A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Split for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bonn or Split?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Split? 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bonn and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Bonn attracts visitors for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Split is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bonn or Split?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Bonn or Split.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Many visitors head to Split specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Split is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Split. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Split is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Bonn or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Split. 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.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a great city for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Split is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Split Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Split?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Split both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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.

Is Bonn or Split Better for Families?

Bonn is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bonn or Split Better for Couples?

Split is very popular for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Split Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and Split are superb places to visit.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Split is very popular with students. 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.

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

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some places easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Bonn or Split a more walkable city?

Bonn and Split are superb when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Bonn 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 Bonn, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

Couples should spend more time in Split than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Split?

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Split. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bonn or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Split is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Bonn or Split?

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active destination of Split. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The active city of Split offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and Split, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Split?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn or Split?

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 Bonn or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Split. Most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Split. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Split. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Split. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Split. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Bonn is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Split. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bonn is much colder than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Split. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Split. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Bonn