Dubrovnik vs. Split

Croatia has officially stepped into the spotlight—and it’s no wonder why. The Balkan country has 1,100 miles of coastline (not to mention thousands of Dalmatian islands) and its medieval towns have gained many fans as the backdrop in Game of Thrones. But the biggest decision when you’re traveling to Croatia is really between Dubrovnik or Split, two gems set on the Adriatic Sea, about three hours from each other.

You can’t really go wrong with either: Both have walkable Old Towns, stunning beaches, and incredible seafood restaurants. But if you have to choose, we’ve broken down which city is best to hit first, based on cost, culture, and interests. Here’s where to start.

Dubrovnik: As Croatia’s most popular city, Dubrovnik draws a big crowd. So, the best time to visit is during the mild shoulder season (think: April or October) instead of peak season (July and August). That said, if your priority is the beach, Dubrovnik has some great stretches of sand close to the city center—you’ll just have to share the space.

Split: You’ll find fewer tourists in Split, though it’s starting to get on the radar. Summer tends to be sweltering and extra busy: The Split Summer Festival (with outdoor theater, music, and dancing) runs mid-July through mid-August while Ultra Europe’s EDM festival takes place in mid-July. The low season, between November and March, tends to be rainy and chilly, but April, May, and October are fantastic windows for a trip thanks to the generally warm, sunny days.

The takeaway: If you hate crowds (and intense heat), avoid both cities in the summer. Shoulder season is where it’s at: You’ll find clear skies in the spring and fall—plus, you’ll have the city to yourself.

Dubrovnik: Nightly rates tend to be higher here, but you’ll get a wide range of full-service, five-star stays. Check out the 15th-century Prijeko Palace that’s been converted into a nine-room boutique hotel. It’s an art lover’s dream in the heart of Old Town—and its rooftop Stara Loza restaurant is the crown jewel. There are also dozens of elegant seaside resorts, such as Hotel Dubrovnik Palace and cliffside Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, two properties from Adriatic Luxury Hotels (a reliable choice). If you’re booking in advance, Grand Villa Argentina is reopening in 2025 after extensive renovations.

Split: When it comes to wallet-friendly accommodations, Split really shines. (There are plenty of rooms for less than $100 per night.) Plus, most are in Old Town, putting you in the middle of the action. Marmont Hotel Heritage is a solid stay that’s located between the beach and Old Town, so you’ll have the best of both worlds. For something unique—and truly in the center of it all—Hotel Vestibul Palace is housed within the 1,700-year-old Diocletian Palace. If you want to stay seaside, one of the few options available is the top-rated Radisson Blu Resort & Spa.

The takeaway: Both cities have convenient stays in their respective Old Towns. However, Dubrovnik wins this round as it has glam seaside resorts away from (most) of the crowds, plus a wide selection of design-forward properties. Note: If you’re visiting either place in the summer, you’ll need to book far ahead.

Dubrovnik: Stroll through the medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or along the top of its 16th-century walls, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t forget to look up: The architecture in Old Town is striking, with Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. (Some buildings, like the Rector’s Palace, are a blend of both styles.) History buffs should stop at Fort Lovrijenac, which was built in just three months to beat Venice to the punch.

Split: On the other hand, Split has 1,700 years worth of history—and most of it can be seen by walking around the city, which is essentially an open-air museum. Built by a Roman emperor in the third century, the Diocletian Palace can still be seen today (in ruins). Tip: Plan your trip for the last week of August to join the Days of Diocletian festival that honors this Roman era.

The takeaway: You’ll encounter some fascinating history in either of these cities. Bonus: They share a palace from Roman emperor Diocletian. Both are great picks—it just depends on what kind of history you’re more interested in. I think I have to hand it to Split, as the city really celebrates its heritage.

Dubrovnik: First off, fresh oysters are abundant, so you can eat platters of them to your heart’s content. Tip: Order the local, freshly shucked oysters from Mali Ston, where the water gives them a unique flavor. Not a seafood fan? Don’t worry, Dubrovnik has tons of dishes to try. Dating back to the 15th century, zelena menestra is a classic “green stew,” with sheep, pork, cabbages, and collard greens or kale. For dessert, get rozata, a flan-like custard made with rose liquor.

Split: Like in Italy, Croatia’s food is extremely regional—what’s on the table in inland areas once occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire is vastly different than the specialities served in the Venetian-influenced coastal regions. Split’s meals are a medley. Brodetto, a tomato-based seafood stew, is popular at the city’s waterfront restaurants, which source the day’s fresh catch. Dalmatinska pašticada is braised beef on a bed of gnocchi, with a sweet-and-sour Dalmatian sauce (made from prunes, nutmeg, and prošek, a local dessert wine). This recipe has ancient roots—some say the Romans and Greeks used to cook it. Other honorable mentions: crni rižot black risotto with cuttlefish ink; ćevapi grilled fish; buzara white wine-based seafood stew; and burek savory stuffed pastries.

The takeaway: When it comes to food, Croatia has it covered. Both Split and Dubrovnik feature fantastic restaurants that focus on local specialties. If you’re on a budget, you’ll get more bang for your buck in Split—but this depends on the time of year and what kinds of restaurants you’re going to (no-frills local joints or Michelin-starred stunners).

Dubrovnik: You’d be hard-pressed to find water more turquoise than Dubrovnik’s. To top it off, some of the country’s best beaches are within walking distance of Old Town. Banje is just outside the city walls (though you’ll get the same views from the lesser-known Sveti Jakov Beach), and the popular Bellevue Beach is only 20 minutes away. Farther out, the picturesque Copacabana Beach is worth the short bus or 10-minute cab ride. Just don’t expect sandy stretches—the shores here are rocky.

Split: Although there are some incredible beaches in Split, the islands off the coast are the main attraction. Take a ferry to Hvar or Brač for the best stretches. I spent most of my time on Braç, a small scenic island that’s more low-key than party-hardy Hvar. Tip: Book your ferry in advance; spots tend to sell out fast as the Dalmatian islands are popular day-trip destinations, especially in the summer.

If you stay in Split, you can take a dip at one of its golden beaches just steps away. Sandy Bacvice is perfect for families thanks to its many kid-friendly activities (like a park with bounce houses, trampolines, and slides). Meanwhile, grown-ups can play at Kasuni’s buzzy beach bar, which has live music in the evenings. Kastelet, Trstenik, and Žnjan are also great choices.

The takeaway: Croatia’s coastline is gorgeous, and the beaches are all open to the public. You’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to a day in the sun, whether you’re in Dubrovnik or Split. For sandy stretches, fewer crowds, and island-hopping opportunities, my vote goes to Split.

Dubrovnik: Since Croatia joined the EU last year, its currency switched from the kuna (and its favorable exchange rate) to the euro. This will hit you harder in Dubrovnik—hotels can be as much as twice that of Split during peak season, with rooms averaging over $200 a night. Of course, the area’s large number of luxury hotels is likely to skew that number, but you can still find a four-star hotel hovering around $100 during slower periods.

Split: You’re more likely to find affordable accommodations and activities in Split. There’s a decent selection of mid-range accommodations available at or around the $100-per-night range most of the year, including comfortable guest houses that cost about $70. But high-end properties are expensive: They typically cost upwards of $250 in the shoulder and high seasons. One nice perk is that meals and drinks are a little cheaper.

The takeaway: Split is hands down the more economical choice, even (or especially) during the high season.