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

Should you visit Bergen or Zagreb?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bergen or Zagreb? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bergen travel costs.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a local, historic, and beautiful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Zagreb travel costs.

Bergen and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zagreb is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Bergen different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Zagreb is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Zagreb is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Bergen or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Zagreb has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Bergen or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Zagreb?

Both Bergen and Zagreb are superb shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Bergen or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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 Bergen or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bergen or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Both Bergen and Zagreb offer superb public transit options.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Public transit in Zagreb is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Bergen or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Bergen and Zagreb both are superb when exploring on foot.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

Zagreb is very walkable. 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 Bergen Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Bergen or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Bergen or Zagreb?

Bergen 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.

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 Bergen or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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 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 Bergen or Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, 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 Bergen and Zagreb, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Zagreb. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bergen is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bergen or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Zagreb. The autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Bergen is cooler than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. In the winter, Bergen is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bergen or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Bergen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Bergen