Split or Dubrovnik: where should you go first?

How do you choose between Split or Dubrovnik? Both are headline acts on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, with UNESCO-listed historic centers and vibrant local life. Each has beaches, good food, and bars with sea views.

So which should you visit first? Here’s our lowdown on what each city offers.

The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia. 

Split or Dubrovnik: which city suits your style?

If you're building a Croatia itinerary, the choice between Split and Dubrovnik might come down to travel style. Both cities deserve a spot on the list of best places to visit in Croatia, but they offer very different vibes.

Dubrovnik is for you if you’re drawn to dramatic settings and iconic landmarks. The walled old town is straight out of a fantasy film (literally, Game of Thrones fans, take note), and the views from the city walls are hard to beat. It’s compact, walkable, and ideal for a short, high-impact stay. Just be ready for crowds, especially in summer.

Split, on the other hand, feels more lived-in. It’s built around a Roman palace, but locals still work, shop, and hang out in its ancient courtyards. You’ll find better nightlife, easy ferry connections to the islands, and a younger, more energetic crowd. If you want a base that blends history with a more relaxed pace, Split wins.

Up next, we’ll take a closer look at Split versus Dubrovnik, comparing what each city does best, from sights and beaches to food, nightlife, and day trips.

Split or Dubrovnik: which is better for culture?

Forget traditional museums. In both Split and Dubrovnik, culture is something you walk through, not something kept behind glass. These are cities where history is lived in, not just looked at.

Split's old town is built directly into Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman imperial complex from 295 AD. Locals still live, shop, and drink coffee in its ancient courtyards. Climb the bell tower of St Domnius for views over the city and harbor. Or settle into a café on the palace steps and watch daily life unfold. If you want to stay surrounded by history, Kastel 1700 Boutique Hotel is right inside the palace walls.

Dubrovnik is neater, more polished, but just as real. People still live within the old town, and walking the 25-meter-high city walls often means peeking straight into someone’s backyard. One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to stay within the walls at The Pucic Palace, a hotel that puts you in the center of it all.

For recent history, visit War Photo Limited. Its powerful photojournalism gives real insight into the 1991-92 siege. Then ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for the full view, beautiful, and a little sobering.

So who wins? Split edges ahead if you’re into Roman history and a city that feels lived-in and gritty. Dubrovnik offers more drama, both visually and historically, especially if you're drawn to stories of resilience. If you care most about immersive, everyday culture, go for Split. If you're chasing iconic history and postcard views, choose Dubrovnik.

Which city is best for authentic Croatian food?

Croatian food is all about simple ingredients, strong local flavors, and a lot of seafood. Both Split and Dubrovnik deliver, thanks to their coastal locations and easy access to fresh produce.

You’ll find classic Dalmatian dishes in both cities, like pašticada, a rich beef stew slow-cooked in wine and spices, usually served with homemade gnocchi. In Dubrovnik, fresh oysters from nearby Ston are a local specialty and a must-try for any seafood lover.

For a proper foodies experience in Croatia, Dubrovnik takes a little more effort. Skip the overpriced spots north of Stradun around Prijeko. Instead, head south of the old town or out to Gruž, home to the city’s best fish market and several standout seafood restaurants.

In Split, authentic food is easier to find. Wander west of the palace into Varoš, a neighborhood packed with traditional konobas, family-run kitchens, and tucked-away wine bars. This is where locals actually eat, and the menus reflect that.

The verdict? Split wins for casual, local dining that’s easy to find and easy to love. Dubrovnik still holds its own, especially for seafood, but you’ll need to avoid the tourist traps to get the real thing.

Split or Dubrovnik: which city does nightlife better?

If you are looking for more than a quiet drink, the choice between Split and Dubrovnik makes a difference. Both have a bar scene, but only one offers a real party.

In Split, nightlife is part of everyday life. Start with a drink on the Riva, the seafront promenade lined with buzzing bars and big outdoor terraces. From there, head into Diocletian’s Palace, where bars are tucked into Roman courtyards and cellars. For late-night energy, make your way to Varoš or the Bačvice neighborhood. Bačvice Beach is home to Split’s beach clubs and all-night venues that keep going well past midnight.

