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

Should you visit Nagano or Dubrovnik?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nagano and Dubrovnik can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a coastal, historic, and charming coastal town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Nagano and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagano. Although Nagano and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Nagano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nagano is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Dubrovnik is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Nagano 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. Nagano is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also home to Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Nagano different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great city for skiing. However, Dubrovnik is not a skiing destination.

Nagano draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Dubrovnik is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nagano or Dubrovnik?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nagano and Dubrovnik.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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.

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

Dubrovnik is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Dubrovnik have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Nagano has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. 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 Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

In Dubrovnik, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Nagano has a few great resort options. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Nagano is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with good options for the beache. However, Nagano is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubrovnik. 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.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Dubrovnik has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Both Nagano and Dubrovnik are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Dubrovnik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nagano and Dubrovnik both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nagano. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

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 Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Both Nagano and Dubrovnik are excellent to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Dubrovnik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Nagano is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Nagano and Dubrovnik both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Nagano or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Dubrovnik?

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

Families should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Nagano. 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 Nagano. 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Dubrovnik?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagano or Dubrovnik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Nagano. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Nagano or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic city of Nagano. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubrovnik. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Dubrovnik?

Nagano is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the famous destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nagano is in Asia and Dubrovnik is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Dubrovnik?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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.

When is the best time to visit Nagano or Dubrovnik?

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 Nagano or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nagano is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nagano is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Dubrovnik. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Nagano is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Dubrovnik. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the spring, Nagano is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagano in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Nagano usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Nagano