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

Should you visit Pisa or Split?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Pisa and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Split?

You'll generally find more things to do in Split than Pisa. Split is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Split is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Pisa and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Pisa different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Pisa and Split.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Many visitors head to Split specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Pisa or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa or Split Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa offers plenty to do in the evening. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Pisa or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a resort destination.

Is Pisa or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a great city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pisa or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a great city for the beache. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Pisa or Split Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. 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 the Shopping Better in Pisa or Split?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pisa and Split both offer plenty of superb spots.

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa or Split Better for Families?

Split is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Split is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Pisa or Split Better for Couples?

Split is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Split is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Pisa or Split Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Pisa and Split both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Pisa or Split a more walkable city?

Pisa and Split are superb when it comes to walkability.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Pisa or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pisa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

In Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Split. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Pisa or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Pisa or Split?

Pisa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic destination of Split. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pisa or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the world-famous destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The active city of Split offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Pisa and Split, we can see that Pisa 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa 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 Pisa or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Split. Most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches 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.

Pisa is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pisa usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pisa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pisa or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Split. The autumn months attract visitors to Pisa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Pisa is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pisa in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Pisa often gets less sunshine than Split. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pisa usually gets more rain in October than Split. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Split in the Winter?

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

In January, Pisa is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 7°C (45°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Pisa usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pisa usually receives less rain than Split. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pisa or Split in the Spring?

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

Pisa is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Pisa often gets less sunshine than Split. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually gets more rain in April than Split. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Pisa