A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Split for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Split?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Split. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled 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.

Saint-Etienne and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Split?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Split. Although Saint-Etienne and Split are about the same size, Split has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Split is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Split?

Split is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Split. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Split has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Split has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is great for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Split to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Split for it's beautiful 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Split. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Split?

Split is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Split is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Families?

Split is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Couples?

Split is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Split is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Split Better for Students?

Split is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Split. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne and Split both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Split a more walkable city?

Split is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Split?

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

Families should spend more time in Split than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Split?

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the touristy destination of Split. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Split?

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the budget-friendly destination of Split. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Split?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Split. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Split. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°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 Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Split. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Split. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°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, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Split. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Split. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Split in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Split. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 11°C (53°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, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Split. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Split. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Saint-Etienne