A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bari vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bari and Plitvice Lakes National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Bari and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bari than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bari is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Bari and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Bari different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bari. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bari is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bari is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Bari is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bari is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Both Bari and Plitvice Lakes National Park are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bari and Plitvice Lakes National Park are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Bari is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Bari is very popular with students. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bari is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very easy national park to get around on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

For even more information, also check out Is Bari Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Bari?

How long in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bari than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bari, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bari than Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bari that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Bari.

One day in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Bari, you'll find food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bari is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Bari. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The authentic port city of Bari offers nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The spectacular national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Bari and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bari Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bari is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bari in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. Bari usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Bari gets 336 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bari usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bari gets 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bari during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bari is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 18°C (65°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bari often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bari gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bari gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bari and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the cuisine.

The weather in Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold. Bari is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Bari averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Bari usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Bari gets 110 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bari usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bari gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bari or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bari as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Bari is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bari in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In the spring, Bari often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bari gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bari gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bari