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

Should you visit Oslo or Zadar?

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

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

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal 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.

Oslo and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oslo than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oslo is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Zadar attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also well known for The Royal Palace. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Oslo different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo 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.

Oslo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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 Oslo or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Oslo or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Oslo and Zadar.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

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 Oslo or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Oslo or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oslo or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is notable for its beaches. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Zadar?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Zadar is a great destination for shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Oslo or Zadar Better for Families?

Oslo is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oslo is a very family-friendly destination. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Oslo or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Oslo or Zadar Better for Students?

Oslo and Zadar are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Students come from all over to stay in Zadar. 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 Oslo or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oslo 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 Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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

Is Oslo or Zadar a more walkable city?

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

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

Zadar is a very walkable city. 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 Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Zadar?

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

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

Each neighborhood in Oslo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zadar. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Oslo or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oslo or Zadar?

Oslo is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Oslo 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxed destination of Zadar. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Zadar?

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

The coastal town of Zadar offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Zadar, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Zadar?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oslo is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oslo usually receives more rain than Zadar. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Oslo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oslo is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zadar. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Zadar. The winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Oslo is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oslo usually receives less rain than Zadar. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oslo or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Zadar. The activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Oslo