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

Should you visit Dublin or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Zadar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun 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, shopping, and museums.

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.

Dublin and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Zadar. Dublin is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Dublin different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin 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.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dublin or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Dublin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Dublin or Zadar Better for Music?

Dublin is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Zadar is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin is very popular with diverse venues. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great destination for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

Zadar is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Dublin or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dublin or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Zadar. 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Dublin and Zadar both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Zadar is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Dublin or Zadar?

Dublin is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin or Zadar Better for Families?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin or Zadar Better for Couples?

Dublin and Zadar are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin and Zadar are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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

Is Dublin or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zadar is a great town to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

While Zadar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Dublin or Zadar a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Zadar?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Zadar. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dublin that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Dublin or Zadar?

In Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

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 Dublin or Zadar?

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

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

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 Dublin or Zadar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Dublin. 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 nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, 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 Dublin and Zadar, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Zadar?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Zadar. Many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dublin is much colder than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 16°C (60°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. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives more rain than Zadar. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dublin is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dublin in October average around 11°C (52°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, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In January, Dublin is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 6°C (42°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dublin usually receives less rain than Zadar. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Dublin during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Dublin is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 8°C (47°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, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Dublin