If you have limited time in your Croatian itinerary, you are probably wondering, “Which is better, Dubrovnik or Split?”
I spent over a month exploring some of the best places to visit in Croatia, with a lot of time getting to know the distinct personalities of Dubrovnik vs. Split.
Dubrovnik felt like stepping into a medieval city or the set of an epic fantasy movie, whereas Split felt like a city that never sleeps with outdoor adventures around every corner.
In this breakdown of the differences between Dubrovnik and Split, I’ll give you all the information you need to know to decide which city fits your travel style. We’ll discuss which city has a better old town, where the best beaches lie, which city is better for adventure enthusiasts, and much more.
And at the end, I’ll let you in on the secret of which city I can confidently say was my FAVOURITE of the two.
You May Also Like: The BEST 4 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary: A Full Guide
How Far is Split from Dubrovnik, Croatia?
Split and Dubrovnik are both coastal towns on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. They are approximately 230 km apart with the Bosnian border breaking up the coast.
The drive between Split and Dubrovnik requires you to cross the Bosnia & Herzegovinian border and back into Croatia again. Bosnia & Herzegovinq were able to nab only 12 miles of coastline after former Yugoslavia broke up. This split Croatia in two pieces, with the small Bosnia & Herzegovinian portion being called the Neum corridor. You will need your passport to cross into Bosnia and then back to Croatia again.
In total, the drive between Split and Dubrovnik takes about 4 hours, including the time it takes to stop at the border.
Highlights of Split, Croatia:
To give you a general idea of which city appeals to you most, I’ll highlight some of the best things to do in each starting with Split.
The highlights of visiting Split, Croatia are to:
1. Explore Diocletians Palace in Split’s Old Town
Explore through the Roman ruins that are now maze-like cobbled streets that make up the city’s old town. You’ll find adorable cafes, shops, museums, and ancient bell towers to climb for views over Split.
2. Join One of Split’s Famous Pub Crawls and Party on the Beach
Split is famous for its nightlife. You can join the most popular Tower Pub Crawl to get the most out of Split’s bar scene or party at Bacvice Beach Club.
3. Take an Island Hopping Tour and See the Blue Cave
Split is definitely the best city in Croatia for taking island hopping tours. You can visit the striking Blue Cave known for glowing blue water, stroll through Hvar town, snorkel in the Adriatic’s clear waters, visit the white limestone cliffs of Brac, and more.
⭐️ Here is the best island hopping tour from Split: Blue Cave, Mamma Mia and Hvar – 5 Islands Speedboat Tour
4. Take a Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes are known as one of Croatia’s best places to visit. The park consists of turquoise cascading waterfalls with a wooden boardwalk weaving through them for visitors to get up close. Most day trips to visit Plitvice leave from Split.
Book the Best: Guided Tour of the Plitvice Lakes from Split
5. Stroll Split’s Riva Promenade
Split has a beautiful street running along its harbour where you can enjoy the views of Old Town and the sparkling Adriatic, relax on a bench with gelato, or grab drinks at an outdoor patio.
⭐️ Here’s a more comprehensive list of the 51 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia!
Highlights of Dubrovnik:
Dubrovnik’s list of things to do is mostly within its fortified old town walls. There are some excellent attractions outside of them as well, which I’ll highlight below too.
The highlights of visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia are to:
1. Walk the Dubrovnik’s Ancient City Walls
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is completely contained inside ancient city walls. They are the most impressive feature of Dubrovnik, reaching over 25 metres (82 feet) tall. Dubrovnik’s walls also have the BEST views of the city, the sea, and nearby Fort Lovrijenac.
Walking the 2 km route around the city atop Dubrovnik’s city walls was my favourite thing I did in the city and maybe even all of Croatia.
👋 Psstt. Here’s a guide on how to walk Dubrovnik’s city walls (including tips to avoid crowds, which direction you have to walk in, how to buy tickets, and more).
