When people think of Croatia, most are thinking of the picturesque Dalmatian Coast. The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia’s southern region comprises a central coastal strip and hundreds of islands along the Adriatic Sea. We got to explore this coastline during our Croatia & Slovenia itinerary. If you are figuring where to base yourself between Split vs Dubrovnik to explore the Dalmatian coast, this is the right place to help you choose.
Let me delve a bit deeper into what each of the 2 main towns on the Croatian central coastal strip offer, best things to do and attractions in Split and Dubrovnik, options for day trips, accessibility to islands in the Adriatic Sea. That will help you decide between Split or Dubrovnik, whichever city is best suited for your Croatian trip. If you have the time and budget, my recommendation would be to visit both and explore surrounding areas as well.
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Split: The Second largest city of Croatia
Split is the largest city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the second largest city after Zagreb. But only the old town and the main promenade are tourist hubs. Split’s Old Town is characterized by a maze of cobblestoned paths, Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristil (People’s Square), and the St. Domnius Cathedral. So one day in Split is good to explore these parts alongwith Riva promenade. The second day if you are keen to visit Marjan Hill.
The best time to visit Split is the shoulder season: May, June or September, October. The weather is mild, and the peak summer crowds can be avoided.
Split Attractions
Diocletian Palace
Diocletian’s Palace is the oldest continuously-inhabited Roman palace in the world. This is the top attraction in Split. The best way to experience it is to take a guided tour with a local, this top-rated tour with a historian covers all the main attractions of Split and not just the Diocletian Palace.
St. Domnius Cathedral
Within Diocletian’s Palace, you’ll find The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. It dates back to the 7th century. There is a bell tower that rises out from the Cathedral that you can climb to get fabulous views of the city.
Peristil or People’s Square
The Peristil is the remarkable ancient Roman courtyard in the heart of the Diocletian Palace. Sitting on the steps in the Peristil, sipping a lemon beer or a glass of wine and enjoying the summer buzz was my top experience in the old town.
Riva Promenade
The Riva promenade is the iconic pedestrian walkway on the waterfront of Split. It is lined with palm trees, cafes, restaurants, and numerous shops, making it a lively and popular spot.
Marjan Hill
Marjan Hill is a picturesque park with panoramic views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding mountains. Take your pick from cycling, hiking, rock climbing here, and get some marvellous views of the entire city of Split.
Dining, Nightlife, Accommodation in Split
Split is one of the top nightlife hotspots in Croatia. Walk down the main promenade and you’ll see bars and beach clubs. Split certainly trumps Dubrovnik when it comes to nightlife. This Adriatic jewel transforms as dusk settles, revealing a landscape brimming with dynamic locales. Check out this Pub Crawl experience for drink, dance and late night partying! The dining scene in Split is good as well. Split restaurants combine mediterranean heritage with the city’s coastal identity, with seafood dominating in both local tavernas and modern restaurants.
Split offers a range of accommodation to suit every budget. it is in general cheaper to stay in Split vs Dubrovnik. We stayed in the historic Old Town, within walking distance of all attractions and several dining options. But there are many other places within Split to stay. Those who want to spend lots of time at the beach should opt for Bacvice, within walking distance of the Old Town. Znjan is another good option for families with easy access to good beaches like Znjan Beach.
Day Trips from Split
Split is a great town to base yourself to see some more of Croatia. Spit is far more central as compared to Dubrovnik and the options for day trips are several and varied. You can do a day trip to either of the national parks from Split like Plitvice Lakes or Krka national park.
Or you can take a ferry to get to one of the islands close by. The most popular day trip over Adriatic Sea is to the Blue Cave. Brac is most famous for its stunning beach called Zlatni Rat. There is lots of history, culture, charming villages and delicious food that awaits. Hvar is definitely one of the most charming Croatian islands known for its bustling nightlife scene, upscale restaurants, and fascinating historical sites. A popular day trip is to explore 5 islands from Split: Hvar, Ravnik, Budikovac, Vis, and Biševo. Another option is this Blue Lagoon Tour from Split with time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing at a beach bar.
