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

Should you visit Bruges 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 Bruges 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Zadar?

Both Zadar and Bruges have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Bruges is more popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Bruges is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Bruges different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges 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.

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Bruges and Zadar offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Bruges or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Bruges and Zadar.

If you're looking for night time activities Bruges has a few options to choose from. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

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 Bruges or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is great for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Bruges or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is great for the beach. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges or Zadar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bruges and Zadar both offer plenty of good spots.

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Zadar is a great destination for shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Bruges or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Zadar are good family-friendly destinations.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Zadar is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bruges or Zadar Better for Couples?

Bruges and Zadar both superb destinations for a couple.

Bruges is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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.

Is Bruges or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bruges and Zadar are superb places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Bruges or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bruges and Zadar both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

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

Is Bruges or Zadar a more walkable city?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. 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 Bruges Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Zadar?

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

One day in Bruges or Zadar?

In Bruges, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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.

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 Bruges or Zadar?

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

Bruges is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bruges or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Bruges and Zadar, we can see that Bruges 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 Bruges would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bruges 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 Bruges Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Zadar?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bruges is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bruges. In the summer, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Zadar. Many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bruges is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bruges is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Zadar in the Spring?

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

In April, Bruges is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bruges