A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

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Should you visit Dubai or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubai and Dubrovnik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a famous, cultural, and coastal coastal town. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

How is Dubai different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Museums and Historical Sights?

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Dubrovnik and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Food?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Dubrovnik both to be unique destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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.

Is Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Nightlife?

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Dubai.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

If you're looking for night time activities Dubrovnik has a few options to choose from. 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 Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Dubai and Dubrovnik.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

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.

Is Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai and Dubrovnik both offer scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

There are few places where you can 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.


Is Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Beaches?

Dubai and Dubrovnik are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

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.

Is Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Shopping?

Most people pick Dubai for the shopping over Dubrovnik.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Dubrovnik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Families?

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Dubrovnik.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubrovnik. 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 Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Couples?

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Dubrovnik than Dubai.

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

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.


Is Dubai or Dubrovnik better for Public Transit?

Dubai and Dubrovnik both offer public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

While Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Dubai or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is more walkable than Dubai.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

Dubai and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Dubai
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Dubrovnik
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less popular for shopping


Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Dubrovnik?

In either Dubai or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Dubrovnik because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Dubai is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Dubrovnik is 1-5 days.


  • How many days in Dubai or Dubrovnik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dubai 3-7 
    Dubrovnik 1-5

One day in Dubai or Dubrovnik?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Dubrovnik?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubrovnik. 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 Dubai or Dubrovnik?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Dubrovnik?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Dubrovnik. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Dubai?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $198, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $80. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dubai and Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $136
    Dubrovnik $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $272
    Dubrovnik $82

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $10
    Dubrovnik $10
Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubai

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $12
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Sea Taxi
    $0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

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

  • Versace VIP Spa Journey- chauffeur transfer, gourmet food and champagne: $1,524
  • VIP Desert Safari Package with Stretch Limousine Transfers: $999
  • BollyWood Parks Family Package With Private Transfer for 1 to 6 people: $924
  • Ferrari World Trip with Private Transfer: $868
  • Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with Private Transfer From Dubai for 1 to 6 people: $808
  • Dubai Wild Wadi Water Park With Private Transfers for 1 to 6 people: $685
  • 2 Hours Buggy Can Am X3 with Transfers for 2 Persons: $654
  • IMG Theme Park Dubai with 2 way Private Transfer for 1 to 5 people: $654
  • Private Night Vintage Land Rover Desert Safari & Astronomy with Dubai transfers: $622
  • Exclusive Yacht with Private Transfer: $597
  • Overnight Camping in Ras Al Khaimah- transfer from Dubai/Sharjah/Ajman: $542
  • La Perle by Dragone Dubai VIP with Transfers: $480

Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Private transfer Dubrovnik Hvar with boat: $2,256
  • Private transfer Dubrovnik - Zagreb and explore sights along the way: $1,680
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes: $1,173
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik airport to Sarajevo: $1,020
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Tuzla Airport (TZL): $885
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik airport: $846
  • Private transfer Dubrovnik - Zadar and explore sights along the way: $834
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik airport to Hvar: $765
  • Split Private Transfer From Dubrovnik: $690
  • Dubrovnik - Hvar : Private One-Way Transfer with Mercedes Vehicles: $639
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Kolašin (Montenegro) ski resorts: $597
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes: $585

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik and Dubai 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
    Dubai $45
    Dubrovnik $27
Typical Food prices in Dubai

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


  • French bread
    $0.95
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    $10
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    $4.36
  • Coffee & Cake
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $5.45
  • Shawarma
    $1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

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

  • Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet: $17
  • Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Dubai Deira Cruise with International Buffet Dinner with Live Shows: $19
  • Cruising with Dinner and Live Shows at Dubai Creek: $20
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $20
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise at Dubai Creek (Without Transfers): $20
  • Sail along the Dubai Creek Dhow cruise with a delectable Dinner from AED 60: $21
  • Sightseeing Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $21
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai: $22
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner on Dubai Creek: $22
  • Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai: $22
  • Dubai Creek 2-Hour Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $23

Typical Food prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $73
  • Unique Sunset and Dinner Cruise in the Magnificent Traditional Karaka boat: $96
  • Dubrovnik Traditional Food Tour: $108
  • Old Town Food Tour: $130
  • Flavours of Dubrovnik - Food Tour: $131
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $147
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $149
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $164
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $166
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $167
  • E-Bike Tour + Farm To Table Cooking Class: $184
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour by Vidokrug: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $15
    Dubrovnik $16
Typical Entertainment prices in Dubai

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


  • Visit to the Dubai Museum
    $0.82

Tours and Activities in Dubai

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

  • "Glimps of History"-4 Hrs Dubai city tour: $163
  • 04 Days Best of Dubai With Desert Safari, Dhow Cruise and City Tour: $305
  • 1 Day 2 Tours Combo: $76
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour of Dubai Atlantis: $153
  • 1 Hour Private 800cc Buggy Tour Good for 2 persons: $220
  • 1 Hour Private Jet Ski Tour in Dubai: $195
  • 1 hour Mina Seyahi Jetski Tour: $160
  • 1.5-Hours Dubai Historic Old Town Walking Tour: Covid-19 safe & PRIVATE tour: $60
  • 1001 Adventure Tour: $71
  • 12 Hours Dubai Stopover Tour: $350
  • 12-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour: $176
  • 2 Days TRIO-Dubai City Tour with Desert Safari and Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour.: $136

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)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $47

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • 'Up with the Chickens' or "Sunset chasing" Old Town Tour: $16
  • 2 hours Elafiti Islands Private Tour by Barracuda 545: $284
  • 4 Days Montenegro-Albania-Kosovo Tour from Dubrovnik or Kotor: $918
  • 4 days hiking tour Valbona Valley National Park from Dubrovnik: $762
  • 4 hours Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands by RANIERI SUN CRUISER 23: $477
  • 4-Hours Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • 4-Night Three Countries Tour from Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina: $954
  • 5 Days Deluxe Cruise from Dubrovnik to Split All Inclusive: $1,534
  • 6-Night Independent Tour of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula and Split: $952
  • 7 Days Small-Group Tour from Dubrovnik to Athens via Albania: $1,757
  • 8 h Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands by QUICKSILVER activ 675 open: $584
  • 8 hours Dubrovnik Blue Cave Private Tour with boat: $498

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $18
    Dubrovnik $12
Typical Alcohol prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine Tasting Tour Dubrovnik: $44
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston- Group Tour: $60
  • Peljesac Peninsula Wine Tour from Dubrovnik: $61
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $63
  • FAMOUS LEGENDS OF PELJESAC and KORCULA with WINE TASTING: $65
  • Island of Korcula with Wine Tasting Day Trip from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Korčula tour with wine tasting from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston: $72
  • Wine Tasting Pelješac and a visit to Ston: $72
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Smiley wine tasting on peninsula Peljesac: $76
  • Smiley Hercegovina wine tour: $77

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Dubrovnik.

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Dubai vs. Dubrovnik Travel Comparison

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