A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hvar vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hvar and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. With stunning beauty, Hvar attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Hvar travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a colorful, multicultural, and festive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Hvar and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro. Although Hvar and Rio de Janeiro are both popular with visitors, Rio de Janeiro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hvar is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Hvar is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Rio de Janeiro is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also home to Christ the Redeemer.

How is Hvar different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rio de Janeiro are among the most recognizable in the world. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Is the Food Better in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Rio de Janeiro have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are world-class in both Hvar and Rio de Janeiro.

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Rio de Janeiro has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the beach. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for the beach.

Rio de Janeiro is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Rio de Janeiro visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rio de Janeiro make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

With stunning beauty, Hvar attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful island with nice beaches and charming buildings.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Both Hvar and Rio de Janeiro are great to visit with kids.

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rio de Janeiro. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Both Hvar and Rio de Janeiro are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Rio de Janeiro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Hvar and Rio de Janeiro are world-class destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

A large number of backpackers visit Rio de Janeiro, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rio de Janeiro is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro can get you to some places easily. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Hvar or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable island. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Hvar Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Hvar?

How long in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Hvar and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Hvar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Hvar, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

Families should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Hvar. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rio de Janeiro, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Hvar. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rio de Janeiro that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Hvar 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

In Hvar, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Rio de Janeiro is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rio de Janeiro is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the island of Hvar. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

The festive city of Rio de Janeiro offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 1630 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Hvar and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Hvar or Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hvar has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hvar or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hvar and Rio de Janeiro. The summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In the summer, Hvar is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hvar in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hvar usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Hvar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hvar or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hvar as well as Rio de Janeiro. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hvar is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Hvar average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Hvar usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Hvar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hvar or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

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

Hvar is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Hvar averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Hvar usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Hvar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hvar or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Hvar during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hvar is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hvar in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Hvar usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Hvar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Hvar