A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Siena vs. Zadar for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Siena 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 Siena and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

Siena is a beautiful, romantic, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Siena and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zadar than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zadar is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Siena attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Siena different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena 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.

Siena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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 Siena or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Siena and Zadar offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Zadar has a huge number of terrific 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 Siena or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Siena and Zadar.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Siena. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

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 Siena or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Siena or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Siena or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is notable for its beaches. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Siena offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Zadar?

Both Siena and Zadar are nice shopping destinations.

Siena is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Siena or Zadar Better for Families?

Zadar is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Zadar is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Siena or Zadar Better for Couples?

Siena 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.

Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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 Siena or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is notable for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

It's common for backpackers to visit Siena. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

Is Siena or Zadar Better for Students?

Siena and Zadar are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Siena is very popular with students. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

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

Both Siena and Zadar offer nice public transit options.

Siena has a few public transit options. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

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

Is Siena or Zadar a more walkable city?

Siena and Zadar both are great when exploring on foot.

Siena is very walkable. The compact town center is best 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 Siena Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Siena?

How long in Siena or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Siena or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Siena. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Siena 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 Siena or Zadar?

In Siena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Siena or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. 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 Siena or Zadar?

Siena is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Siena or Zadar?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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 Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in 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 Siena and Zadar, we can see that Siena 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 Siena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siena 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 Siena Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Siena or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena 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 Siena 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 Siena or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Siena for 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, Siena is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. Siena usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Siena usually receives more rain than Zadar. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Siena or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Siena during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In October, Siena is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Siena often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Zadar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Siena is cooler than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Siena usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Siena usually receives less rain than Zadar. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Siena or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Siena as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Siena for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Siena is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, Siena often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zadar. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Siena