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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Thessaloniki and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Zadar. Thessaloniki is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Thessaloniki different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Zadar both to be high quality destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Zadar is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki offers plenty to do in the evening. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Zadar?

Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Zadar.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zadar. 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 Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Zadar are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Zadar is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Thessaloniki or Zadar Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Zadar are high quality destinations for students.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Zadar.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

You'll find some public transit in Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Zadar is a very walkable town. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. 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.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Zadar?

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Thessaloniki. 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 place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, 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 Thessaloniki and Zadar, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Zadar?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zadar. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Zadar. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Zadar. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Thessaloniki is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Zadar. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Thessaloniki