A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lillehammer vs. Zadar for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lillehammer or Zadar?

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

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

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back 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.

Lillehammer and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lillehammer or Zadar?

Both Zadar and Lillehammer have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Lillehammer is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Lillehammer different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Skiing?

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

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Zadar is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Lillehammer and Zadar have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Lillehammer is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Lillehammer and Zadar both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lillehammer makes for a great culinary experience. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lillehammer and Zadar.

Lillehammer has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Zadar has a few options to choose from. 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 Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Is Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for its beaches. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Lillehammer or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is well known for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zadar to see the historical old town. 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Hiking?

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

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lillehammer or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Lillehammer.

Lillehammer is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Couples?

Lillehammer and Zadar are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Lillehammer frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Zadar is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Lillehammer or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zadar is a great town to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lillehammer and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Lillehammer, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

While Zadar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Lillehammer or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Zadar is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

For even more information, also check out Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Lillehammer?

How long in Lillehammer or Zadar?

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer or Zadar?

In Lillehammer, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventure-filled destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastal town of Zadar. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Lillehammer or Zadar?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Zadar. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Lillehammer or Zadar?

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The coastal town of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Lillehammer or Zadar?

You'll find museums and skiing around the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Zadar. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Lillehammer and Zadar, we can see that Lillehammer is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lillehammer Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lillehammer or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Lillehammer 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.