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

Should you visit Bologna 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 Bologna and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Bologna and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bologna or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bologna is known for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Bologna is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Bologna different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

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 Bologna or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna 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, Bologna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

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 Bologna or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Bologna 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.

Bologna offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

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 Bologna or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bologna 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.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Bologna or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna 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.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bologna or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bologna 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.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Bologna or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

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 Bologna or Zadar?

Bologna 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.

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

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 Bologna or Zadar Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Bologna or Zadar.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

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 Bologna or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bologna is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Bologna or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bologna and Zadar are great destinations for backpackers.

Bologna is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

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

Is Bologna or Zadar Better for Students?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Bologna. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

Zadar is very popular with students. 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 Bologna or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bologna and Zadar offer good public transit options.

Bologna has a few public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

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

Is Bologna or Zadar a more walkable city?

Bologna and Zadar both are great when exploring on foot.

Bologna is a very walkable destination. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

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 Bologna Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Bologna?

How long in Bologna or Zadar?

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

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Bologna. 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 Bologna. 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 Bologna 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 Bologna.

One day in Bologna or Zadar?

In Bologna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this culinary destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This 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 Bologna or Zadar?

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

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bologna or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Bologna. 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 food. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, 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 Bologna and Zadar, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bologna or Zadar?

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

Both Zadar and Bologna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. Bologna usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Bologna gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bologna usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bologna gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bologna or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Bologna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

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

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bologna often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bologna gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. Bologna usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Bologna gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bologna and Zadar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bologna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. In the winter, Bologna is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bologna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bologna usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Bologna gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bologna usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bologna gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bologna or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bologna as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Bologna is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 13°C (55°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, Bologna often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bologna gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Bologna gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bologna