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

Should you visit Zurich or Zagreb?

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 Zurich and Zagreb. 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Zurich. Zagreb is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Zurich different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zagreb and Zurich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zurich or Zagreb?

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National 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 the Food Better in Zurich or Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Zagreb offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in 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 Zurich or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Zagreb are excellent when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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.

Is Zurich or Zagreb Better for Music?

Zurich is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Zurich has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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 Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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 the Shopping Better in Zurich or Zagreb?

Zurich 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 Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

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

Both Zurich and Zagreb offer excellent public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zurich and Zagreb both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Zurich or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zurich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

One day in Zurich or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 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.

A weekend in Zurich or Zagreb?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

Five days in Zurich or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

A week in Zurich or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. 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 shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Zagreb, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Zagreb, 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 Zurich or Zagreb?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zurich or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Zagreb. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Zagreb. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zagreb. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

Zurich is cooler than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Zurich