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

Should you visit Pamplona or Split?

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

Should I visit Pamplona 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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pamplona and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Split?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Split than Pamplona, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Split is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Pamplona is more popular for its hiking. Split is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Pamplona different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Split is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Split has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Pamplona or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Pamplona has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is not a resort destination.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a well-known place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Split is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Pamplona and Split.

Many people head to Pamplona to see the old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Split has an old town worth visiting. 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 Pamplona or Split Better for Hiking?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Split?

Split is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for Families?

Split is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for Couples?

Split is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Is Pamplona or Split Better for Students?

Split is a well-known place for students. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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

Both Pamplona and Split offer notable public transit options.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Pamplona or Split a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Split both are superb when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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 Pamplona Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Pamplona 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 Pamplona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

In Pamplona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pamplona or Split?

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

Split is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Split?

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Split?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Pamplona during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamplona is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamplona. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Split. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Split. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Split. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Pamplona is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamplona in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Split. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamplona or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Split. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Split. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Split. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Pamplona is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In April, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Split. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Pamplona