A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Dubrovnik for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Paris or Dubrovnik? 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Dubrovnik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paris than Dubrovnik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dubrovnik is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Dubrovnik is well 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.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Many visitors head to Dubrovnik specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Dubrovnik is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Dubrovnik is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Dubrovnik.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Dubrovnik has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Music?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Dubrovnik is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Dubrovnik is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is great for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

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

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Dubrovnik?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Dubrovnik does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Dubrovnik does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Dubrovnik is 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 Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Dubrovnik make for a first-rate place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, Dubrovnik 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.

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Paris and Dubrovnik are first-rate places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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

Is Paris or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Paris or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

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

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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Paris?

How long in Paris or Dubrovnik?

In either Paris or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than Dubrovnik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Dubrovnik?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. 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.

In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Dubrovnik?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Paris or Dubrovnik?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or Dubrovnik?

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Dubrovnik. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 Paris and Dubrovnik, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Dubrovnik?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Paris is cooler than Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Dubrovnik. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Dubrovnik. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Paris usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Paris