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

Should you visit Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a vibrant, cultural, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Split travel costs.

Kaunas and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Kaunas. While Kaunas is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace. Kaunas is popular for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Split is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas 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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Split is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Split is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is notable for its resorts. However, Kaunas 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.

Kaunas is not a resort destination.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kaunas 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.

Kaunas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is notable for the beach. However, Kaunas 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.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the good old town areas in both Kaunas and Split.

Kaunas offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Split?

Split is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Families?

Split is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Couples?

Split is renowned for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city 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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Split is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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 visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Split Better for Students?

Split is notable for students. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

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

Both Kaunas and Split offer good public transit options.

Kaunas has a few public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

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

Is Kaunas or Split a more walkable city?

Split is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Split?

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

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

In Kaunas, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Kaunas or Split?

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

Split is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Split?

Kaunas is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kaunas. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Split?

You'll find food and nightlife around the active destination of Kaunas. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Split. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Split?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Kaunas during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In July, Kaunas is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 18°C (64°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kaunas. In the summer, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Split. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in July than Split. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Split. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Kaunas is much colder than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Split. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kaunas or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Split. Many travelers come to Kaunas 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 Kaunas. In the winter, Kaunas is much colder than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kaunas in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Split. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in January than Split. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Kaunas is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 7°C (44°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Split. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Kaunas