Two famous Croatian cities. Two most visited destinations on the Dalmatian coast. Two beautiful and historical places. But just one trip and just one option. If you are stuck with the question of which of these cities you should visit during your trip to Croatia, we might help you out with this article in which we’re going to make a Split vs. Dubrovnik comparison through which you’ll know what to expect out of each of these destinations.
While both Split and Dubrovnik offer history, stunning views, and rich culture, they each have their own unique charm, and each of them is the perfect destination for a particular group of people. We’ll compare Split vs. Dubrovnik based on key travel aspects as well as other differences between these two cities.
We live just in the middle between Split and Dubrovnik and our work as wedding photographers in Croatia often takes us to each of them. However, we spent much more time in Dubrovnik, and through the years, we got to know all of its best places and things to do. Still, we’re going to make this comparison objective so you can decide for yourself whether to visit Split or Dubrovnik.
1. History & Architecture We will start off with the most obvious aspects of both Dubrovnik and Split – history and architecture. Both cities are known as places of rich history, but as you’ll see below, they have quite a few differences when it comes to this part.
Dubrovnik
Located in the southern tip of Croatia, Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval Old Town , surrounded by massive stone City Walls .
It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and some of its other landmarks include Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Dubrovnik Cathedral .
Dubrovnik has a more compact historical core with a strong Venetian influence .
Parts of the world’s famous Game of Thrones series were filmed here, making it a hotspot for fans.
Split
Home to the Diocletian’s Palace , a UNESCO-listed Roman palace that’s located in the center.
Split has a mix of Roman, medieval, and modern architecture , with narrow alleys and vibrant squares.
It also has more ancient Roman influence , giving it a distinct historic feel compared to Dubrovnik’s medieval vibe.
2. Size & Atmosphere Let’s continue to the size and the overall atmosphere of these cities.
Dubrovnik is smaller and more tourist-oriented , with a focus on history, luxury, and many local activities and day trips.Split is the second-largest city in Croatia , with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying a more relaxed Mediterranean vibe.Dubrovnik can feel crowded during peak season, while Split has more space and , although it has more people, they are scattered unlike in Dubrovnik where most of them are in the Old Town
3. Beaches & Nature Now something that makes each good vacation even better. If you are looking to enjoy beaches and nature during your visit to any of these cities, you’ll find this section useful.
Dubrovnik
Beaches in Dubrovnik are mostly rocky or pebbled , with Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov Beach being the most famous ones.
Lokrum Island , located just 15 minutes of boat ride away also offers beautiful swimming spots and some easy hiking trails.Mount Srđ provides stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding Elaphite islands.
There are many day trips from Dubrovnik that visit nearby natural wonders such as Mljet National Park or Elaphite Islands.
Split
Split has more beaches , including some sandy beaches like Bačvice Beach and Kasjuni Beach .
Marjan Hill , a green oasis with walking trails and great viewpoints is located near the city center, perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy outdoor activities like walking and cycling .Split is located in central Dalmatia and it’s near to many other attractions such as Krka National Park or Cetina River Canyon.
Our selection of top 3 activities you have to try in Split
Our selection of top 3 activities you have to try in Dubrovnik
4. Nightlife & Entertainment Moving into the domain of partying and indulging in nightlife.
Dubrovnik
Offers a more sophisticated and upscale nightlife scene , with rooftop bars and seaside lounges.
Buža Bar is a famous cliffside bar with stunning sea views.Less clubbing compared to Split, but great for romantic evenings and wine lovers .
Split
Famous for its vibrant nightlife , with lots of beach clubs, bars, and open-air concerts.
Hvar Island , another top-party destination, is easily accessible from Split.Perfect for younger travelers or those looking for a mix of culture and party vibes .
5. Accessibility & Transportation Let’s compare Split vs. Dubrovnik when it comes to accessibility, what do you think, which city is easier to get to?
Dubrovnik has an international airport , but it is less connected compared to Split which is one of the busiest airports in Croatia.Split’s airport has more flights, especially from Europe.Split is better connected to other Croatian cities and islands , making it easier to travel and explore around the region.
Dubrovnik is more isolated , but ferries (catamarans) connect it to Mljet, Korčula, and other islands .
Dubrovnik is also close to Montenegro and there are many day trips to this country.
6. Cost & Budget Cost and budget are important aspects of every vacation so let’s see which city is more expensive.
Dubrovnik is generally more expensive than Split when it comes to hotels, restaurants, and attractions.Split has a wider range of different accommodation types, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
Dubrovnik has higher entrance fees , especially for the City Walls (€40) .
Split offers better value for money , especially for travelers on a budget.
7. Food & Dining Finally, we come to the final part – gastronomy. When in Croatia, we suggest you eat like a locals. Apart from being known as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Croatia is also a paradise for food lovers. Here’s what to expect out of Split and Dubrovnik when it comes to food.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has more fine dining and high-end restaurants that offer gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.
Seafood is a specialty, with restaurants like Nautika and 360° Dubrovnik being among the most famous seafood restaurants in Dubrovnik.
Split
More casual dining options , with local taverns (konobas ) serving traditional Dalmatian dishes.
Famous for peka (slow-cooked meat or seafood under the bell) and fresh seafood .
Street food like Burek and Ćevapi is more available in Split. These originate from Bosnia and Herzegovina but are widely spread in Croatia as well.
8. Best for… For the final part of this article, we made a small table so we could visually summarize all the things we said in this article. There is a lot of information, we know, and this table might help to clarify them in easy way.
Category Dubrovnik Split History & Culture Best for medieval history lovers Great option for ancient Roman history lovers Beaches Fewer but beautiful More diverse beaches and better for swimming Nightlife Luxurious, relaxed Vibrant, youthful, energetic Food Fine dining, seafood Casual dining, Dalmatian cuisine Budget More expensive More affordable Accessibility Less connected, but still relatively easy to reach Better transport connections Atmosphere Elegant, romantic Vibrant, energetic
Klis Fortress near Split Final Verdict: Which City Should You Visit? We hope this Split vs. Dubrovnik article helped in choosing which one of these two cities should you visit during your vacation in Croatia . We hope you have time to visit both of them since both are beautiful in their own ways, but if you don’t then:
Choose Dubrovnik if you want a romantic, historic experience with stunning medieval charm, beautiful sea views, and a luxury feel .Choose Split if you prefer a vibrant city atmosphere, Roman history, better beaches, and vibrant nightlife .If possible, visit both cities and enjoy what they have to offer.
