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

Should you visit Genoa or Zadar?

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

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

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or Zadar?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zadar than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its museums. Genoa is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Genoa different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Genoa 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.

Genoa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Genoa and Zadar.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Genoa or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Genoa and Zadar.

If you're looking for night time activities Genoa has a few options to choose from. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

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 Genoa or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is great for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Genoa or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Genoa or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is great for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Genoa or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zadar to see the historical old town. 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.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Genoa or Zadar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Genoa and Zadar both offer plenty of good spots.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Zadar is a great destination for shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Genoa or Zadar Better for Families?

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Zadar is a family-friendly port 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 Genoa or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Genoa or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Genoa and Zadar are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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.

Is Genoa or Zadar Better for Students?

For students, both Genoa and Zadar are very good places to visit.

Genoa is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Genoa 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.

Genoa has some very good public transit options. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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

Is Genoa or Zadar a more walkable city?

Genoa and Zadar are very good when it comes to walkability.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

Zadar is very walkable. 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 Genoa Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Genoa or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Genoa than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Genoa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Genoa. 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 Genoa 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 Genoa or Zadar?

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This port 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.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Genoa or Zadar?

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

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

Five days in Genoa or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Genoa or Zadar?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Zadar. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in 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 Genoa and Zadar, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Genoa or Zadar?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Genoa 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 Genoa 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 Genoa or Zadar in the Summer?

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

In July, Genoa is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 25°C (76°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Genoa. In the summer, Genoa often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Genoa gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Genoa gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Genoa and Zadar. Most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Genoa is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Genoa averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Genoa usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Genoa gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Genoa usually receives more rain than Zadar. Genoa gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Genoa or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Genoa as well as Zadar. The winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the winter, Genoa is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Genoa in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Genoa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Genoa gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Genoa gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Zadar in the Spring?

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

In April, Genoa is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 15°C (58°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Genoa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Genoa gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Genoa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Genoa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Genoa