2. Cable Car to the Top of Srd Mountain for Views
Srd. is the mountain directly behind Dubrovnik’s old town. It has a cable car that takes you to the top at over 405 metres (1300 feet) tall. You’ll have impressive views over Dubrovnik, be able to see Lokrum island nearby, and can dine at the Panoramic Restaurant at the top.
3. Swim at the Hole-in-the-Wall Bar on the Outside of Dubrovnik’s Walls
There are two hidden bars in Dubrovnik’s old town that bring you through a small hole in the city’s walls to a cliffside restaurant by the water. Not only can you sip cocktails and eat here, you can also swim and cliff jump! They have stairs down to the water’s edge where you can lay out a towel on the stone platforms and climb cliffs up to 20+ feet tall to jump off of.
4. Visit the Nearby Lokrum Island to Swim and Explore a Fortress
Lokrum Island is a tiny uninhabited island only a short 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s marina. The island has peacocks wandering everywhere, gorgeous rocky shores with ladders to get in and out of the water for swimming, and an old fortress at the top of the hill.
5. Take a Day Trip to Bosnia to See the Famous Mostar Bridge
Visiting Bosnia and its shining city of Mostar is a famous day trip from Dubrovnik. The drive to Mostar is only 2 hours each way. Most tours stop at Kravica Waterfalls, the Blagaj Tekija monastery which is known for being built into a cliff, and finally Mostar, where you can watch locals jump from its famous bridge.
👉 If you want to know more about what the Dubrovnik to Bosnia day trips look like, check out this fantastic guide.
Dubrovnik vs Split for their Old Towns
Split’s Old Town:
Split’s Old Town is built around the ancient remains of Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th century Roman masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
Differing from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Split’s feels like a living, breathing part of the city. Locals and tourists weave through its narrow streets where boutiques, cafes, and homes are seamlessly integrated into the ancient walls and structures.
For example, you can find the large Green Market where locals shop for produce and food located right outside the ancient Silver Gate entrance to the palace. Peristyle Square was also once the palace’s central courtyard and is now a lively gathering spot.
Split’s Old Town is a blend of historical exploration and modern-day life. Nightlife is booming, hip outdoor patios play their music, and fancy yachts dock in the nearby harbour.
If you want to experience the Mediterranean spirit, Split’s old town is for you. It feels less like stepping back in time and more like watching history evolve into the present.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town:
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a perfectly preserved medieval fortress, surrounded by impressive stone walls that date back to the 13th century. Often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a more immersive step into the past. Unlike Split’s integration of old and new, Dubrovnik feels like a time capsule.
When you walk along the main pedestrian street, Stradun (which is made of polished marble by the way), it feels like walking through a scene in Game of Thrones. The streets are lined with Gothic and Baroque-style buildings such as the Rector’s Palace, the Sponza Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is all about culture, fine dining, history, and a like nothing you’ll have experienced before.
Split or Dubrovnik for Beaches?
Split has about 10 main beaches. 3 are close to its city centre, 2 are a short walk along Marjan Hill, and the remaining 5 are a short drive away. Split’s beaches are mostly pebbled with lots of people, shallow water, games of pigicin, and parties at night.
Split’s beaches are less pristine than Dubrovniks but if you want to enjoy a beach vacation without venturing far, Split is the Croatian city for you.
Split’s Best Beaches:
- Bacvice Beach – The closest beach to Split’s old town and where the parties happen at night. This beach is great for swimming and playing local games.
- Kasjuni Beach – Along the cliffs of Marjan Hill, this beach is Split’s most beautiful. It is lined with forestry, is great for swimming, and even has cliffs for climbing or jumping.
- Bene Beach – A hidden gem beach in Split, Bene Beach has a stone platform with ladders into the deeper water in a beautiful cove. There are shady stops from trees lining the beach.
Dubrovnik has about 7 beaches close by. 2 are within walking distance to the city centre (although one is about 20 – 25 minutes away), 3 are a short 10-15 minute drive away, and 2 require you to get there by kayak or crossing to Lokrum Island. The beaches near its city centre have fantastic views of the Old Town with pebbled shores and clear calm waters.
