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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Geneva and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Geneva than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Geneva is very popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Geneva is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Geneva different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva 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.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Zadar can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Zadar has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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 Geneva or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great destination for its resorts. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a resort destination.

Is Geneva or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Geneva or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great destination for its beaches. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Zadar?

Geneva 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 Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Zadar are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. 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 Geneva or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Zadar Better for Students?

Geneva and Zadar are superb places to visit for students.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva is top-notch. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Zadar a more walkable city?

Geneva and Zadar both are superb when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Zadar?

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

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

Each neighborhood in Geneva has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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 Geneva or Zadar?

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

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. Lots of people come for the shopping. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Geneva or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the professional big city of Geneva. 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.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, 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 Geneva and Zadar, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Zadar?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Zadar in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Geneva is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°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. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Zadar. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Geneva is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°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, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zadar. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Zadar in the Winter?

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

Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Geneva is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Zadar. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Geneva is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zadar. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Geneva