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

Should you visit Milan 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 Milan 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.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Milan is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Milan different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. 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 Milan or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan 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, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan or Zadar Better for Music?

Milan 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 Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Milan or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Milan or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Milan or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is great for the beach. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Milan or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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.

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 the Shopping Better in Milan or Zadar?

Milan 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 Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Milan and Zadar are good to visit with kids.

Milan offers lots of family activities. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

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.

Is Milan or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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.

Is Milan or Zadar Better for Students?

Milan 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 Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

Milan 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 Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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

Is Milan or Zadar a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Milan?

How long in Milan or Zadar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Milan or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 relaxed 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 Milan or Zadar?

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

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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 Milan or Zadar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Milan. 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 coastal 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, 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 Milan and Zadar, we can see that Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Milan or Zadar?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Milan 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 Milan or Zadar?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Milan or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Milan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Milan is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milan. In the summer, Milan often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Zadar. Many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Milan is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Milan usually receives more rain than Zadar. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Milan or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Milan as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Milan is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Milan in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Milan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In April, Milan is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 13°C (55°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Milan usually receives more rain than Zadar. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Milan