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

Should you visit Antwerp or Zadar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Zadar. Antwerp is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Antwerp is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Antwerp different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antwerp or Zadar?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

Is the Food Better in Antwerp or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zadar. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Antwerp offers plenty to do in the evening. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Antwerp is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Antwerp is not a resort destination.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Zadar. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beache. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp and Zadar are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Many visitors go to Zadar to see the historical old town. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Zadar?

Antwerp is an amazing port city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Antwerp or Zadar.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Antwerp. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zadar is a great town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Students?

Antwerp and Zadar are great places to visit for students.

Antwerp is very popular with students. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Zadar is a great port city to visit as a student. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Is Antwerp or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Antwerp and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

While Zadar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Antwerp or Zadar a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Zadar both are great when exploring on foot.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

For even more information, also check out Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Antwerp or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Antwerp than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Antwerp 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 Zadar.

One day in Antwerp or Zadar?

In Antwerp, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antwerp or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Zadar?

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Zadar, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Antwerp would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antwerp than you might in Zadar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antwerp Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Zadar?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Zadar, 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 Antwerp or Zadar?

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 Antwerp or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Zadar. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Antwerp is much colder than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Zadar. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Zadar. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the autumn, Antwerp is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zadar. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Antwerp 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 Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In January, Antwerp is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Zadar. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Antwerp during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Antwerp is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Antwerp