A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zadar vs. Bled for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zadar or Bled?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Bled? 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.

Where Should I go: Zadar or Bled?

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

Bled

Bled is an incredibly scenic place, on the east side of Lake Bled. The lake is a beautiful, rich, emerald green. There's a small island in the middle of the lake where you'll find a nice white chapel. The lake is surrounded by striking green mountains, among which you'll find the Bled Castle overlooking the scene. Bled also offers access to the nearby Triglav National Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Within the national park you'll find countless waterfalls and the lovely Lake Bohinj. You can find plenty of opportunities for mountain climbing, rafting, and hiking. There's even a cable car if you're looking for an easy way to get some good views of the mountains and landscape.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Bled or Zadar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is €110, while the average daily cost in Bled is €125. 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 Zadar and Bled in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar 51
    Bled 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar 102
    Bled 112
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Bled

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Bled? 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 Zadar


Hotels in Bled


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: Zadar Hotel Prices and Bled Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar 9.53
    Bled 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar: $66
  • Private Transfers to Airports & Top Destinations: $72
  • Zadar Private Transfers to or from any location: $80
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $262
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $69
  • Transfer From Zadar Airport to Town Zadar: $67
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $295
  • Private Transfer: Zadar (Airport) to/from Biograd na moru or Crvena Luka Resort: $106
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Zagreb with 2h of Sightseeing: $237
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split, Hotel-to-Hotel: $165
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split with 2 hours for sightseeing: $244
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bled

Also for Bled, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bohinj Lake: Convenient Transfer to/from Bled Central: $22
  • Get a Transfer for you, Family, Group of Cyclists, hikers-around Julian Alps: $24
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Bled to Ljubljana Airport (Brnik): $137
  • Private transfer from Tržič to Ljubljana city: $149
  • Private Transfer from Bohinj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $181
  • Private transfer from Tolmin to Ljubljana city: $225

Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Bled?

Prices for flights to both Bled and Zadar 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
    Zadar 49
    Bled 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

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

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar 19
    Bled 12

Tours and Activities in Zadar

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

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $65
  • Private Sunset tour with Antares Sailing : $107
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Zadar Boat Tour Half Day: $42
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $181
  • 2 Hour Quad Buggy ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $116
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • 3 Islands Luxury Boat Tour with Aperol Spritz: $33
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling: $38
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $238
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $34

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bled

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bled's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Rafting
    93

Tours and Activities in Bled

For Bled, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Rent of Ski Touring Equipment: $30
  • Bled Castle Skip the Line Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $32
  • Lake Bled Express Walking Tour – Small Group, Free Cancellation: $42
  • Lake Bled Guided Walking Tour with Cream Cake: $42
  • Lake Sava River Rafting Experience with Hotel Pickup: $53
  • From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $53
  • From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $58
  • Vintgar Gorge Best Experience and Food Tasting: $59
  • Motorcycle Tours in Slovenia: $60
  • Vintgar Gorge Best Experience with Tasting (Self guided): $60
  • 3-Hour Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure: $64
  • Sava River Pack-Rafting Tour: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar 12
    Bled 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

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

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bled

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bled are as follows:


  • Bottle of Champagne
    18

Sample the Local Flavors in Bled

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bled:

  • Slovenian wine tasting at Hotel Triglav Bled's wine cellar: $35
  • Wine Tasting Bled with a sommelier: $68
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $69


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


Which is Bigger, Zadar or Bled?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bled. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Bled, 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 Bled?

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 Bled in the Summer?

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

In July, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Bled. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), and Bled fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bled, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the summer, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Bled. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 288 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets less rain in July than Bled. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Bled 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Bled in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Bled. Most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Zadar is a little warmer than Bled in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Bled fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Bled during autumn. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zadar usually receives less rain than Bled. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Bled 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Bled in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Bled. The winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Zadar is much warmer than Bled. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Bled averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Bled. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 96 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in January than Bled. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Bled 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Bled in the Spring?

Both Bled and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In April, Zadar is generally a little warmer than Bled. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Bled fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Bled during spring. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zadar usually receives less rain than Bled. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Bled 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Bled and Zadar

Zadar Bled
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)