A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dijon vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a historical, cultural, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Dijon and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dijon. Although Dijon and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Dijon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dijon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Dijon and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Dijon is popular for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also home to The Ducal Palace.

How is Dijon different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dijon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dijon is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dijon is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dijon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dijon is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Dijon has a few options to choose from. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dijon is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Dijon and Plitvice Lakes National Park make for a great place to visit.

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.


Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dijon is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dijon is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Dijon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.


Is Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Dijon
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Dijon Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dijon than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Dijon than Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dijon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dijon 2-4 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Dijon, you'll find food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this world-famous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Dijon is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.


Five days in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Dijon. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The laid-back city of Dijon offers nightlife and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Dijon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dijon is €153, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Dijon and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dijon 80
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dijon 160
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Dijon and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Dijon


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


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: Dijon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dijon 36
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $427

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dijon 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
    Dijon 48
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dijon 25
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Dijon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dijon are as follows:

  • Best of Burgundy Private Tasting Tour - Premier & Grand Crus: $1,273
  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $176
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.49
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $60
  • Dijon Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Dijon private guided city tour: $383
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $71
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Historic Guided Walking Tour: $384
  • E-bike Burgundy day tour, tastings & lunch from Beaune or Dijon: $240
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dijon 29
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $37
  • Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $48
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $48
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $59
  • Bike Tour with Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting: $66
  • Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74
  • Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $95


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dijon Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dijon is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. In the summer, Dijon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dijon 21°C (70°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dijon is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dijon in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dijon usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dijon 13°C (55°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dijon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dijon is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 3°C (38°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Dijon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dijon 3°C (38°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

Dijon is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Dijon usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dijon usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dijon 11°C (53°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dijon

Dijon Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)