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

Should you visit Girona or Split?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Girona and Split. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Girona

Girona is a ancient, charming, and beautiful city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Girona and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Girona or Split?

You'll generally find more things to do in Split than Girona. Split is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Split is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Split is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Girona different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Girona and Split.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and Split can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Split has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Girona or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Split is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Split to choose from. 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.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Girona or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Split. 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.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Girona or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Split for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Girona or Split Better for its Old Town?

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

Girona has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona or Split?

Both Girona and Split are excellent shopping destinations.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Girona or Split Better for Families?

Split is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Split is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Split Better for Couples?

Split is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Split is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Girona or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Split. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Girona or Split Better for Students?

Split is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Both Girona and Split offer notable public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Split has some public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Girona or Split a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Girona?

How long in Girona or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Girona or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Girona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split than Girona 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 Split.

One day in Girona or Split?

In Girona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Girona or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. 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.

Split is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Girona or Split?

Girona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Girona or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Girona. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Split. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Girona and Split, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive? and Is Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Girona or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona or Split?

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 Girona or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Girona during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Girona is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Girona. In the summer, Girona often gets less sunshine than Split. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in July than Split. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Girona or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Split. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Girona is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Girona in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Girona usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Girona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Girona or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Girona as well as Split. Many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Girona is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 8°C (46°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Girona often gets more sunshine than Split. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets less rain in January than Split. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Girona or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Girona is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Girona usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Girona usually receives more rain than Split. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Girona