A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Split for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Split can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic 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.

Inverness and Split: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Inverness or Split?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Split than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Split is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Inverness is more popular for its small town charm. Split is more touristy than Inverness and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Inverness different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Split

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Inverness and Split.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Split can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.


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

Inverness
Split

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Split.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Split Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Split

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

Split is a must-see party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Split Better for Resorts?

Inverness
Split

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a resort destination.


Is Inverness or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Inverness
Split

Split is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Inverness or Split Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Split

Split is a well-known place for the beache. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is Inverness or Split Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Split

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

Many people head to Split to see the 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Split?

Inverness
Split

Both Inverness and Split are high quality shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

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.

Is Inverness or Split Better for Families?

Inverness
Split

Split is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Split is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Inverness or Split Better for Couples?

Inverness
Split

Split is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Split 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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Inverness or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Split

Split is terrific for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Split Better for Students?

Inverness
Split

Split is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Split

Split is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Split has a few public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Split a more walkable city?

Inverness
Split

Inverness and Split both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town 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 Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Inverness 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 Inverness, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Families should spend more time in Split than Inverness. 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 Inverness. 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 Inverness 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.


  • How many days in Inverness or Split? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Split 2-4

One day in Inverness or Split?

In Inverness, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Inverness or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 historic 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 Inverness or Split?

Inverness is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Inverness. 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 Inverness or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Inverness. 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 London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Split is £94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Split £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Split £126
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Split

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Split? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Split


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices and Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Split £12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Diocletian's Palace & Trogir Old Town with Transfer: $15
  • Split Airport Transfers > Marina Kastela Marina Baotic ACI Trogir: $22
  • Private One-way Split Airport Transfer To/From Split: $25
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split: $27
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Split airport to Split City Area: $30
  • Split Airport Taxi Transfers > Split City Area: $33
  • Luxury private transfer: Split airport to Split: $35
  • Airport Private Transfer to Split : $38
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $38
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Trogir: $40
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Slatine (Island Ciovo): $40
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Marina Aci Trogir : $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split and Inverness change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Split £20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Split £3.20

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Split Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Entry Ticket to the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace: $8.56
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Roman Ruins Sightseeing Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Sightseeing Split's Roman Ruins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Split's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of Serene Seas & Stones: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Split £6.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Split?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Inverness or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Inverness during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Inverness is much colder than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Split. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in July than Split. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Split. Most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Inverness is much colder than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Split. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Split. The winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

The weather in Inverness can be very cold. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Split. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Split. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Inverness is much colder than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Split. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Inverness

Inverness Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)