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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a quaint, energetic, and lively town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Split than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Split is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Split is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Split is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Split. 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Split can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Split makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Heidelberg or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Split has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Heidelberg offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a great city for the beach. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for its Old Town?

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

Heidelberg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg or Split?

Split is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for Families?

Split is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Split. 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for Couples?

Split is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Is Heidelberg or Split Better for Students?

Split is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

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.

Heidelberg is a good town to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Heidelberg can get you to some places easily. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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 Heidelberg or Split a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Split are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

Split is very walkable. 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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Heidelberg or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Families should spend more time in Split than Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Split?

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic city of Split, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Split?

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

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Split, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Heidelberg or Split?

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

Split, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Split?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Heidelberg. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Split. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of 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.

In July, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Split. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Split. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heidelberg is cooler than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Split. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Split. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In the winter, Heidelberg is much colder than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Split. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Heidelberg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Split. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Split. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Heidelberg