A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Split for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a historic, active, and touristy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Edinburgh and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Split?

You'll generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Split. Edinburgh is bigger than Split, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Split is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Edinburgh is well known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Split is well known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades.

How is Edinburgh different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Edinburgh or Split Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Split is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Split is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Split is a must-see 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.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Music?

Edinburgh is terrific for its live music scene. However, Split is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Split is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a very popular place for the beache. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is terrific for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Split?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Edinburgh and Split.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Split. 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 Edinburgh or Split Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Split are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Split is known to be 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.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Couples?

Split is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Split are both fantastic destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Split is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Split Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Split are very good destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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 Edinburgh or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Edinburgh and Split.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Edinburgh or Split a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Split is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Edinburgh or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Edinburgh due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Families should spend more time in Split than Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh. 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.

One day in Edinburgh or Split?

In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this character-filled destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Split. 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 Edinburgh or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the budget-friendly destination of Split. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Split?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the fun-filled city of Split. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Split?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the gothic destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Split 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Split?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Split?

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 Edinburgh or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Edinburgh is much colder than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Split. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is much colder than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Split. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Split. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Split. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Split. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Split. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Edinburgh is much colder than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Split. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Split. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Edinburgh