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

Should you visit Vilnius or Zadar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Zadar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a historic, religious, and surprising city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Vilnius and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Vilnius is more popular for its nightlife. Vilnius is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its authentic old town and long running history. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting. Also, Zadar is famous for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Vilnius different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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 Vilnius or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zadar. 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Vilnius 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.

Vilnius offers plenty to do in the evening. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

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 Vilnius or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Vilnius is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zadar to choose from. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Is Vilnius or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vilnius or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is notable for the beache. However, Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Zadar for it's beautiful 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.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Vilnius or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Vilnius and Zadar.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Zadar?

Both Vilnius and Zadar are notable shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

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 Vilnius or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Zadar are notable family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Vilnius is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Vilnius or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Zadar are superb destinations for backpackers.

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

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 Vilnius or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is notable for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Both Vilnius and Zadar offer notable public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Zadar?

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

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

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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, 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 Vilnius or Zadar?

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

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Vilnius. 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 Vilnius or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Vilnius. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Zadar, we can see that Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Zadar?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°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 Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Zadar. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Zadar. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vilnius can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Zadar. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Vilnius is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°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, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Vilnius