Dubrovnik: The Pearl Of The Adriatic
Dubrovnik is a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea. Touristy, crowded, yet my favorite city in Croatia. If you are a Game of Thrones fan like me, you would immediately note the King’s Landing in the old town of Dubrovnik. The outer walls of Dubrovnik look as if they were built for this TV series.
Do note that the HBO Game of Thrones series has made Dubrovnik exceptionally popular in Croatia. When cruise ships are in port, Dubrovnik old town becomes especially congested with tourists. The best time to visit Dubrovnik is from April to mid-June, and mid-September to October. Summer months of July and August can get exceptionally crowded and hotel prices peak.
Dubrovnik Attractions
There is lots to see and do In this beautiful city, much more as compared to Split. Do spend at least 2/3 days there. More if you are planning day trips to nearby islands or other towns. And if you are a GoT fan, the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik will dazzle you.
Old Town
In Dubrovnik, the Old Town dates back to the 11th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the best-preserved medieval centres in the world. One of the popular way to soak in the vibe is to walk the walls of Dubrovnik Old Town. The views of the Adriatic Sea, the islands glimmering like green jewels and the old town itself are quite breathtaking. You can opt for a walking tour of the City Walls and learn how the city became one of the most advanced maritime republics. GoT fans can consider this Game of Thrones Extended Tour of top Dubrovnik landmarks.
Go Up The Srd Hill
Srđ is a low mountain just behind the walled city of Dubrovnik. At its top is Fort Imperial, a defensive structure built by the French in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars. You can hike upto Srd Hill, we chose to take the cable car. You get fantastic views of the old town and the Adriatic Sea from top of the hill. Even better sunset views. You can consider this Dubrovnik City Tour that includes the cable car ride.
Visit Lovrijenac Fortress
This 14-century fortress is built on a 37 m high sea rock. Initially built to defend the western part of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, it was established as a defensive position for the whole city. You can visit this Fortress daily from 8 AM until 7 PM.
More attractions in Dubrovnik
The old town is full of attractions, much more than what is to see in Split. If you walk around it, you will come upon several of these charming buildings and spots. The Cathedral currently standing dates from 1673 to replace the original 12th-century cathedral which was destroyed by the earthquake. You can see the Orlando’s Column on the right – a favorite meeting place of the locals.
Nearby is Rector’s Palace, built-in 1441, which is now a city museum packed with valuable and historical exhibits. Sponza Palace was constructed in 1522. It houses interesting city archives on the first floor. You come upon the Onofrio’s Fountain as you look for the side entrance at one corner of Pile Gate. This large fountain was built in 1438 as part of a water-supply system.
Franciscan Monastery is one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, in operation since 1391. You can go inside and see their plethora of old medicines and exhibits.
Beaches in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s main beach is quite pretty. Banje Beach sits just south of the city walls, a five-minute walk from Ploče Gate. Sulic Beach is far less popular than Banje Beach, but it’s much more atmospheric. Sveti Jakov is a slightly less touristy beach. Pasjaca Beach sits just outside of Dubrovnik, and makes for a wonderful day trip.
Dining, Nightlife, Accommodation in Dubrovnik
While Split has better nightlife options as compared to Dubrovnik, the latter does have plenty of bars and pubs and even a few dance clubs. The Stradun or Placa is the main artery of the old town, always bustling with tourists and locals. You will find many cafes and restaurants here. Dubrovnik is more of a luxury destination than Split, so you’ll find more Michelin-recommended (and starred) restaurants here. You can savour an authentic taste of Croatian cuisine on this small-group tasting tour through the Old Town.
In general, Dubrovnik is more expensive than Split and so it goes with the accommodation options. We stayed in the Old Town itself but do note that its maze of cobbled streets and crowds may not be to everyone’s taste. If luxury and beach access is more your vibe, Ploče is where you’ll find upscale hotels with breathtaking views of Lokrum Island. Families often gravitate towards Lapad, a peninsula boasting a popular beach and vibrant café culture.
Day Trips from Dubrovnik
Although Split offers many more varied day trips, there are some day trips you can consider from Dubrovnik. We enjoyed stopping at Ston and walking the largest walls in Europe en route to reaching Dubrovnik.
