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

Should you visit Canberra or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Canberra 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

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.

Canberra and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Canberra and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Canberra is known for its big city activities. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Canberra 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. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Canberra and Dubrovnik.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

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

Dubrovnik is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra 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 Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Both Canberra and Dubrovnik have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Dubrovnik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

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

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Canberra 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.

Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a popular place for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Dubrovnik is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Dubrovnik has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Dubrovnik?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Canberra and Dubrovnik.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik to go shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Canberra or Dubrovnik.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Canberra is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Canberra is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

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

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Dubrovnik?

In either Canberra or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Canberra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

Families should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Canberra. 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 Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Canberra. 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 Canberra or Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Canberra. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city 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 Canberra or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Canberra. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Canberra or Dubrovnik?

Canberra is a popular choice for travelers. 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. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, 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 Canberra and Dubrovnik, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Dubrovnik is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Dubrovnik?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Dubrovnik?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Dubrovnik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Dubrovnik. The summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, 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, Canberra is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Canberra in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.

In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Dubrovnikin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Dubrovnik. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra 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 April, Canberra is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnikin October. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 17°C (63°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnikin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Canberra 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.

Canberra is a little warmer than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Dubrovnikin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Canberra is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Canberra in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F)in April.

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Canberra usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnikin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Canberra