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

Should you visit Munich or Zadar?

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

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

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling 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 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.

Munich and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Munich different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Munich 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.

Munich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Munich and Zadar offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zadar. 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 Munich or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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.

Munich has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich or Zadar Better for Music?

Munich 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 Munich The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Munich is not a resort destination.

Is Munich or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Munich or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beach. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is Munich or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Munich 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.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Zadar?

Munich 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 Munich make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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 Munich or Zadar Better for Families?

Munich 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.

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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 Munich or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Munich or Zadar Better for Students?

Munich 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 Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international 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 Munich or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Munich 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 Munich is top-notch. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Munich or Zadar a more walkable city?

Munich and Zadar both are very good when exploring on foot.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Munich?

How long in Munich or Zadar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Munich or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Munich 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 Munich or Zadar?

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

Munich is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Munich 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 Munich or Zadar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy big city of Munich. 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 coastal 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, 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 Munich and Zadar, we can see that Munich 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich 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 Munich Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Munich or Zadar?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Zadar. Many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Munich is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 20°C (68°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 Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Munich usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Zadar. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Munich as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Munich is much colder than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (52°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, Munich often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

The weather in Munich can be very cold. In the winter, Munich is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Munich in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Zadar. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Munich during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Munich is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (53°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Munich often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Munich