Dubrovnik is more relaxed after dark. The Buza bars, carved into the city walls, are perfect for sunset drinks with a view. Inside the old town, you will find a few small wine bars like D’Vino, but things quiet down early. For a livelier scene, look toward Lapad or near Pile Gate, two of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik if you want to be close to the action.

The verdict: Split is the clear winner for nightlife. It is louder, later, and far more varied. Dubrovnik might look better in the evening light, but if you are chasing a proper night out, head to Split.

Which city has better beaches?

If you are coming to Croatia, pack your swimsuit. The Adriatic offers some of the clearest water in Europe, and both Split and Dubrovnik make the most of it. But when it comes to beach life, one city definitely has the edge.

Split has a mix of city beaches and hidden spots. Bačvice Beach is a short walk from the center and one of the few sandy beaches in Croatia. The water is shallow, warm, and perfect for a quick swim. For something quieter, head west to Kašjuni Beach on the Marjan peninsula. With its pine-backed coast and clear water, it feels far from the city even though it's just 4 kilometers away. Split also offers sea kayaking, snorkeling, and even cliff diving for the more adventurous.

Dubrovnik is more limited but still offers a few memorable spots. Buza bars, tucked into the cliffs below the old town walls, let you swim straight from the rocks, then relax with a cold beer. Banje Beach, just outside the eastern gate, combines sea views with a lounge-bar vibe. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the country, but also one of the busiest.

If you are chasing the best beaches in Croatia, Split comes out ahead. It offers more variety, easier access, and better options for both swimming and water sports. Dubrovnik has style, but Split has space to swim.

Which city is the best base for day trips?

When it comes to day trips, both Split and Dubrovnik open the door to some of the best things to do in Croatia. But they offer very different experiences.

Split is the better hub if you want variety. From here, you can hop on ferries to Hvar, Brac, or Vis, making it one of the top spots for sailing in Croatia. Inland, it is an easy jump-off point for exploring Krka National Park, Trogir, or even Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You get beaches, islands, waterfalls, and medieval towns, all within reach.

Dubrovnik has fewer options but more dramatic scenery. Take a boat to Lokrum Island, hike through Mljet National Park, or cross the border into Montenegro for a day. The views are spectacular, but travel times can be longer and ferry routes more limited.

If day trips are a priority, Split makes a stronger base. It offers more connections, shorter travel times, and better access to some of the top outdoor experiences and cultural sights in the region.

Which city is better for budget travel?

If you are traveling on a budget, the cost difference between Split and Dubrovnik can shape your trip. Croatia is no longer dirt cheap, but some places still give you more for your money.

Split is generally the more affordable option. Accommodation is cheaper, especially outside the peak summer months, and you will find plenty of local konobas serving filling meals without the high-end price tag. Many of the best experiences in Split: walking the Riva, exploring Diocletian’s Palace, hiking up Marjan Hill, are free. Even island ferries and short excursions tend to be more budget-friendly here.

Dubrovnik, by contrast, is one of the most expensive cities in Croatia. Prices inside the old town are high, especially for food, drinks, and accommodation. Walking the city walls alone costs more than many full-day activities elsewhere. That said, you can still find good value if you stay outside the center or explore neighborhoods like Lapad.

Verdict: If your wallet matters, go with Split. It is easier to do on a budget, offers more free attractions, and gives you better value across the board.

Which city is better for a romantic getaway?

Looking for sea views, long dinners, and just the right amount of drama? Both Split and Dubrovnik have their romantic moments, but they offer very different experiences for couples.

Dubrovnik looks the part. With its old stone streets, city walls, and sweeping views of the Adriatic, it is one of the top honeymoon destinations in Croatia. Sunset drinks at a Buza bar, boat trips to Lokrum Island, or dinner under lanterns in the old town make it easy to dial up the romance. Luxury hotels and boutique stays are plentiful, but expect to pay for the setting.

Split is less polished but more relaxed. You can wander Roman ruins by day, sip wine on the Riva by night, or take a ferry to Hvar for a romantic island escape. It’s also easier to avoid crowds here, especially if you stay near Marjan Hill or in the Varoš neighborhood. For couples who want atmosphere without the flash, Split works well.

