Which is better dubrovnik or split

We had the same confusion, and struggle and had to pick one, where we could spend most of the time. This post will provide you with our research, and our hands-on experience — as we decided to visit both on our trip to Croatia. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will go over various factors like sightseeing, beaches, budget, accommodation, location and day trip options; and for each factor we will give you our verdict aka recommendation.

Dubrovnik is well known for its city walls, old port or porat , and the numerous remnants of the Republic of Ragusa. Some of the best-preserved and popular tourist attractions include St.

The entire old town is like a walking museum, almost like a stage if you will, and you get to walk in style on the paved limestone pedestrian alley — the Stradun or Placa. As you get into the interiors of the old town, the monuments do take you back to the early Roman period in Split.

There are phoenixes, churches, museums, and beautiful Roman structures, that will surely take your breath away. As you walk away from the old town of Split, you are mesmerized by the promenade, it is like an open living room with sea views. This area definitely looks more touristy — like a beach vacation, of course, and further down the promenade are bus stations, small cafes, and the cruise port.

So it sort of takes you from old to the new in a few steps. Both Dubrovnik and Split have Games of Thrones film related tours, and locations that you can check out. Visit Dubrovnik if : Walking the city walls is on your bucket list. We definitely loved the old town of Dubrovnik, the walking was comfortable with cafes and shops everywhere.

Learn how to spend one day in Split itinerary to see it all. If we go by numbers History graduate here! Our recommendation: For history lovers, it is worth visiting Dubrovnik to learn about their administration of the Republic, and to admire the unique city walls that once fortified the city. The Croatian coastline is beautiful, so you can expect stunning ocean views from both cities. Beaches in both cities are a little further from the heart of the old town although sea views are everywhere.

The beaches in Split are sandy and soft, makes you feel like you are on a Mexican vacation. But the beaches in Dubrovnik are pebbly, with little to no sand. We feel that this is a matter of personal choice, beaches in both cities have something unique. If you are tired of soft sandy beaches and need a break, head to Dubrovnik.

Did you know? It is located about 30 minutes from the old town. Our deal breaker was day trips from each city. We like to make the most of our visit to Europe , and wanted to explore a few other Balkan nations, and hence found Dubrovnik to be the perfect base.

There are also quite a few island sightseeing tours that you can take — like the 3 Island tour, tours to Lokram to name a few. They are not possible on a day trip, however, flights and overnight buses are available to Tirana Albania and Skopje North Macedonia. Split is an amazing spot to explore more of Croatian islands like Hvar and Brac, and unique landscapes like the blue cave, and other towns like Sibenik, and Trogir.

You can even visit Mostar from Split on a day trip. Dubrovnik is better: If you want to visit more of the Balkans from Dubrovnik — day trips to Mostar, Kotor and weekend travel to Tirana, Skopje, etc. Read: Best day trips from Dubrovnik. We have already covered the day trip options, and that should help you to narrow down the selection. Here is another tip or factor to consider.

If you are flying internationally like from Asia or North America, chances are you will arrive in Zagreb. Zagreb International airport is the largest in the country. So if you are short on time, and arriving into Zagreb and wish to take a road trip vs taking flights — then hands down, Split is a better choice. It is much more feasible, and doable as a road trip exploring more of Croatia.

If you look at the map below, there is Zagreb on the north, Split in the middle, and Dubrovnik is at the end of the southern coast. It will take you almost a day to travel to Dubrovnik from Zagreb by road and not to forget border crossing. Today, for example, I invite you to focus on a single but very important question: Is Dubrovnik or Split a better place to visit?

As you prepare to take to the skies again after the long Covid winter, I hope this post will bring some sunshine into your life, regardless of whether you end up choosing Dubrovnik or Split. Although there are some good hotels in both of these cities, new lodging in the Balkans overwhelmingly takes the form of apartments. This is especially the case in Dubrovnik, whose walled old town is more—well, old—shall we say than most of the city that sits on the coast in split.

Most of what I read before arriving in Croatia suggested that Split was the better choice. I quickly realized—i. Again, to my shock and delight, this was Dubrovnik. But the central location of Split makes it easy to come and go from other destinations in the Balkans. So can the spectacular national parks inland from this beautiful city. Even Dubrovnik is possible in a day trip from Split although an overnight stay is highly recommended.

The well-maintained roads make having a car a good option to visit the surrounding areas inland and along the Croatian coast but there is also a decent bus and ferry from Split and a good selection of local tour providers. Both are brilliant examples of the natural beauty that abounds in Croatia and are highly recommended as day trips from Split. You can see a short video of the lovely Krka falls below.

Keep in mind that we took the tour in winter so expect it to be even more spectacular in the spring through fall months! Our choice: When comparing Dubrovnik or Split based on location we would definitely choose Split for better accessibility. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and it feels more authentic than its incredibly beautiful, but smaller and more touristy sister, Dubrovnik. A UNESCO World Heritage site that houses not only the old cathedral and bell tower but also homes, shops, restaurants and bars within its ancient walls and somehow makes it all feel cohesive.

In Split, you can get a taste of real Dalmatian life and if you stay long enough you will likely want to become a part of it. Our choice: When looking at Dubrovnik vs Split for a more authentic experience we would definitely choose Split. Dubrovnik, you are indeed drop-dead gorgeous!

But, when looking at Split vs Dubrovnik the tipping point for us was that we found Split to be so much more than just a pretty face. The city is a perfect balance of old and new, vibrant and chill, fantasy and reality. Our choice: For us Split is the winner when it comes to having the most to offer visitors. Overall we found Split to be more authentic feeling, less crowded, more conveniently located, slightly less expensive and with more variety of things to do and places to eat.

Having said that, Dubrovnik is an exceptional beauty and a trip to Croatia is really not complete without seeing this walled city. There are plenty of options for accommodation in Split from basic rooms to historic and luxury hotels plus self-catering Airbnbs.

The location is convenient to all amenities and just a short walk to the old city center. This modern and bright Gem in the Heart of Split is a 1 bedroom with a king-sized bed perfect for a couple. This luxury Old Town Studio blends traditional charm and detail with modern comforts and amenities.