A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Dubrovnik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Coimbra 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.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Dubrovnik?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €97. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Coimbra and Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Dubrovnik 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Dubrovnik 100
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Dubrovnik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Coimbra


Hotels in Dubrovnik


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Dubrovnik 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $146

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    1.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers to and from Ston area to and from Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik airport: $152
  • Transfers from Dubrovnik : $65
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split with 2 hours stop in Ston Town: $86
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $65
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik to Sun Gardens, Trsteno or Brsečine: $82
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik: $52
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik: $65
  • Transfer Dubrovnik-Dubrovnik airport: $41
  • Transfer Dubrovnik Airport to Kotor Old town : $196
  • Transfer Dubrovnik Airport (Croatia) to Kotor (Montenegro): $197
  • Taxi transfer from Dubrovnik to Međugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina: $218
  • Split TO/FROM: Dubrovnik Private Transfer with Stop in Ston: $266

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik and Coimbra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Coimbra 48
    Dubrovnik 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $82
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $178
  • 3 Hour Sites and Bites Food Tour in Dubrovnik: $192
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $197
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $201
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $208
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $213
  • From Majkovi Village and Ston Private Food Tour: $474

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Dubrovnik 19

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $119
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $69
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $76
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $130
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $133
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $253
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $43
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.42
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.19

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • MONTENEGRO TOUR from Dubrovnik: $103
  • Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat from Koločep: $111
  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $58
  • 1 Hour Shared Dubrovnik Guided Walking Tour : $26
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Dubrovnik : $104
  • 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $20
  • 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour : $150
  • 2 hrs Guided Tour to CAVTAT a Small Place for Great Art: $27
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $108
  • 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $44
  • Adventure Dubrovnik - Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour: $33
  • Adventure Park Cadmos Village from Dubrovnik: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Dubrovnik 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $65
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $174
  • Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $178

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Korcula & Peljesac Wine Tasting Group Tour from Dubrovnik: $83
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik Old Town : $89
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


When comparing the travel costs between Coimbra and Dubrovnik, we can see that Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Dubrovnik?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Dubrovnik. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Dubrovnik. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

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

In January, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubrovnik. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Coimbra usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Coimbra

Coimbra Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)