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

Should you visit Vienna or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Vienna 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Zagreb travel costs.

Vienna and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Zagreb?

Both Zagreb and Vienna have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Vienna is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Vienna different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Zagreb.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Zagreb can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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).

Is Vienna or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Zagreb Better for Music?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Zagreb is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Vienna 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 Vienna can be explored in its historical center. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Zagreb?

Vienna 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 Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Zagreb More Beautiful?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Zagreb is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vienna or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zagreb. 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 Vienna or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Zagreb. 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Zagreb?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna 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 Vienna.

One day in Vienna or Zagreb?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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 Vienna or Zagreb?

Vienna 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 Vienna or Zagreb?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the artistic destination of Vienna. 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 Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, 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 Vienna and Zagreb, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Zagreb?

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

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 Vienna or Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Vienna during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Vienna is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Zagreb. Most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Vienna can be very cold during winter. In January, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Vienna