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

Should you visit Rome or Dubrovnik?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Dubrovnik can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a coastal, historic, and charming coastal town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Rome and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Dubrovnik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome. Although Rome and Dubrovnik are popular destinations, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dubrovnik attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Rome is famous for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Dubrovnik is famous 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 Colosseum

How is Rome different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome 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, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Rome and Dubrovnik can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Eat your way through Dubrovnik, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Rome 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.

Rome is a world class party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Music?

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

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Dubrovnik is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

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

In Dubrovnik, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubrovnik has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubrovnik. 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Rome or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Dubrovnik offers plenty to see. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dubrovnik. 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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Dubrovnik?

Rome 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 Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Both Rome and Dubrovnik are excellent to visit with kids.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for couples, as it 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.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome and Dubrovnik are terrific places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Many backpackers frequent 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 Rome or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Rome or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Rome and Dubrovnik both are terrific when exploring on foot.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Dubrovnik is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Rome?

How long in Rome or Dubrovnik?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.

One day in Rome or Dubrovnik?

People visit Rome 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dubrovnik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Rome or Dubrovnik?

People visit Rome 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.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Rome or Dubrovnik?

People visit Rome 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Rome or Dubrovnik?

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

The famous coastal town of Dubrovnik offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Rome and Dubrovnik, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rome or Dubrovnik?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome or Dubrovnik?

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 Rome or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Rome during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Rome is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Rome usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Dubrovnik. Many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Rome usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rome or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rome as well as Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 8°C (47°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Rome usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Rome is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In April, Rome usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Rome