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

Should you visit Rome or Zadar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Zadar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular 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 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.

Rome and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Rome 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.

Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Zadar Better for Music?

Rome 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 Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

In Zadar, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Rome or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rome or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great destination for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Zadar attract visitors from all over. 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Rome or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Zadar is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Zadar?

Rome 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 Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome or Zadar Better for Families?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome or Zadar Better for Couples?

Both Rome and Zadar are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome or Zadar Better for Students?

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome 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 Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Rome or Zadar a more walkable city?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. 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 Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Rome?

How long in Rome or Zadar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rome or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Rome 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.

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 Rome or Zadar?

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

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 Rome or Zadar?

Rome is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Rome 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 laid back 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 Rome or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Rome 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.

The laid back 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Rome and Zadar, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rome or Zadar?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Zadar. Many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 25°C (77°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 Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rome usually receives less rain than Zadar. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rome or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rome as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Rome is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 17°C (63°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, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Rome is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rome in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during winter. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rome usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rome or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Rome during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In April, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 14°C (57°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rome. In the spring, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Rome