Dubrovnik is also all about the swimming spots just outside its city walls, including a couple of hole-in-the-wall bars. They may not be beaches, but they are completely unique and have spots to sunbathe and swim.
Dubrovnik’s Best Beaches/Swimming Spots:
- Banje Beach – A short walk outside of Old Town, this beach is pebbled and has views of the city walls. It is a very popular beach so get there early. It also turns into a fun party/restaurant scene at night.
- Sveti Jakov Beach – About 25-minutes walk (or a quick bus ride on lines 5 or 8), Sveti Jakov has a longer stretch of pebbled and shale beach with views of Dubrovnik’s bridge and surrounding mountains.
- Buza Bar or Bard Mala Buza Bar – These are the ocean cliffside bars on the outside of Dubrovnik’s walls. They have small hole-like doorways to bring you through the massive stone walls. The drinks are cold, the swimming is fun, and the vibes are immaculate.
- “Public Swimming Area” – This is the awesome swimming spot on the cliffside near old town’s harbour. You can lay out your towel to sunbathe on the stone platform or jump off its rocks. Aside from the holes in the wall bars, this was my favourite swimming spot in Dubrovnik.
The Verdict: Visit Split for its sunny pebbled beaches and their raging parties after dark. If you want more of a beach vacation vibe, Split’s beaches are closer to the town’s centre. Choose Dubrovnik for its unique swimming spots on ancient city walls. The beaches may be fewer but they are undeniably scenic.
Dubrovnik vs Split for Nightlife:
Split’s Nightlife: Lively and Diverse
Split is one of the best party destinations in Europe. There’s a huge diversity in its nightlife scene, from cheap backpacker bars and laid-back jazz vibes to trendy beach clubs and raging waterfront parties.
You can start your evening on the Riva Promenade or in People’s Square (Pjaca) sipping cocktails at the outdoor cafes. Then head to Bacvice Beach to party at Split’s most famous nightclubs like Tropic Club and Bačvice Club where parties last until sunrise.
For a more laid-back vibe, there are also bars hidden within Diocletian’s Palace, like the Gaga Bar or the iconic Charlie’s Backpacker Bar.
💡 Tip: The most famous pub crawl in Split is the Tower Pub Crawl. A guide takes you to the old town’s craziest nightlife spots. You’ll also meet other travellers and party until the sun rises. You can book a spot here.
Dubrovnik’s Nightlife: Elegant and Scenic
Dubrovnik’s nightlife is less wild than Split’s. It has a more elegant and scenic charm. The iconic old town provides a magical setting with intimate wine bars, chic cocktail lounges, and open-air events.
Grab a drink at D’Vino Wine Bar, known for its excellent selection of Croatian wines, or savor a craft cocktail on the city walls at Buzz Bar.
For a livelier scene, head to Banje Beach Club, where you can enjoy upscale cocktails with incredible views of the Old Town illuminated at night. Dubrovnik also hosts unique events like classical concerts and cultural festivals in historic venues like Fort Lovrijenac.
For those seeking a more party-oriented vibe, Culture Club Revelin, housed in a 15th-century fortress, blends history and high-energy DJ sets.
The Verdict: Go with Split if you want more of a backpackers and beach party until sunrise vibe. Opt for Dubrovnik if you want the more elegant, unique, and scenic nightlife.
Dubrovnik vs Split for Day Trips:
Split Day Trips are Adventurous and Many
Split takes the cake by a landslide if you prefer a city with a huge variety of day trips to enjoy nature, adrenaline activities, and island hopping.
You can take a short ferry ride to nearby islands like Hvar, Brač, Vis, or Šolta. Or join an island hopping boat tour that also stops at the famous blue cave.
Plitvice Lakes is one of the best places to visit in Croatia and a popular day trip from Split. Krka National Park is another stunning waterfall destination only 2 hours from Split.
Adventure activities are also in high supply, with kayaking or SUP tours along Split’s coast. You can also join zip-lining tours in the nearby Kojak mountains, whitewater raft down the Cetina River, or jet ski to Ciovo Island.
And finally, there are some charming medieval towns and fortresses nearby like Trogir only 30 minutes away, or the Roman ruins at Salona.
