A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Caen vs. Zadar for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Zadar

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

Caen and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Zadar?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zadar than Caen. While Caen is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Caen is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. 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 Caen different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen 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.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Zadar.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Zadar has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Caen or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Zadar?

Zadar is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Caen and Zadar are nice family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

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.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Caen or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen 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.

Caen has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Caen or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Caen?

How long in Caen or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Caen or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Caen than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

In Caen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this important destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Caen or Zadar?

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

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 Caen or Zadar?

Caen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. 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 coastal 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 Caen or Zadar?

You'll find nightlife and food around the important destination of Caen. 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 coastal 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Caen and Zadar, we can see that Caen 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 Caen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caen 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 Caen Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Zadar?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caen as well as Zadar. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Caen is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Zadar. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Caen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Caen is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Zadar. Most visitors come to Caen 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, Caen is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Zadar. Caen gets 46 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 Caen