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

Should you visit Bergen or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Bergen and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its shopping and small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Bergen different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bergen or Zadar.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Bergen or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Zadar is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Bergen or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Bergen and Zadar.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

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 Bergen or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Bergen or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bergen or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is notable for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Bergen or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Zadar?

Bergen is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Bergen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen or Zadar Better for Families?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen or Zadar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bergen and Zadar make for a high quality place to visit.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Bergen or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bergen or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Zadar is a very popular town 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen 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.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Bergen or Zadar a more walkable city?

Bergen and Zadar both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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 Bergen Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bergen or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bergen 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 Bergen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Bergen. 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 Bergen. 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 Bergen 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 Bergen or Zadar?

In Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Bergen or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

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 Bergen or Zadar?

Bergen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bergen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Bergen or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the nostalgic destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed 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 Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Bergen and Zadar, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Zadar?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Bergen is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Zadar. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bergen or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Bergen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bergen is much colder than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Zadar. Many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. In the winter, Bergen is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Zadar. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bergen or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bergen