Lokrum is the closest island to Dubrovnik and makes for an easy half-day trip. Just a 15-20 min ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town port and included in this panoramic sunset cruise from Dubrovnik. There is even a GoT tour to Lokrum island aka Qarth. Korcula has a charming medieval town that’s a joy to explore with your kids. Despite all the natural areas, there are plenty of facilities on the island of Lokrum, too. Lopud is an island with a true Adriatic vibe and Mediterranean and subtropical untouched greenery. A cruise around the Elaphiti Islands is a popular day trip from Dubrovnik. Another option to enjoy the Adriatic Sea is to explore the southern Dalmatian Islands with this full day tour to Mljet National Park and 3 other islands.
With its proximity to Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Dubrovnik also provides options for day trips to these countries. Consider this full-Day Tour Bay of Kotor, Perast, Kotor and Budva. Another popular tour option is to explore the medieval town of Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls Tour from Dubrovnik. You can even take a full-day tour to see sights in both Montenegro and Bosnia.
FAQs on Split vs Dubrovnik
1. Which city is cheaper between Split vs Dubrovnik?
In general, accommodation, food and transport is more expensive in Dubrovnik. As Croatia’s most popular city, Dubrovnik draws a big crowd especially in peak summer season. Dubrovnik hotels can be as much as twice that of Split during peak season. You’re more likely to find affordable accommodations and activities in Split.
2. Which city has better beaches?
As such, Croatia has mostly pebbly beaches and not sandy ones. However, in general, Dubrovnik has better beaches than Split with finer, smoother pebbles.
3. Which cty is prettier: Dubrovik or Split?
No doubt, Dubrovnik. Its old town is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval towns.
4. Which city is better suited for families?
Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town is known for having a ton of stairs, which can make it challenging to navigate with a stroller.
Split offers a more accessible layout, making it easier to get around with small children in tow. Additionally, Split tends to be slightly cheaper than Dubrovnik, making it a more cost-effective option for families.
5. How many days to spend in Split vs Dubrovnik?
2-3 days in Split is the perfect amount of time to visit the city, see all the highlights and to explore the immediate surroundings. If you only want to explore the historic core, then one day in Split will be enough for you.
Spending 3-5 days in Dubrovnik city is great to explore all of its top attractions along with the day trips.
Final Verdict: Split vs Dubrovnik
I fell in love with Dubrovnik aka King’s Landing at first sight. Yes, it is touristy, yet so charming. And as a GoT fan, it was incredible to see its well-preserved old town. There are luxury accommodation options both within the old town and in nearby areas with beach access. Plenty of dining options and bars as well. Dubrovnik is picturesque, has a romantic vibe, and a great option for couples, families, anyone looking for good beaches, great local cuisine, and stunning attractions.
However, families with young kids and on a budget may prefer to stay in Split. Split offers day trips to both mainland landmarks like Plitvice Lakes National Park and Trogir plus numerous Croatian islands. Youngsters looking for nightlife and on a tight budget may also prefer Split.
Travel Resources for Croatia
We used Booking.com for most of our hotel bookings in Croatia
Omio is my favourite platform to book bus, train and ferry tickets
Use Kiwitaxi for airport transfers.
Rent a car to drive around in Croatia. Get the best car deals on RentalCars and Discover Cars here!
Get an eSim for your trip for effortless and cheap data connection from Airalo.
Planning a trip to Croatia?
Croatia Itinerary: See this 2-week Croatia itinerary, suited for a family trip
Inclined towards city sightseeing? Read how to spend one day in Zagreb and the best things to do in Dubrovnik. Also a day trip to Ston and Mali Ston in Croatia and how to spend one day in Split. Don’t miss out on the Must-See GoT Locations in Croatia.
You must visit one of the national parks in Croatia: Plitvice and Krka being the famous ones. See this travel guide on Plitvice Lakes.
Croatia is famous for its islands. Check out these posts on best things to do in Hvar island and Vis island Travel Guide. There are over 1000 islands across the Dalmatian coast, here is a guide on the best Croatian islands for families.
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Wow you covered so much in this article. On my bucket list!!!
What a comprehensive post! I have never considered exploring Croatia, but this post inspires me- such a variety of activities!