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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Brussels and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Brussels and Zadar.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Zadar has a huge number of terrific 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 Brussels or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Zadar.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

If you're looking for night time activities Zadar has a few options to choose from. 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 Brussels or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Brussels or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Brussels and Zadar.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 Brussels or Zadar?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Zadar Better for Families?

Brussels is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Zadar Better for Couples?

Brussels and Zadar both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Zadar is a great city 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.

Is Brussels or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Zadar are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Many backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Brussels or Zadar Better for Students?

Brussels and Zadar are superb places to visit for students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Zadar is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Brussels or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Zadar a more walkable city?

Brussels and Zadar both are superb when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels 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 Brussels.

One day in Brussels or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful town of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zadar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Zadar?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Brussels. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Zadar is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

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 Brussels and Zadar, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Zadar?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Zadar in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Zadar. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Brussels 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 October, Brussels is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Zadar in the Winter?

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

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Zadar. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brussels 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.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Brussels