Verdict: Dubrovnik is the classic choice for a romantic trip, especially for first-timers. But if you prefer laid-back charm and a few surprises, Split may be the better fit.

Split or Dubrovnik: which is better for a family trip?

Planning a trip to Croatia with kids? Both Split and Dubrovnik have plenty to offer, but the right choice depends on what kind of family travel experience you are after.

Split is a great option for active families. The city is walkable, relaxed, and packed with things to explore. Kids can run through the open spaces of Diocletian’s Palace, climb Marjan Hill, or swim at Bačvice Beach, which has shallow water and a rare stretch of sand. Ferries leave regularly for nearby islands like Brac or Hvar, making day trips easy to plan and fun for all ages.

Dubrovnik is more compact but more intense. The old town is beautiful but crowded, and walking the city walls can be tiring for younger kids. That said, older children will enjoy the cable car ride up Mount Srđ, sea kayaking, or taking boat trips to Lokrum Island. Banje Beach is close to the center, but space is limited.

Verdict: For families, Split or Dubrovnik can both work, but Split is easier, more spacious, and more flexible. It has better beaches for kids, less walking, and more variety for longer stays.

What's the verdict? Dubrovnik or Split?

If you’re still trying to decide between Split and Dubrovnik, here’s the bottom line.

Dubrovnik is the showstopper. Its old town is one of the most striking in Europe, and for first-time visitors to Croatia, it delivers big, cinematic moments. It’s a top pick for a short trip or a romantic escape, and it earns its spot as one of the country’s headline attractions.

But Split is the better all-rounder. It’s easier on the budget, more laid-back, and better connected for island-hopping and day trips. You’ll find a real local vibe, vibrant nightlife, and beaches within walking distance of the center. It’s also less polished, but that’s part of the charm.

The verdict? If you want drama, go to Dubrovnik. If you want variety, flexibility, and more breathing room, go to Split. And if you can manage both, even better, each gives you a different slice of Croatia.

FAQs: Split vs Dubrovnik

Still unsure which city suits your trip? These frequently asked questions cover the practical side of planning, from tourist numbers to travel logistics, and offer a few useful Croatia travel tips along the way.

Which is nicer, Split or Dubrovnik?

That depends on what you want. Dubrovnik is more dramatic, with its walled old town and cliffside views. It’s ideal for short, high-impact trips. Split is more relaxed, better for longer stays, and feels more local. If you’re chasing iconic scenery, pick Dubrovnik. If you want variety and fewer crowds, go with Split.

Are there more tourists in Split or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik gets more tourists, especially during cruise ship season from May to September. The old town fills up fast. Split also gets busy, but the crowds are more spread out and easier to avoid.

Is it worth going from Split to Dubrovnik?

Yes. If you have time, visiting both gives you two very different experiences. The journey takes around 4.5 hours by road and offers great coastal views. Ferries are also an option in summer.

Was Game of Thrones filmed in Dubrovnik or Split?

Both. Dubrovnik was used for King’s Landing, while Split hosted scenes in Meereen and other locations. Fans can spot filming sites in both cities, or join a tour for the full experience.

How long should I stay in Split or Dubrovnik?

If you're short on time, two to three days is enough to cover the highlights in either city. Dubrovnik works well for a short break. Split is better as a base for longer trips, especially if you're planning island hopping or day trips inland.

Can I visit Split and Dubrovnik in one trip?

Yes. Many travelers do both. The journey between them takes about four to five hours by bus or car, or around 4.5 hours by catamaran in summer. Give yourself at least a week if you want to explore both without rushing.

Which city has better island access?

Split, hands down. It’s the main ferry hub for the central Dalmatian coast and the best base for island hopping in Croatia. From here, you can easily reach islands like Hvar, Brac, Vis, and Solta by regular passenger ferries or catamarans. Schedules are frequent, especially in summer, and you can explore multiple islands without needing a tour.

Dubrovnik has fewer ferry connections, and most island trips are run by private boats or day tours. You can still visit places like Lokrum or Mljet, but it’s more limited compared to what Split offers.

Is English widely spoken in Split and Dubrovnik?

Yes. In both cities, especially in the tourism industry, English is widely spoken. Menus, signage, and public transport info are usually available in English, so getting around is easy.