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

Should you visit Oxford or Zadar?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

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

Oxford and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Zadar?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zadar than Oxford. While Oxford is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Oxford different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford 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.

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Oxford 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.

Oxford offers plenty to do in the evening. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a resort destination.

Is Oxford or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oxford or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Zadar?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Oxford and Zadar.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Zadar offers some nice shopping areas. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Oxford or Zadar Better for Families?

Oxford and Zadar are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zadar. 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 Oxford or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Couples visit Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Oxford or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Zadar Better for Students?

Oxford is an amazing college town 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 Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Zadar.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

You'll find some public transit in Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Oxford or Zadar a more walkable city?

Oxford and Zadar are very good when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Zadar is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Zadar?

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

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Oxford. 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 Zadar than Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Zadar?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Oxford or Zadar?

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

Oxford is a fun place to experience. Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Oxford or Zadar?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Oxford and Zadar, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Zadar?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oxford is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Zadar. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford 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 Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Zadar. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Zadar. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Oxford