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

Should you visit Windsor or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back 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.

Windsor and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Windsor or Zadar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zadar than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zadar is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Zadar and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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 Windsor different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor
Zadar

Windsor 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.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Zadar

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Zadar.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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.

Is Windsor or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a resort destination.


Is Windsor or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Windsor or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is well known for the beache. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Windsor or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Zadar?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Zadar Better for Families?

Windsor
Zadar

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Zadar.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. 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 Windsor or Zadar Better for Couples?

Windsor
Zadar

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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.


Is Windsor or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Zadar Better for Students?

Windsor
Zadar

Zadar is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor
Zadar

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Zadar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.


Is Windsor or Zadar a more walkable city?

Windsor
Zadar

Windsor and Zadar both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Windsor or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Windsor. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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.


  • How many days in Windsor or Zadar? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Zadar 1-2

One day in Windsor or Zadar?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town 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 Windsor or Zadar?

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

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 Windsor or Zadar?

Windsor is a fun place to experience. Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Windsor or Zadar?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Windsor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Zadar is £77. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Windsor and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Zadar £44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Zadar £88
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Zadar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Windsor


Hotels in Zadar


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Windsor Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Zadar £8.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $107
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $194
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $194

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Windsor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Windsor £39
    Zadar £24
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Zadar £17

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Daily Walking Tour with Local Guide (11am & 2pm): $17
  • Windsor Daily Town Walking Tour: 11am & 2pm: $18
  • Windsor : Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Golden Tours Open Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride: $34
  • Windsor Quest: Self Guided Sightseeing & Immersive Treasure Hunt: $37
  • Windsor and Thames Valley Bike Tour: $38
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • Windsor Castle Afternoon Tour from London: $86

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • Zadar historical guided tour: $16
  • Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $21
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
  • Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
  • Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Zadar £9.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Zadar, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Windsor is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives more rain than Zadar. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Zadar. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Windsor is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums 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 Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Zadar. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Windsor is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Windsor

Windsor Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)