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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bucharest than Zadar. Bucharest is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bucharest is better known for its big city activities, while Zadar is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bucharest is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. Also, Bucharest is famous for The Palace of Parliament. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Bucharest different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Bucharest and Zadar.

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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 Bucharest or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

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

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

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 Bucharest or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Is Bucharest or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bucharest or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beache. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Bucharest or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

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 Bucharest or Zadar Better for Families?

Zadar is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zadar. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zadar is a great town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Bucharest 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.

Bucharest has some very good public transit options. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Zadar is a very walkable town. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Zadar?

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

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Bucharest. 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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Zadar?

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Zadar?

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

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Zadar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the less touristy destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Zadar?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Zadar in the Summer?

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

Bucharest is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Zadar. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Bucharest 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 the autumn, Bucharest is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest 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.

Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Zadar. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Zadar in the Spring?

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

Bucharest is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Bucharest