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

Should you visit Paris or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Paris or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

Zadar

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

Paris and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Zadar Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Zadar is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Zadar is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paris or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris 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, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Zadar Better for Music?

Paris 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 Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is great for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Zadar?

Paris 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 Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Zadar Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Zadar does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Zadar does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Zadar Better for Families?

Paris 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, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Zadar Better for Couples?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Paris or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts 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 Paris or Zadar Better for Students?

Paris 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 Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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 Paris or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris 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 Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Paris or Zadar a more walkable city?

Paris and Zadar are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Paris?

How long in Paris or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Paris 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.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this coastal 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 Paris or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Paris or Zadar?

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

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 Paris or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day 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 Paris and Zadar, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Zadar?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the summer, Paris is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Zadar. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Paris is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Zadar. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. Paris is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Paris is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Zadar. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Paris