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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Zadar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Zadar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Rotterdam is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Zadar and Rotterdam.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Rotterdam or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam offers plenty to do in the evening. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

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 Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Zadar to choose from. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Zadar for it's beautiful 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.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Zadar?

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

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 Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Families?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Zadar is a great town 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Students?

For students, both Rotterdam and Zadar are superb places to visit.

Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Zadar is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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 Rotterdam or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Rotterdam or Zadar a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Zadar are superb when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

Zadar is very walkable. 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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Zadar?

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

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

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Zadar?

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

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Zadar?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Rotterdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Zadar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, 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 Rotterdam and Zadar, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Zadar?

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

Both Zadar and Rotterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Zadar. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Rotterdam is much colder than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Zadar. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Zadar in the Spring?

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

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Zadar. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Rotterdam