A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Dubrovnik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Biarritz and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Biarritz and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Biarritz is known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Biarritz and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. Biarritz is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Biarritz different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Biarritz or Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Biarritz has something for everybody. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Biarritz and Dubrovnik offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Dubrovnik. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Dubrovnik is one of the most recognized in the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dubrovnik. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Dubrovnik.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Dubrovnik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Dubrovnik is extremely popular for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Dubrovnik.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Dubrovnik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Biarritz or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dubrovnik. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

In either Biarritz or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than Dubrovnik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Biarritz 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

You'll find food and shopping around the seaside town of Biarritz. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful coastal town of Dubrovnik offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the quirky destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubrovnik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural seaside town of Biarritz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer.

Dubrovnik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubrovnik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Biarritz and Dubrovnik, we can see that Biarritz is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz than you might in Dubrovnik.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Dubrovnik, 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 Biarritz or Dubrovnik?

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 Biarritz or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Dubrovnik. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Dubrovnik. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Biarritz is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dubrovnik. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Biarritz is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Dubrovnik. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Biarritz