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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural 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 laid back, relaxed, and coastal 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.

Ghent and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Zadar?

Both Zadar and Ghent have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Ghent is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Ghent different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent 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.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ghent and Zadar both to be superb destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Ghent 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.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Ghent or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ghent or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Ghent and Zadar.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 Ghent or Zadar?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

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 Ghent or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Zadar are nice family-friendly destinations.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Zadar Better for Couples?

Ghent and Zadar both superb destinations for a couple.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Is Ghent or Zadar Better for Students?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Ghent or Zadar a more walkable city?

Ghent and Zadar both are superb when exploring on foot.

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Zadar?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Ghent 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 Ghent or Zadar?

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid back 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 Ghent or Zadar?

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

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 Ghent or Zadar?

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Ghent or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Ghent. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Ghent and Zadar, we can see that Ghent 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent 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 Ghent Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Zadar?

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

Both Zadar and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ghent is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Zadar. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for 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, Ghent is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zadar. Ghent 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 Ghent or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Zadar. Many visitors come to Ghent 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.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. Ghent is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Zadar. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ghent is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Ghent