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

Should you visit Porto or Zadar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Porto and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Porto is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Porto different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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.

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an amazing port 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, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Porto 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.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Porto or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Zadar are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Zadar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Zadar both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

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 Porto or Zadar Better for Families?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Zadar is a family-friendly port 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 Porto or Zadar Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Zadar are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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.

Is Porto or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port 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 Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Zadar Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Zadar are great places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Zadar is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Porto or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Porto 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.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Porto or Zadar a more walkable city?

Porto and Zadar are great when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

Zadar is a very walkable port 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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Porto?

How long in Porto or Zadar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 relaxed 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 Porto or Zadar?

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

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 Porto or Zadar?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Porto or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Zadar?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°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 Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Zadar. The autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Porto usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Zadar. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Zadar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Porto is a little warmer than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Zadar. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Porto