A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Split for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Split?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Split, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a peaceful, historic, and relaxing spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Split

Split is a budget-friendly, historic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baden-Baden and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Split?

You'll generally find more things to do in Split than Baden-Baden. Split is bigger than Baden-Baden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Split is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Baden-Baden is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Baden-Baden and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Baden-Baden is well known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals.

How is Baden-Baden different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Split and Baden-Baden. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Split?

Split is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Split can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Baden-Baden, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Split just to party. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.

Split is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baden-Baden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Split to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Baden-Baden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a well-known place for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Split. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Split to see the old town. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden offers some nice hiking trails. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Split?

Split is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its shopping areas.

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Families?

Baden-Baden and Split are both great destinations for the whole family.

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly spa town. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Split. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Couples?

Split is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for couples.

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Baden-Baden makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Students?

Split is a well-known place for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Split is a great city to visit as a student. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Is Baden-Baden or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Split is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

Split has a few public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Baden-Baden or Split a more walkable city?

Split is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Baden-Baden or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Families should spend more time in Split than Baden-Baden. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Split, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Split than Baden-Baden. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Split that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split than Baden-Baden if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Split.

One day in Baden-Baden or Split?

In Baden-Baden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this nature-oriented destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the budget-friendly city of Split. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the touristy destination of Split. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Split?

Baden-Baden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Baden-Baden. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The historic city of Split offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Baden-Baden or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Baden-Baden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Split. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baden-Baden and Split, we can see that Baden-Baden is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Baden-Baden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baden-Baden than you might in Split.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baden-Baden Expensive? and Is Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and Split, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Baden-Baden or Split?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Baden-Baden during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Baden-Baden is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baden-Baden. In the summer, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Split. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in July than Split. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Split. Many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Baden-Baden is much colder than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baden-Baden in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Split. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Split. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Baden-Baden can be very cold during winter. In January, Baden-Baden is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 2°C (35°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Split. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in January than Split. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Baden-Baden is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baden-Baden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Baden-Baden