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

Should you visit Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Bilbao and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bilbao than Zadar. Bilbao is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bilbao 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, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bilbao is more touristy than Zadar and is known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Bilbao different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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 Bilbao or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Bilbao or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the 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 Bilbao or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Zadar?

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old 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 Bilbao or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Zadar are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

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 Bilbao or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Bilbao or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

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

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao has some very good public transit options. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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

Is Bilbao or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Zadar?

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

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

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial destination offers. 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 Bilbao or Zadar?

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

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. 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 Bilbao or Zadar?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Bilbao. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Bilbao and Zadar, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Zadar?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Zadar. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bilbao is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°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. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Zadar. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°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, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Zadar. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Zadar in the Spring?

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

Bilbao is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°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, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bilbao