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

Should you visit York or Zadar?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. 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.

York and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in York than Zadar. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Zadar attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is York different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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.

Is York or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

York 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.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

York is not a resort destination.

Is York or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is York or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a well-known place for its beaches. However, York 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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

York 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.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Zadar?

Both York and Zadar are nice shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is York or Zadar Better for Families?

York is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Zadar are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Is York or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a well-known place for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Zadar offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or York?

How long in York or Zadar?

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

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

One day in York or Zadar?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zadar. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Zadar?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxed destination of Zadar. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The laid back town of Zadar offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Zadar, we can see that York 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 York would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in York 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 York Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Zadar?

York has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to York 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, York is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. York usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Zadar. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Zadar in the Autumn?

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

In October, York is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Zadar. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Zadar. Many travelers come to York 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 York. York is much colder than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Zadar. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Zadar in the Spring?

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

In the spring, York is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in York 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, York often gets less sunshine than Zadar. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and York