Comparison · Budapest vs Zagreb · Hungary / Croatia
Budapest 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: Visions of Domino, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament; choose Zagreb for Upper Town, St Mark's Church and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 299 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 299 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Budapest
- April–May and September–October
- Best time for Zagreb
- May–June, September–October and December
Side by side
| Budapest | Zagreb | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Hungary | Croatia |
| Known for | Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament and Danube views | Upper Town, St Mark's Church and Dolac market |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–October | May–June, September–October and December |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$210 | $110–$190 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BUD | ZAG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Budapest for…
Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament. Budapest straddles the Danube: hilly Buda on the west bank has the Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion, while flat Pest on the east holds the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the old Jewish Quarter and most hotels, restaurants and bars. The city sits…
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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
| # | Budapest | Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hungarian Parliament Building | Ban Jelačić Square |
| 2 | Buda Castle | Dolac Market |
| 3 | Fisherman's Bastion | Zagreb Cathedral |
| 4 | Matthias Church | St Mark's Church |
| 5 | Széchenyi Thermal Bath | Stone Gate |
Food compared
| Budapest | Zagreb |
|---|---|
| Goulash soup | Štrukli |
| Chicken paprikash | Zagreb schnitzel |
| Lángos | Turkey with mlinci |
| Chimney cake | Fresh cheese and cream |
Which is cheaper?
Budapest and Zagreb cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $110–$210 in Budapest and $110–$190 in Zagreb (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Zagreb on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Budapest and Zagreb are about 299 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Budapest and 3 in Zagreb.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Budapest or Zagreb cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $110–$210 in Budapest and $110–$190 in Zagreb (estimates).
+Is Budapest or Zagreb better for a first trip?
Pick Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament, or Zagreb for Upper Town, St Mark's Church and free sights.
+How far is Budapest from Zagreb?
About 299 km in a straight line.