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

Should you visit Montpellier or Zadar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Zadar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montpellier is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Zadar is known for its food, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Montpellier is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Montpellier different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Zadar has a better nightlife scene.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in 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 Montpellier or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great destination for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zadar to choose from. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Montpellier or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Montpellier or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Montpellier and Zadar both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

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.

Is Montpellier or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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 Montpellier or Zadar?

Montpellier is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Zadar are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. 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 Montpellier or Zadar Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Zadar both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Zadar are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Zadar is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Montpellier or Zadar Better for Students?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Montpellier or Zadar a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Zadar both are superb when exploring on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Zadar is very walkable. 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 Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Zadar?

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

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

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

One day in Montpellier or Zadar?

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant 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 Montpellier or Zadar?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed 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 Montpellier or Zadar?

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Montpellier or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Montpellier. Most people come for the beaches. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, 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 Montpellier and Zadar, we can see that Montpellier 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 Montpellier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montpellier 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 Montpellier Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Zadar?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Zadar. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Zadar. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Montpellier is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Zadar. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Montpellier