A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Dubrovnik for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Dubrovnik 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi travel costs.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a coastal, historic, and charming coastal town. The famous beauty of Dubrovnik is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dubrovnik travel costs.

Hanoi and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi. Although Hanoi and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Hanoi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hanoi is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dubrovnik is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Hanoi 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. Hanoi is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Hanoi different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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.

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

Dubrovnik is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Dubrovnik have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Hanoi has something for everybody. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is well known for its resorts. However, Hanoi is not a resort destination.

In Dubrovnik, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubrovnik has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubrovnik. 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.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Both Hanoi and Dubrovnik have terrific historic old towns worth visiting.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Dubrovnik offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dubrovnik. 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.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Dubrovnik More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Dubrovnik is one of the main draws. This historic city has a famous walled old town. It sits beautifully along the coast and offers stunning views of the area.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dubrovnik is a very kid-friendly coastal town. 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.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for couples, as it 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.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Dubrovnik are terrific places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

A large number of backpackers visit Dubrovnik, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Hanoi is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with good options for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dubrovnik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 charming 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 Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

People visit Hanoi 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. 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 Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

Hanoi is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia 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 Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Dubrovnik, 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 Hanoi or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Dubrovnik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Dubrovnik. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hanoi is much warmer than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubrovnik. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Hanoi