A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Split for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Interlaken or Split?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Split can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Split. Although Interlaken and Split are popular destinations, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Split is famous for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace.

How is Interlaken different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Split is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Split is not a skiing destination.

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

Split is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Split specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Split both to be high quality destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Split. 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 Interlaken or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Split just to party. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. 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.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Split is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Split is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Split?

Split is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Interlaken or Split Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Split are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Split Better for Students?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Split is very popular with students. 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Split a more walkable city?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Interlaken or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Interlaken due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the touristy 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 Interlaken or Split?

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

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 Interlaken or Split?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Interlaken or Split?

You'll find food and skiing around the adventurous destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Interlaken is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Split. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Interlaken is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Split. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Split. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Split. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Interlaken is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Split. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Split. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Interlaken is cooler than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Split. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Split. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Interlaken