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

Should you visit Rome or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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 ancient, archeological, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Rome and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome. Although Rome and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Rome has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hvar is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Rome is popular 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 home to The Colosseum. Hvar is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Rome is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Rome or Hvar has a better nightlife scene.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Music?

Rome is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hvar is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great destination for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Hvar?

Rome is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Rome and Hvar are great 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.

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Rome and Hvar are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Hvar is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome and Hvar are world-class 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 Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Is Rome or Hvar Better for Students?

Rome is renowned for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Rome is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Rome or Hvar a more walkable city?

Rome is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Rome on foot. 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Rome?

How long in Rome or Hvar?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Hvar 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 Hvar?

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. 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 Rome or Hvar?

Rome is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Hvar?

Rome is a popular big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic destination of Hvar. This island 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 Rome or Hvar?

Rome is a fun-filled city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

The energetic island of Hvar 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and Hvar, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or Hvar?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 690 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Rome or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Hvar. The summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In July, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 25°C (77°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during summer. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rome usually receives less rain than Hvar. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rome or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rome as well as Hvar. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Rome is around the same temperature as Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Rome is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rome in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during winter. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rome usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rome or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Rome during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 14°C (57°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rome. In the spring, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Rome