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

Should you visit Paris or Split?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Split?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Split. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Split attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Split is famous for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Split 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 Split?

Paris is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. 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.

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.

Is Paris or Split Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Split is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Split is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Split Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Paris and Split.

Paris is a must-see 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.

Split is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Is Paris or Split Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its live music scene. However, Split is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. 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.

Split is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Split Better for Resorts?

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

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for its beaches. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Split?

Paris is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Split. 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 Paris or Split Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Split does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. 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.

Split does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Split Better for Families?

Paris 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, Paris is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Paris or Split Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Split make for a amazing 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, 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.

Is Paris or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Paris and Split are amazing 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 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.

Is Paris or Split Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

Paris is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Split a more walkable city?

Paris and Split are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Split is a very walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Paris?

How long in Paris or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Paris or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paris due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Split. 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 Split. 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 Split 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 Split?

Each neighborhood in Paris 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.

In Split, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this budget-friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Paris or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Split?

Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Split is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Split. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Split?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Split. 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 nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Split, we can see that Paris 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 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 Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Split?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Split. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, 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.

In the summer, Paris is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°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. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Split. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Split. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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 October, Paris is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°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, Paris often gets less sunshine than Split. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in October than Split. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Split. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Paris is cooler than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Split. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Split. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Paris