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

Should you visit Budapest or Split?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Split can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Budapest and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Budapest is more popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Budapest different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Split.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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.

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

Split is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Split has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Split is a must-see party destination. 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Budapest or Split Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. 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.

Budapest is not a resort destination.

Is Budapest or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Budapest or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Split is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or Split Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest or Split?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Split both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Split. 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 Budapest or Split Better for Families?

Split is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Split is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or Split Better for Couples?

Split is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Split has plenty to offer. 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Budapest or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Budapest and Split are first-rate places to visit.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Split is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Budapest or Split Better for Students?

Budapest is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Budapest or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest or Split a more walkable city?

Budapest is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Split 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Split is a very walkable destination. 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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Budapest or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Budapest due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Families should spend more time in Split than Budapest. 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 Budapest. 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.

One day in Budapest or Split?

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Split?

Budapest is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or Split?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the cultural big city of Budapest. 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.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Split?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Split. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Budapest is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives more rain than Split. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Split. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Budapest is much colder than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Split. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Split. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Split. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Budapest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Budapest is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Split. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Split. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Budapest