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

Should you visit Graz or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Graz or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Graz

Graz is a cultural, historical, and beautiful 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. 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.

Graz and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Graz than Zadar. Graz is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Graz is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Graz is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Also, Graz is famous for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Graz different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Graz 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.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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 Graz or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Graz and Zadar.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Dining out in Zadar is an experience not to be missed. 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 Graz or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Graz is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Graz offers plenty to do in the evening. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Graz is not a resort destination.

Is Graz or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Graz or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Graz or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Graz 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.

Graz offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 Graz or Zadar?

Graz 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.

Graz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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 Graz or Zadar Better for Families?

Graz 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.

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Zadar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Graz and Zadar make for a high quality place to visit.

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Graz or Zadar Better for Students?

For students, both Graz and Zadar are high quality places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Graz 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.

Graz has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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

Is Graz or Zadar a more walkable city?

Graz 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 Graz on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Graz?

How long in Graz or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Graz or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Graz than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

One day in Graz or Zadar?

In Graz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zadar. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Zadar?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant destination of Zadar. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Graz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The vibrant town of Zadar offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, 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 Graz and Zadar, we can see that Graz 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 Graz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Graz 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 Graz Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Graz or Zadar?

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

Both Zadar and Graz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Graz because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Graz is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°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 Graz. In the summer, Graz often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Zadar. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Graz is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°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. Graz usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Zadar. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Graz or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Graz as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Graz. In January, Graz is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Graz in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Graz is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Graz usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Zadar. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Graz