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

Should you visit Warsaw or Zadar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Zadar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a cultural, historical, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Warsaw and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Warsaw than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Warsaw is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Zadar attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Warsaw is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its historical position as a cultural and political center. It is also well known for The Old Town Market Square. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Warsaw different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Warsaw 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.

Warsaw offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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 Warsaw or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw 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.

Warsaw offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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 Warsaw or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Warsaw is not a resort destination.

In Zadar, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Warsaw is not a resort destination.

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a town with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Warsaw is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Warsaw is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great town for its beaches. However, Warsaw is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Zadar attract visitors from all over. 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.

Warsaw is not a beach destination.

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Both Warsaw and Zadar have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

There are many historical things to see 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 Warsaw or Zadar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Warsaw and Zadar both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Warsaw. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Zadar offers some nice shopping areas. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Warsaw and Zadar are nice to visit with kids.

Warsaw offers lots of family activities. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

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.

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a great town for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Zadar is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Zadar is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Plenty of backpackers visit Warsaw. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Is Warsaw or Zadar Better for Students?

For students, both Warsaw and Zadar are excellent places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

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.

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

Warsaw 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.

Warsaw has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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

Is Warsaw or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is a great town for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Zadar?

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

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

In Warsaw, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated 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.

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 Warsaw or Zadar?

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

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

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 Warsaw or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Warsaw. 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.

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 Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Zadar?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Warsaw during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Warsaw is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the summer, Warsaw often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Zadar. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Warsaw is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (49°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Zadar. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Warsaw or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Warsaw can be very cold during winter. Warsaw is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the spring, Warsaw is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Zadar. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Warsaw