Comparison · Belgrade vs Zagreb · Serbia / Croatia
Belgrade vs Zagreb
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ZlatanJovanovic, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Belgrade for Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and lower day-to-day costs; choose Zagreb for Upper Town, St Mark's Church and free sights. Belgrade is generally less expensive, and the two are about 368 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 368 km
- Less expensive
- Belgrade
- Best time for Belgrade
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Zagreb
- May–June, September–October and December
Side by side
| Belgrade | Zagreb | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Serbia | Croatia |
| Known for | Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and Nightlife and river clubs | Upper Town, St Mark's Church and Dolac market |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–June, September–October and December |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$160 | $110–$190 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 30°C (86°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 5°C (41°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BEG | ZAG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Belgrade for…
Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and lower day-to-day costs. Serbia's capital stands on a ridge where the Sava flows into the Danube, crowned by the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. From there the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street leads to Republic Square, the bohemian kafanas of Skadarlija and the huge domed…
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Choose Zagreb for…
Upper Town, St Mark's Church and free sights. Croatia's capital splits into the medieval Upper Town (Gornji Grad and Kaptol) on its hill and the grid of 19th-century squares, parks and boulevards of the Lower Town below, joined by one of the world's shortest funiculars. Ban Jelačić Square, the Dolac…
Top sights compared
| # | Belgrade | Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park | Ban Jelačić Square |
| 2 | Knez Mihailova Street and Republic Square | Dolac Market |
| 3 | Skadarlija | Zagreb Cathedral |
| 4 | Church of Saint Sava | St Mark's Church |
| 5 | Nikola Tesla Museum | Stone Gate |
Food compared
| Belgrade | Zagreb |
|---|---|
| Ćevapi | Štrukli |
| Pljeskavica | Zagreb schnitzel |
| Burek with yogurt | Turkey with mlinci |
| Kajmak | Fresh cheese and cream |
Which is cheaper?
Belgrade is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $90–$160 per person there, against $110–$190 in Zagreb (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Belgrade on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Belgrade and Zagreb are about 368 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Belgrade and 3 in Zagreb.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Belgrade or Zagreb cheaper?
Belgrade is usually less expensive: about $90–$160 a day mid-range against $110–$190 (estimates).
+Is Belgrade or Zagreb better for a first trip?
Pick Belgrade for Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and lower day-to-day costs, or Zagreb for Upper Town, St Mark's Church and free sights.
+How far is Belgrade from Zagreb?
About 368 km in a straight line.