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

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

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Manchester and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Manchester. While Manchester is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Manchester attracts visitors for its music and big city activities. Split is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Manchester different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Split.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Manchester and Split offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is very popular for nightlife. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Split is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Manchester has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Manchester or Split Better for Music?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Split is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Manchester has diverse options. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Split is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is great for its luxury resorts. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a resort destination.

Is Manchester or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Manchester or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is very good for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Split?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Split both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Manchester or Split Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Split.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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.

Is Manchester or Split Better for Couples?

Split is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Split Better for Students?

For students, both Manchester and Split are high quality places to visit.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Split is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester or Split a more walkable city?

Split is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Split?

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

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

Each neighborhood in Manchester has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city 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 historic 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 Manchester or Split?

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

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 Manchester or Split?

Manchester is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Manchester. 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 Manchester or Split?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Manchester. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Split?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Split. Many visitors come to Manchester in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, 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, Manchester is much colder than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Split. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Split. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene 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, Manchester is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Split. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Split. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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 Manchester can be very cold. Manchester is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Split. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Manchester during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Manchester is much colder than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Split. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Split. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Manchester