A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Sebastian vs. Zadar for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit San Sebastian or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a fun-filled, beautiful, and splendid city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Sebastian and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Zadar?

Both Zadar and San Sebastian have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is San Sebastian different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Sebastian or Zadar?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both San Sebastian and Zadar.

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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 San Sebastian or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian offers plenty to do in the evening. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

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 San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Both San Sebastian and Zadar have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Sebastian. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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.

Is San Sebastian or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Zadar?

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a very kid-friendly city. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

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 San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both San Sebastian and Zadar are very good destinations for backpackers.

San Sebastian is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Students?

San Sebastian and Zadar are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

San Sebastian is a great city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Students come from all over to stay in Zadar. 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 San Sebastian or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both San Sebastian and Zadar offer notable public transit options.

San Sebastian has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

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

Is San Sebastian or Zadar a more walkable city?

San Sebastian and Zadar both are very good when exploring on foot.

San Sebastian is a very walkable city. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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 San Sebastian Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Zadar?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in San Sebastian or Zadar?

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in San Sebastian or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in San Sebastian or Zadar?

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. Lots of people come for the food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant destination of Zadar. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in San Sebastian or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful town of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between San Sebastian and Zadar, we can see that San Sebastian is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Sebastian Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Zadar?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

San Sebastian is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Zadar. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and San Sebastian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, San Sebastian is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Sebastian in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Zadar. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Zadar. The winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In January, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 8°C (47°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Zadar. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Zadar. The beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

San Sebastian is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Zadar. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and San Sebastian