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

Should you visit Madrid 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 Madrid 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.

Madrid

Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Madrid and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Madrid different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Madrid or Zadar.

Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

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 Madrid or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid 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, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Madrid 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.

Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

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 Madrid or Zadar Better for Music?

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Zadar is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Madrid Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Madrid or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Madrid or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a town with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Madrid or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great town for its beaches. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Madrid or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a great town for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

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.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Zadar?

Madrid 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 Madrid make it a world-class shopping destination. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

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 Madrid or Zadar Better for Families?

Madrid 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.

Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

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 Madrid or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

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 Madrid or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Madrid and Zadar are excellent places to visit.

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

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

Is Madrid or Zadar Better for Students?

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Madrid. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

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

Madrid is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Madrid is top-notch. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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

Is Madrid or Zadar a more walkable city?

Madrid 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 Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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 Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Madrid or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Madrid than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

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

One day in Madrid or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Madrid or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Madrid or Zadar?

Madrid is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Madrid or Zadar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Madrid. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Zadar. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Madrid and Zadar, we can see that Madrid 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Madrid or Zadar?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.