A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Dubrovnik vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a famous, cultural, and coastal coastal town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubrovnik is well 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. Also, Dubrovnik is famous for The Old Town Walls. Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes.

How is Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

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 Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Dubrovnik 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 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.

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

Is Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is great for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Dubrovnik. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Dubrovnik offers plenty to see. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park both have great trails.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. 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.

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.

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

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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.

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.

Is Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Dubrovnik. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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

Dubrovnik 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 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.

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 Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park are world-class when it comes to walkability.

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.

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.

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

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

How long in Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubrovnik than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Dubrovnik, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Dubrovnik, you'll find food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find around the national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find around the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Dubrovnik, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The historic coastal town of Dubrovnik offers nightlife and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Historical Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

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

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 Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dubrovnik is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubrovnik in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In July, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dubrovnik is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 18°C (64°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Dubrovnik is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dubrovnik is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubrovnik in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dubrovnik