A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubrovnik vs. Puerto Vallarta for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta? 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. You'll find world class beauty in Dubrovnik as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Dubrovnik travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Dubrovnik and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Dubrovnik and Puerto Vallarta are popular destinations, Dubrovnik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubrovnik is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Puerto Vallarta attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular 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. It is also well known for The Old Town Walls. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Dubrovnik different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta?

Dubrovnik is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Is the Food Better in Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Puerto Vallarta. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta has something for everybody. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. 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 Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

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.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dubrovnik is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Snorkeling is an option 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 Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

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.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Dubrovnik is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Dubrovnik as well. This historic city has a famous walled old town. It sits beautifully along the coast and offers stunning views of the area.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta.

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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is renowned for couples. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dubrovnik is a very popular coastal town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubrovnik and Puerto Vallarta both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Puerto Vallarta has a few public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Is Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Puerto Vallarta is very walkable. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Dubrovnik?

How long in Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Dubrovnik has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dubrovnik than Puerto Vallarta. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Dubrovnik, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

Families should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Puerto Vallarta. 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 Puerto Vallarta. 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 Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta?

The charming destination of Dubrovnik offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Puerto Vallarta. 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.

A weekend in Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

The quaint coastal town of Dubrovnik offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dubrovnik. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, 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 Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik and Puerto Vallarta, 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.