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

Should you visit Florence or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence 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.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Florence and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Zadar. Florence is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Florence is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Florence different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Florence or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Florence and Zadar.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

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 Florence or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Florence or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Florence or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great town for the beache. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Florence or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence or Zadar?

Florence 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.

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence or Zadar Better for Families?

Florence and Zadar are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence or Zadar Better for Couples?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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.

Is Florence or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence or Zadar Better for Students?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Zadar is very popular with students. 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 Florence or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Florence and Zadar both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

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

Is Florence or Zadar a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Florence?

How long in Florence or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Florence or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Florence than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

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

One day in Florence or Zadar?

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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 Florence or Zadar?

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

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Florence or Zadar?

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this alluring destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Zadar?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Florence during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Florence is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Florence. In the summer, Florence often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Zadar. Most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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, Florence is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florence in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Florence usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Florence usually receives more rain than Zadar. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Florence or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Florence as well as Zadar. The winter months attract visitors to Florence 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, Florence is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 7°C (45°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Florence often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Florence is around the same temperature as Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Florence usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Florence usually receives more rain than Zadar. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Florence