A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Split vs. Sarajevo for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Split or Sarajevo?

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 Split and Sarajevo. 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.

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Split and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Split or Sarajevo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Sarajevo. While Sarajevo is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Sarajevo is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food.

How is Split different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Is the Food Better in Split or Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Split or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Split is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for Resorts?

Split is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Split is a very popular place for the beache. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is terrific for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Sarajevo has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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 Split or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Split or Sarajevo?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Split and Sarajevo.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Split is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Split is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Sarajevo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Split or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Split is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo can get you to some places easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Split or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Split is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

For even more information, also check out Is Split Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Split?

How long in Split or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Split and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Split than in Sarajevo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Split, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split than Sarajevo 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 Split or Sarajevo?

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarajevo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

A weekend in Split or Sarajevo?

Split is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Split or Sarajevo?

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Split or Sarajevo?

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Split and Sarajevo, we can see that Split is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Split would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Split than you might in Sarajevo.

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

Which is Bigger, Split or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Split and Sarajevo, 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 Split or Sarajevo?

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 Split or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Split are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Split is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Split averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. Split usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during summer. Split gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Split usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Split gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Split or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Split during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Split is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Split in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. In the autumn, Split often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Split gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Split usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Split gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Split or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Split and Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Split is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Split average around 8°C (47°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Split usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Split gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Split usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Split gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Split or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Split as well as Sarajevo. