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

Should you visit Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and world-class ski resort. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, 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.

Kitzbuhel 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
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel than Zadar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kitzbuhel is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Zadar is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Kitzbuhel is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is famous for The Kitzbüheler Horn. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Kitzbuhel different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Kitzbuhel is an amazing ski resort to visit for snow skiing. However, Zadar is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Kitzbuhel should be on your list. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Zadar is not a skiing destination.


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

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Zadar is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

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

Kitzbuhel has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

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

Kitzbuhel is not a resort destination.

Is Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Zadar is great for the beache. However, Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is not a beach destination.


Is Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Kitzbuhel and Zadar.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kitzbuhel. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Kitzbuhel is an amazing ski resort to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kitzbuhel specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kitzbuhel. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.

Many visitors go to Zadar to go 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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Families?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very kid-friendly ski resort. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

Zadar is a family-friendly ski resort. 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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Couples?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

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

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

For backpackers, both Kitzbuhel and Zadar are high quality places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Kitzbuhel. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

Zadar is a very popular ski resort for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.


Is Kitzbuhel or Zadar Better for Students?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Zadar is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

Zadar is a very popular town 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.

Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

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

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Kitzbuhel and Zadar both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Kitzbuhel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

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

Is Kitzbuhel or Zadar a more walkable city?

Kitzbuhel
Zadar

Kitzbuhel and Zadar are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable ski resort. The town is small and 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 Kitzbuhel Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Kitzbuhel?

How long in Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kitzbuhel or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kitzbuhel than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Kitzbuhel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Kitzbuhel. 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 Kitzbuhel 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.


  • How many days in Kitzbuhel or Zadar? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kitzbuhel 4-7 
    Zadar 1-2

One day in Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

Even though Kitzbuhel is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This ski resort 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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kitzbuhel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant 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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

Kitzbuhel is a fun place to experience. Kitzbuhel is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastal 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 Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

Kitzbuhel might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Budget Tours to Austria, The Best Luxury Tours to Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Kitzbuhel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kitzbuhel is €179, 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 Kitzbuhel and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kitzbuhel 89
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kitzbuhel 178
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Kitzbuhel and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel


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: Kitzbuhel Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kitzbuhel 69
    Zadar 9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
  • Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $284
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276

Is it cheaper to fly into Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Kitzbuhel 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
    Kitzbuhel 48
    Zadar 28

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.
    Kitzbuhel 34
    Zadar 19

Tours and Activities in Zadar

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

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kitzbuhel 11
    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 Kitzbuhel and Zadar, we can see that Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kitzbuhel or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kitzbuhel. When comparing the sizes of Kitzbuhel 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.