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

Should you visit Cork or Split?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cork and Split can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cork

Cork is a energetic, cultural, and seaside city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a historic, active, and touristy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cork and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Split. Although Cork and Split are popular destinations, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is more touristy than Cork and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

How is Cork different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Cork and Split have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Split. 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 Cork or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cork and Split offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cork makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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.

Is Cork or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Split is a world class 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.

Cork has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Is Cork or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is notable for its resorts. However, Cork is not a resort destination.

In Split, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Cork is not a resort destination.

Is Cork or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cork is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Split is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Cork is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cork or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is notable for its beaches. However, Cork is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Split attract visitors from all over. 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.

Cork is not a beach destination.

Is Cork or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Split to see the historical old town. 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Split?

Both Cork and Split are very good shopping destinations.

Cork is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Split is well-known for its shopping. 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 Cork or Split Better for Families?

Split is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Split is 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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Cork or Split Better for Couples?

Split is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Split is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Cork makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Is Cork or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Split is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Cork or Split Better for Students?

Cork and Split are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Students come from all over to stay in Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Many students visit Split. 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 Cork or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Split is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Split has a few public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Split a more walkable city?

Split is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Split is very walkable. 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.

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Cork?

How long in Cork or Split?

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

Families should spend more time in Split than Cork. 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 Cork. 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 Cork 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 Cork or Split?

In Cork, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this seaside destination offers. 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 Cork or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cork. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Cork or Split?

Cork is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cork. 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 historic 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 Cork or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Cork. 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 historic 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Cork or Split?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork or Split?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cork or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Cork during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cork this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cork is much colder than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cork in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cork often gets less sunshine than Split. Cork gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets more rain in July than Split. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cork and Split. Many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Split in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cork is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 11°C (52°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Cork usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Cork gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cork usually receives more rain than Split. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cork or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cork as well as Split. Many visitors come to Cork in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cork is cooler than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cork often gets less sunshine than Split. Cork gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cork receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cork usually gets more rain in January than Split. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Cork are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Cork is much colder than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cork in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Cork usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Cork gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cork usually receives less rain than Split. Cork gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Cork