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

Should you visit Utrecht or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting 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.

Utrecht and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Utrecht. While Utrecht is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Utrecht attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. 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 Utrecht different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Utrecht and Zadar have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Zadar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Utrecht or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht 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.

Utrecht offers plenty to do in the evening. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

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 Utrecht or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a resort destination.

Is Utrecht or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Utrecht or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Utrecht is not a beach destination.

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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is an amazing 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.

Utrecht offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

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 Utrecht or Zadar?

Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

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 Utrecht or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Zadar.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Zadar is a family-friendly . 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 Utrecht or Zadar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Zadar make for a high quality place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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 Utrecht or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Utrecht and Zadar are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Many backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Utrecht or Zadar Better for Students?

Utrecht and Zadar are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Utrecht 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.

Utrecht has some very good public transit options. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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

Is Utrecht or Zadar a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an amazing 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 Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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 Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Zadar?

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

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

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

One day in Utrecht or Zadar?

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

In Zadar, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Utrecht or Zadar?

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

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Zadar?

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. 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 great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Utrecht. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Utrecht and Zadar, we can see that Utrecht 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht 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 Utrecht Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Zadar?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht 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 Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the summer, Utrecht is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Utrecht in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Zadar. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Utrecht during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Utrecht is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 11°C (51°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Zadar. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. Utrecht is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Zadar. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Utrecht is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Utrecht in April average around 8°C (46°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, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Utrecht gets 52 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 Utrecht