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

Should you visit Innsbruck or Zadar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Innsbruck and Zadar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a scenic, youthful , and adventurous city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Innsbruck and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Innsbruck than Zadar. Innsbruck is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Innsbruck is better known for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zadar is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Innsbruck is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Also, Innsbruck is famous for The Golden Roof in the old town. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

The Golden Roof in the old town
The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Innsbruck different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Zadar is not a skiing destination.

People head to Innsbruck specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Zadar is not a skiing destination.


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

Innsbruck
Zadar

Zadar is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Zadar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Innsbruck or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Both Innsbruck and Zadar offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

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 Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck offers plenty to do in the evening. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

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 Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Innsbruck is not a resort destination.

In Zadar, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Innsbruck is not a resort destination.

Is Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Zadar is a town with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Innsbruck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Innsbruck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Zadar is notable for the beache. However, Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Zadar attract visitors from all over. 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.

Innsbruck is not a beach destination.


Is Innsbruck or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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 Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Innsbruck is a popular spot for hiking. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Zadar?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Zadar is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Zadar offers some nice shopping areas. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Families?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Couples?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Both Innsbruck and Zadar are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Innsbruck is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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 Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Both Innsbruck and Zadar are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

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 Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Students?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck and Zadar are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Students come from all over to stay in Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Many students visit 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 Innsbruck or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

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

Is Innsbruck or Zadar a more walkable city?

Innsbruck
Zadar

Innsbruck and Zadar both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it 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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Zadar?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Innsbruck or Zadar? Ideal Length of Stay
    Innsbruck 2-4 
    Zadar 1-2

One day in Innsbruck or Zadar?

In Innsbruck, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this outdoorsy 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Innsbruck. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Zadar?

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

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant town of Zadar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Innsbruck or Zadar?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the youthful destination of Innsbruck. 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.

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Innsbruck?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Innsbruck is €129, while the average daily cost in Zadar is €89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Innsbruck and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Innsbruck 76
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Innsbruck 152
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Innsbruck and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Innsbruck or Zadar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Innsbruck


Hotels in Zadar


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Innsbruck Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Innsbruck 15
    Zadar 9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Innsbruck

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Innsbruck:

  • Innsbruck to Innsbruck Airport (INN) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Innsbruck Airport(INN) to Innsbruck - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer: $36
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Alpbach: Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Mayrhofen - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer Innsbruck Airport INN to Saalbach-Hinterglemm: $49
  • Innsbruck Private Transfer from Innsbruck Airport to City centre: $60
  • Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport to Längenfeld - Round-Trip Transfer: $63
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Soelden - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Kitzbühel/SkiWelt - Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Silvretta Arena Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Innsbruck Airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Round-Trip Transfer: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar city to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar : $49
  • Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar City: $49
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Zadar hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Innsbruck or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Innsbruck change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Innsbruck 40
    Zadar 28
Typical Food Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of dining costs in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Soup for Lunch
    3.75
  • Pasta Lunch
    8.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Innsbruck

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Innsbruck.

  • Half-Day Food Tour of Tyrolean Cuisine: $148
  • Innsbruck Food Tour: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Innsbruck 19
    Zadar 19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Innsbruck

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Innsbruck are as follows:


  • Schloss Ambras Entrance
    8.00
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Fee
    2.00

Tours and Activities in Innsbruck

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Innsbruck are as follows:

  • City Tower Entrance Ticket: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Bergisel Ski Jump Arena Entrance Ticket in Innsbruck: $11
  • Innsbruck Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Hungerburg Funicular Roundtrip Ticket: $12
  • Hungerburg: Roundtrip Funicular Tickets from Innsbruck: $13
  • Skip the Line: Ambras Castle in Innsbruck Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Tickets for Schloss Ambras: $15
  • Innsbruck - "Welcome Tour" by Per Pedes. Guided City Tour.: $19
  • Combi Entrance Ticket to Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg: $20
  • Alpine Zoo Innsbruck and Hungerburg Funicular Combo Ticket: $21

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • Zadar historical guided tour: $16
  • Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $21
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
  • Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
  • Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Innsbruck 19
    Zadar 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Innsbruck and Zadar, we can see that Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Zadar?

Innsbruck has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.