zagreb, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

Families should spend more time in Zagreb than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo. 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.

One day in Zagreb or Sarajevo?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zagreb or Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zagreb and Sarajevo, we can see that Zagreb is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Zagreb would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zagreb than you might in Sarajevo.

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

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Sarajevo?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Sarajevo. The summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Zagreb is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In the summer, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zagreb is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zagreb in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In October, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zagreb or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Zagreb during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. In January, Zagreb is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 1°C (35°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zagreb usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Sarajevo. Many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Zagreb is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Zagreb