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

Should you visit Bonn or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Bonn 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bonn and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Zadar?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zadar than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Bonn different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn 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.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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 Bonn or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Bonn and Zadar.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Bonn or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Bonn or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great town for its beaches. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Bonn and Zadar.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Bonn or Zadar?

Bonn 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around 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 Bonn or Zadar Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a great town for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Zadar Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and Zadar are high quality places to visit.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn 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.

Bonn has some very good public transit options. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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

Is Bonn or Zadar a more walkable city?

Bonn and Zadar are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

Zadar is a very walkable city. 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 Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Zadar?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Zadar?

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zadar. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bonn or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. 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.

Zadar is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bonn or Zadar?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the laid back destination of Zadar. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. 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.

The vibrant town of Zadar offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Bonn and Zadar, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Zadar?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Zadar. The shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Bonn. Bonn is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bonn is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bonn