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

Should you visit Porto or Split?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Split can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

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

Porto and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Porto. While Porto is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Porto attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Porto and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Porto different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Porto or Split.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Split can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Porto or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Split is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Porto or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. 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.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Porto or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a great city for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Split is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Split Better for its Old Town?

Porto 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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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 Porto or Split?

Split is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Split Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Split.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Split is a very kid-friendly port 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.

Is Porto or Split Better for Couples?

Split is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Porto or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Porto and Split are first-rate places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Split Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Split are high quality places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Split is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Porto or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Porto can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto or Split a more walkable city?

Porto and Split are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

Split is a very walkable port 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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Porto?

How long in Porto or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Porto or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Porto due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 touristy 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 Porto or Split?

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

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 Porto or Split?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Porto or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Split, we can see that Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Split?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Split. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Porto is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°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 Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Split. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Split. Most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°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, Porto often gets less sunshine than Split. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Split. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Porto is a little warmer than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Split. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Porto gets 217 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 Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Split. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Porto