A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Zadar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Braga 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.

Where Should I go: Braga or Zadar?

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Braga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Zadar is €89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Braga and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Braga or Zadar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Braga


Hotels in Zadar


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Zadar 9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar city to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar : $49
  • Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar City: $49
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Zadar hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Braga 40
    Zadar 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.

  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Braga 16
    Zadar 19

Tours and Activities in Braga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:

  • Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
  • Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
  • Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
  • KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
  • Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
  • Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
  • Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • Zadar historical guided tour: $16
  • Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $21
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
  • Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
  • Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Braga 21
    Zadar 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
  • Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
  • Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and Zadar, we can see that Braga 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 Braga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Braga 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 Braga Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Braga or Zadar?

Braga has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Braga is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 21°C (69°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 Braga. Braga usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Zadar. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Braga or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Braga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Braga is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 17°C (62°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, Braga often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Braga gets 184 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 Braga. Braga usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Braga or Zadar in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Braga is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Braga in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Braga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Braga usually receives more rain than Zadar. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Braga or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Braga as well as Zadar. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Braga is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 14°C (56°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the spring, Braga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Braga usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Braga

Braga Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)