Dubrovnik’s Day Trips are Fewer but Bring You to Neighbouring Countries:
Day trips from Dubrovnik are a lot fewer than Split, but some are still exciting enough to convince you. Lokrum Island is a short 15-minute ferry across from Old Town and has botanical gardens, peacocks, and hidden swimming spots.
Korcula, often called “Little Dubrovnik” is an island town nearby filled with history, legend, and wine tasting.
The most unique thing about day trips from Dubrovnik is the ability to travel to nearby countries like Bosnia and Montenegro. Mostar in Bosnia is one of the most famous options, where you can explore a completely different culture, see the famous Mostar bridge, and explore the nearby Kravica waterfalls.
Another great option is taking a day trip to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, with its medieval town and stunning lake.
Verdict: Split is a better destination for island hopping, adventure activities like zip-lining and rafting, and exploring nearby medieval towns. Dubrovnik offers slightly fewer day trips, but is the best for taking tours into neighbouring countries like Bosnia and Montenegro.
Split vs Dubrovnik for Food:
Split’s food scene is diverse. You can find lots of traditional Dalmatian cuisine focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and simple, flavourful combinations. And also a large variety of international food options.
Expect dishes like grilled fish, black risotto, and pasticada (a slow-cooked beef stew) served in konobas (traditional taverns) like Konoba Fetivi or Konoba Hvaranin.
The city has the bustling Green Market and nearby fishing ports that provide lots of fresh seafood. You can choose to eat at budget-friendly spots or splurge on fine-dining.
Best Restaurants in Split:
- Bokeria Kitchen and Wine Bar – Considered one of the most delicious restaurants in Split, Bokeria serves Mediterranean dishes with modern twists to them. It is a finer place to eat within Diocletian’s Palace walls with a beautiful atmosphere.
- Fetivi – If you want to try traditional food in one of Split’s taverns, Fetivi is a great spot. You’ll get to try authentic local dishes at a more budget-friendly cost. The tavern itself is also warming and inviting.
- Basta – One of Split’s best spots to grab fresh pizza!
- Dvor – This restaurant has the most stunning outdoor patio located right on the water. The food is fancy and delicious and the atmosphere is even better.
Dubrovniks’ food scene is refined and elegant. It is more upscale and focuses on fine dining and innovative takes on traditional Dalmatian cuisine.
Many restaurants take full advantage of the city’s magical scenery, providing unforgettable dining experiences with views of the old town and the Adriatic Sea. Some restaurants are even built into a portion of the old city walls.
Expect to find fresh seafood like lobster and octopus salad, along with specialties like zelena menestra (a traditional smoked meat and cabbage stew).
Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik:
- Restaurant 360 – Dubrovnik’s Michelin-star fine dining experience. The setting is magical atop the city walls with views over the Adriatic and the old town’s harbour.
- Pantarul – Known for its modern Croatian menu, Pantarul is quaint and serves delicious food.
- PIZZERIA OLIVA – This restaurant has some of the best pizza and pasta in Dubrovnik’s old town. The outdoor patio is seated in a narrow cobblestone alley.
- Restaurant Panorama – This one has to be mentioned because of its extraordinary views of Dubrovnik’s old town from the top of Mount Srd. You get there by cable car and the food is great. It is pricier because of its prime location.
- D’Vino Wine Bar – A great spot for wine tasting with paired wines and cheeses.
A special shout-out has to go to the cafes that are located atop Dubrovnik’s city walls. They are great places to grab coffee and a treat and enjoy the views over the Adriatic. They are both facing out towards the water.
Verdict: If you seek a diverse selection of food and more traditional and homey meals, Split is the best. If you are seeking a sophisticated food scene, Dubrovnik is for you.
Dubrovnik vs Split for Cost:
Cost Breakdown of Split
Split is the more budget-friendly out of the two. It has a range of hostels, restaurants, and activities to suit every traveler’s budget.
You can find meals at traditional konobas (taverns) for a reasonable price, there are a lot of free and budget-friendly activities, and hostels/Airbnbs are cheaper than in Dubrovnik. Equally, you can find beautiful luxury hotels and fine dining experiences.
