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

Should you visit Lille or Zadar?

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

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

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

Lille and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Lille. While Lille is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Lille is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting. Also, Zadar is famous for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Lille different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Lille 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.

Lille offers plenty to do in the evening. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Lille or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Lille 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.

Lille is not a resort destination.

Is Lille or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lille 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.

Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lille or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Lille and Zadar both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Zadar is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Lille or Zadar?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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 Lille or Zadar Better for Families?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Zadar is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Lille or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Lille or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is notable for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zadar is a great town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Lille is a good city to visit for backpackers. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Is Lille or Zadar Better for Students?

Lille and Zadar are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

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

Lille 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.

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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

Is Lille or Zadar a more walkable city?

Lille 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 Lille on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored 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 Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Lille?

How long in Lille or Zadar?

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

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Lille. 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 Zadar than Lille. 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 Lille 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 Lille or Zadar?

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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 Lille or Zadar?

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

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. 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 Lille or Zadar?

You'll find nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Lille. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Lille and Zadar, we can see that Lille 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille 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 Lille Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Zadar?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Lille 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 Lille 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 Lille or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lille is much colder than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

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

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Zadar. Lille 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 Lille or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lille 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.

In the autumn, Lille is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

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

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Zadar. The winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In January, Lille is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Zadar. Lille 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 Lille or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Zadar. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lille is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Lille 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 Lille