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

Should you visit Avignon 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 Avignon 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Zadar

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

Avignon and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Zadar?

Both Zadar and Avignon have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Zadar is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Avignon different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Avignon is an amazing town 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 Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is an amazing town 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, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Avignon or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Avignon or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a resort destination.

Is Avignon or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Avignon or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a very popular place for the beach. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Avignon or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is an amazing town 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.

Avignon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

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 Avignon or Zadar?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Avignon and Zadar.

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

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 Avignon or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Avignon and Zadar are good family-friendly destinations.

Avignon is a family-friendly town. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

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

Avignon and Zadar both superb destinations for a couple.

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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.

Is Avignon or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Avignon or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Many students visit Zadar. 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Avignon and Zadar.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

You'll find some public transit in Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Avignon or Zadar a more walkable city?

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Avignon on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Avignon or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Avignon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Avignon 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 Avignon or Zadar?

Even though Avignon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Avignon or Zadar?

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

Avignon is a fun place to experience. Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Avignon or Zadar?

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Avignon and Zadar, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Zadar?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Avignon 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 Avignon 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 Avignon or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Zadar. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Avignon is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 24°C (75°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In the summer, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Avignon is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Avignon usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. In October, Avignon usually receives more rain than Zadar. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Avignon or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Avignon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Avignon is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Avignon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Zadar. Most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Avignon is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 13°C (56°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Avignon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Avignon usually receives less rain than Zadar. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Avignon