A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Garda vs. Split for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lake Garda or Split?

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

Should I visit Lake Garda or Split? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a playful, fun, and energetic lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lake Garda and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Garda or Split?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Split than Lake Garda, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Split is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Garda is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Lake Garda is well known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Lake Garda different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake Garda or Split?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

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

Lake Garda has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Resorts?

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

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lake Garda and Split are superb choices.

Lake Garda is considered a top beach destination. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

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.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a popular place for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Split. 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.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake Garda or Split?

Split is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Split is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Families?

Lake Garda 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, Lake Garda is very family-friendly. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda or Split Better for Couples?

Split is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Split is extremely popular 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Lake Garda or Split Better for Students?

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

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda can get you to some places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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 Lake Garda or Split a more walkable city?

Lake Garda and Split are superb when it comes to walkability.

Lake Garda is a very walkable lake. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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 Lake Garda Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Lake Garda?

How long in Lake Garda or Split?

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

Couples should spend more time in Split than Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda or Split?

In Lake Garda, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this playful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake 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 budget-friendly 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 Lake Garda or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda or Split?

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Lake Garda or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun destination of Lake Garda. Most people come for the beaches. 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 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

When is the best time to visit Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda or Split in the Summer?

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

Lake Garda is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Lake Garda averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Lake Garda gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake Garda usually receives more rain than Split. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Lake Garda during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Lake Garda is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lake Garda in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Split. Lake Garda gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Split. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Split. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. In January, Lake Garda is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 2°C (36°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Lake Garda gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lake Garda usually receives less rain than Split. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Split. Many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Lake Garda is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Lake Garda averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the spring, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Split. Lake Garda gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Split. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Lake Garda