Head-to-head. Real data, no fluff.
| Category | Dubrovnik | Split |
|---|---|---|
| Avg flight from London | 60-110 EUR | 50-90 EUR |
| Best months | May-Jun, Sep | May-Jun, Sep |
| Daily budget | 90-150 EUR | 60-100 EUR |
| Old town | UNESCO walls, Game of Thrones | Diocletian's Palace, lived-in |
| Beaches | Banje Beach, rocky coves | Bacvice, sandy and shallow |
| Crowds | Extreme in summer (cruise ships) | Busy but manageable |
| Island access | Lokrum, Elafiti (small) | Hvar, Brac, Vis (major islands) |
| Nightlife | Limited, tourist-oriented | Bacvice bars, local scene |
| Food | Seafood, 15-25 EUR mains | Seafood, 10-18 EUR mains |
| Authenticity | Very touristy | More local, lived-in city |
Score: Dubrovnik 0 · Split 8 · 2 ties
The Verdict
Choose Dubrovnik for: the iconic walled city, Game of Thrones locations, and sunset views from the walls.
Choose Split for: lower prices, better island access (Hvar, Brac), and a more authentic Croatian experience.
Flights to Dubrovnik Flights to Split
When to visit Dubrovnik · When to visit Split · 3 days in Dubrovnik · 3 days in Split
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| Criteria | Dubrovnik | Split |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily budget | €120-€150 | €90-€120 |
| Flight cost from London (round-trip) | £120-£180 | £100-£150 |
| Hotel cost per night (mid-range) | €140-€180 | €100-€140 |
| Best season to visit | May, September | April, May, September, October |
| Days needed | 4-5 days | 3-4 days |
| Known for | Medieval walls, Game of Thrones, Adriatic views | Diocletian's Palace, Old Town, beach access |
| Nightlife rating (1-5) | 3 | 4 |
| Crowd level (peak season) | Very high | High |
Dubrovnik is 25% more expensive than Split overall. A budget meal costs €8-€10 in Split versus €10-€12 in Dubrovnik. A mid-range restaurant dinner for two is €40-€50 in Split versus €50-€65 in Dubrovnik. A coffee is €2.50 in Split and €3.00 in Dubrovnik. A metro/day pass is unavailable in both cities, but Split has a bus system with a €1.50 single ticket. Museum entrance fees: Dubrovnik City Walls €25, Split's Diocletian's Palace €15. Hostel stays cost €25-€30/night in Split versus €30-€35 in Dubrovnik. A 3-star hotel is €90-€120 in Split versus €120-€150 in Dubrovnik. A 4-star hotel is €140-€180 in Split versus €180-€220 in Dubrovnik.
Walk the 1.9km (1.2-mile) city walls for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Old Town. The walls were used for King's Landing scenes in Game of Thrones, with specific spots like the Fort Bokar and the Stradun promenade. The walls are open 8:00-20:00, with a €25 entry fee.
Take a 15-minute ferry from Dubrovnik's Old Port to Lokrum Island. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, the botanical garden, and the ruins of a 13th-century monastery. The island is accessible year-round, with ferry tickets €8-€10 round-trip.
Explore the Renaissance architecture of Sponza Palace (16th century) and Rector's Palace (15th century), both housing museums. Sponza Palace features a Gothic facade and a museum of old Dubrovnik, while Rector's Palace has a Renaissance courtyard and a museum of the city's history. Entry to both is €10-€15 combined.
Take a 20-minute bus from Dubrovnik to Cavtat, a small town with a 16th-century harbor, cobblestone streets, and seafood restaurants. Cavtat is known for its relaxed vibe, with a €2 bus fare from Dubrovnik and a 15-minute walk from the bus stop to the harbor.
Split's 3rd-century Roman palace is the heart of the city, with the Peristyle (a colonnaded courtyard) and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. The palace is open 8:00-20:00, with entry to the palace grounds €15. The palace houses shops, restaurants, and a museum of Roman artifacts.
Hike up Marjan Hill (30 minutes from the city center) for views of Split and the Adriatic. The hill has a park with a 19th-century fort, and the beach at Bacvice is 10 minutes from the city center by foot. Bacvice Beach is free, with sunbeds costing €5-€10 per day.
Split's nightlife centers around Diocletian's Palace, with bars like Kastel and Tito's Bar. Kastel is a rooftop bar with live music, open until 2:00 AM, while Tito's Bar is a historic spot near the palace, serving cocktails from €6-€8. Both are within 5 minutes of the palace.
Visit Salona, a 2nd-century Roman city 10km from Split, with ruins of temples, amphitheaters, and a museum. The park is open 8:00-18:00, with entry €10. Salona is accessible by bus (15 minutes from Split) or taxi (€15-€20).
Dubrovnik is best in May (average high 22°C, low 15°C) and September (average high 25°C, low 18°C), with fewer crowds and moderate prices. Split is best in April (high 18°C, low 10°C), May (high 22°C, low 14°C), September (high 24°C, low 17°C), and October (high 20°C, low 12°C). Summer (June-August) is peak season for both, with Dubrovnik having higher crowds and prices. Winter (December-February) is quiet but cold, with Dubrovnik averaging 5°C and Split 6°C. Dubrovnik hosts the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August), featuring classical music and theater, while Split hosts the Split Film Festival (September) and the Split Carnival (February).
Flights from London: Ryanair flies to Dubrovnik (2h 15m) for £120-£180 round-trip, and Croatia Airlines flies to Split (1h 50m) for £100-£150 round-trip. From Amsterdam, KLM flies to Split (2h 30m) for €150-€200 round-trip, and easyJet flies to Dubrovnik (2h 10m) for €130-€180. From Frankfurt, Lufthansa flies to Split (2h 10m) for €140-€190, and Croatia Airlines flies to Dubrovnik (2h 20m) for €120-€170. The journey time between Dubrovnik and Split is 2 hours by bus (€10-€15) or 1 hour 40 minutes by car (€25-€35). From Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), take a bus (€2.50) or taxi (€15-€20) to the city center. From Split Airport (SPU), take a bus (€1.50) or taxi (€10-€15) to the city center.
Dubrovnik is best in May (average high 22°C, low 15°C) and September (average high 25°C, low 18°C), with fewer crowds and moderate prices. Split is best in April (high 18°C, low 10°C), May (high 22°C, low 14°C), September (high 24°C, low 17°C), and October (high 20°C, low 12°C). Summer (June-August) is peak season for both, with Dubrovnik having higher crowds and prices. Winter (December-February) is quiet but cold, with Dubrovnik averaging 5°C and Split 6°C. Dubrovnik hosts the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August), featuring classical music and theater, while Split hosts the Split Film Festival (September) and the Split Carnival (February).
For budget travelers, Split is the better choice due to lower prices and more affordable accommodations. For history and Game of Thrones fans, Dubrovnik is the top pick. Both cities offer unique experiences, but Split is more practical for a longer stay due to its lower costs and more relaxed atmosphere.