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

Should you visit Athens or Zadar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Zadar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Athens or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is great for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zadar to choose from. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is great for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Zadar for it's beautiful 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zadar. 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 Athens or Zadar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Zadar both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Zadar is a great destination for shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Athens or Zadar Better for Families?

Athens is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Zadar is a family-friendly city. 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 Athens or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Zadar is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Athens or Zadar Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Zadar are superb places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Zadar is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Athens or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Zadar has some public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Athens or Zadar a more walkable city?

Athens and Zadar are superb when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Zadar is very walkable. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Athens?

How long in Athens or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Athens. 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 Athens than Zadar 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Zadar 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 Athens or Zadar?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. 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 Athens or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Zadar. This town 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Athens and Zadar, we can see that Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Zadar?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Zadar?

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 Athens or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Zadar. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Zadar. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Athens is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Zadar. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Athens