A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Zagreb for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Phuket or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Zagreb, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a activity-filled, energetic, and party-hard resort island. Phuket is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Phuket travel costs.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Zagreb travel costs.

Phuket and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Zagreb?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zagreb than Phuket. Zagreb is bigger than Phuket, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zagreb is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Phuket is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Phuket different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Zagreb can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Phuket. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

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 Phuket or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Phuket is a world class party destination. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

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.

Is Phuket or Zagreb Better for Resorts?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Phuket for its luxury resorts. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Zagreb Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Phuket offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is a great destination for its old town. However, Phuket 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.

Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Zagreb?

Zagreb is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Zagreb More Beautiful?

Phuket is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

Phuket is a beautiful place to visit, too. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Zagreb Better for Families?

Phuket and Zagreb are both notable destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

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 Phuket or Zagreb Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Zagreb is a good resort island 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 Phuket or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Phuket is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Is Phuket or Zagreb Better for Students?

Zagreb is a great destination for students. However, Phuket is not popular with students.

Zagreb is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Phuket is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Is Phuket or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Zagreb is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Phuket or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Phuket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Phuket or Zagreb?

Phuket 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.

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 Phuket or Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Phuket or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Phuket. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, 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 Phuket and Zagreb, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket is in Asia and Zagreb is in Europe, 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Phuket is a little warmer than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phuket or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Phuket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Zagreb. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Zagreb. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Phuket is much warmer than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Phuket