A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Spezia vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

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 La Spezia and Dubrovnik. 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.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a lively, convenient, and cultural town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a historic, charming, and famous coastal town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

La Spezia and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although La Spezia and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more touristy than La Spezia and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. La Spezia is popular for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is La Spezia different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dubrovnik. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

Is the Food Better in La Spezia or Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Dubrovnik, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in La Spezia and Dubrovnik.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Spezia. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Dubrovnik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Dubrovnik to choose from. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

La Spezia and Dubrovnik both offer good beaches.

La Spezia offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Dubrovnik is a good option for a beach vacation. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is very popular for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Dubrovnik has a world-famous historical area. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dubrovnik. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both La Spezia and Dubrovnik.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Spezia. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik to go shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dubrovnik is very family-friendly. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Dubrovnik is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Dubrovnik is extremely popular for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

La Spezia is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both La Spezia and Dubrovnik.

La Spezia has some public transit options. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

You'll find some public transit in Dubrovnik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is La Spezia or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dubrovnik. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

For even more information, also check out Is La Spezia Worth Visiting? and Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or La Spezia?

How long in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

In either La Spezia or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than La Spezia because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for La Spezia, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than La Spezia 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of La Spezia. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint coastal town of Dubrovnik. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubrovnik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the convenient destination of La Spezia. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of La Spezia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal coastal town of Dubrovnik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

A week in La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

La Spezia is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Dubrovnik 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Spezia or Dubrovnik?

La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of La Spezia and Dubrovnik, 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.