A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zadar vs. Reykjavik for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Zadar or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Reykjavik? 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.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Zadar and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zadar or Reykjavik?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zadar than Reykjavik. While Reykjavik is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Zadar different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Zadar or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Both Zadar and Reykjavik are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Zadar is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Zadar. 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Zadar to see the historical old town. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zadar or Reykjavik?

Both Zadar and Reykjavik are nice shopping destinations.

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.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Zadar is a family-friendly town. 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 Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Zadar and Reykjavik make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reykjavik is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Zadar is a great town to visit as a student. 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Both Zadar and Reykjavik offer nice public transit options.

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

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Zadar or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Zadar and Reykjavik both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Zadar?

How long in Zadar or Reykjavik?

In either Zadar or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Zadar because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Zadar, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Reykjavik 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 Zadar or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Zadar or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the coastal destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Zadar or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxed town of Zadar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Zadar or Reykjavik?

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Zadar or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Reykjavik, 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 Zadar or Reykjavik?

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 Zadar or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Zadar during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zadar is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the summer, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zadar or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Zadar is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zadar usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zadar or Reykjavik in the Winter?

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

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Zadar is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zadar or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Zadar is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zadar usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Zadar