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

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

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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.

Venice and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zadar is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Venice is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Venice different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Venice or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Zadar has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is great for its luxury resorts. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Venice or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Venice or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is great for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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.

Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice or Zadar?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Zadar Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice or Zadar Better for Couples?

Venice 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.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Venice and Zadar are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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.

Is Venice or Zadar Better for Students?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Venice is top-notch. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Venice or Zadar a more walkable city?

Venice is an amazing city 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Venice?

How long in Venice or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Venice or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Venice than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

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

One day in Venice or Zadar?

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Venice or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Venice or Zadar?

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Venice or Zadar?

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Zadar. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine 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 Venice and Zadar, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Venice or Zadar?

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

Both Zadar and Venice during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Venice is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 23°C (73°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 Venice. In the summer, Venice often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Zadar. The autumn months attract visitors to Venice 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.

Venice is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 14°C (57°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. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Venice usually receives less rain than Zadar. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Venice or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Venice as well as Zadar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Venice in the winter. In the winter, Venice is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Venice in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Venice often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Venice for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Venice is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 13°C (55°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Venice usually receives less rain than Zadar. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Venice