Here are some typical prices you would see in Split:
- A cheap meal at a local restaurant: €10–€20 with mid-range looking more like between €20–€30.
- Coffee prices: €2-€3.50
- Beer (0.5L): €3–€5 at a bar or cafe.
- Ferry to/from Hvar Island: Jadrolinija Ferry (One-Way) is €8–€12, depending on the season and type of ferry.
- Local bus fares: €2-€2.50 per trip
- Hostel dorm beds during peak season (July-August) can reach up to €45 in popular locations
- Day trips to Blue Cave and islands typically start from €65-70 for basic tours
- Diocletian’s Palace: Free to explore (though some parts, like the cellars, have entrance fees of €7–€10.
- Climbing the Cathedral Bell Tower: €5–€7.
- Marjan Hill Hiking: Free.
- Beach Sunbed or Umbrella Rentals: €10–€15 per day.
- Plitvice Lakes Tour + Entrance Ticket: €100
Cost Breakdown of Dubrovnik:
Dubrovnik is the more expensive of the two. Accommodation in and near Old Town is significantly more expensive than what you can find in Split and there are a lot more luxury hotels and upscale rentals compared to budget hostels.
Dining is also more expensive, especially at the waterfront restaurants. Even the Old Town activities like walking the city walls, entering the Rector Palace, and visiting the Franciscan Monastery come with a higher price tag when compared to Split’s Old Town attractions.
- Cheap Meal in Old Town: €25-30
- Coffee at a Cafe: €2–€4
- Beer (0.5L): €3.50-€5.50 in most places at a bar or cafe.
- 15 Minute Ferry to Nearby Lokrum Lokrum Island: €10–€15 round trip.
- Public Bus Fares: €2-€3.50 for single fare
- Hostel Dormitory Bed: €30–€50 per night.
- Budget Hotel or Guesthouse: €80–€120 per night for a private room
- City Walls Entrance Fee: €40 per person.
- Cable Car to Mount Srđ: €27 round trip.
- Beaches (Sunbeds/Umbrellas): €15–€25 per day at places like Banje Beach or Sveti Jakov Beach.
- Day Trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina: €100
Verdict: Choose Split if you need the most budget-friendly option.
Final Verdict: Should You Travel to Dubrovnik or Split, Croatia?
Choosing whether to stay in Split or Dubrovnik ultimately comes down to your travel style and what you want to experience during your trip. Both cities offer unique charms, so here’s a quick summary:
Choose Split if you love:
- Diverse access to outdoor activities like hiking, island hopping, and zip-lining
- Wild nightlife with beach parties and backpacker bars
- A more budget-friendly destination
- An old town that blends Roman history with modern life
- Day trips to the Blue Cave, Plitvice Lakes, or Krka National Park
Choose Dubrovnik if you love:
- Immersive history and a perfectly preserved medieval old town.
- Elegant dining experiences with jaw-dropping views of the Adriatic.
- Scenic and exclusive beaches, with opportunities for cliffside swims.
- Day trips that let you explore neighboring countries like Bosnia and Montenegro.
My Personal Favorite Was… Dubrovnik!
After spending over a month exploring Croatia, Dubrovnik was my favourite spot in the entire country by a landslide.
It was a destination so completely unlike anywhere I had ever been before. Walking the City Walls and exploring the streets of its old town felt like I was in medieval times. I loved diving off rocky cliffs outside the city walls and the other unique swimming spots like on Lokrum Island. There were jaw-dropping viewpoints everywhere and I loved exploring Lokrum Island’s botanical gardens.
That said, there is no wrong choice. Both cities were amazing destinations I’d love to go back to and I will always say to go to both if your itinerary allows it.
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
Plan Your Trip to Croatia – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply download the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are travelling beyond Croatia.
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Croatia and the rest of Europe is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation. I’m also a big fan of Manawa, a small tour company that offers adventure travel tours and great personalized customer service. You can find a curated list of Croatia tours by Manawa here.
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