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

Should you visit Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a high energy, outdoorsy, and mountainous city. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Innsbruck and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Split?

You'll generally find more things to do in Split than Innsbruck. Split is bigger than Innsbruck, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Split is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is well known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Split is well known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace.

How is Innsbruck different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Split is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Innsbruck. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Split is not a skiing destination.

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

Split is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Innsbruck and Split offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

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 Innsbruck or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Split is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Innsbruck has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is notable for its resorts. However, Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is not a resort destination.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is notable for the beache. However, Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is not a beach destination.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for its Old Town?

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

Innsbruck has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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 Innsbruck or Split Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Split?

Split is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Families?

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

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Couples?

Split is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Innsbruck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is very popular for backpackers. Also, Innsbruck 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 and backpackers visit Innsbruck. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Is Innsbruck or Split Better for Students?

Innsbruck and Split are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Students come from all over to stay in Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck can get you to some places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

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 Innsbruck or Split a more walkable city?

Innsbruck and Split both are very good when exploring on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Innsbruck or Split. In our opinion, Split has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Split than Innsbruck. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

In Innsbruck, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this outdoorsy 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 Innsbruck or Split?

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

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the touristy 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 Innsbruck or Split?

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

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the budget-friendly 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 Innsbruck or Split?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the adventurous destination of Innsbruck. 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 Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.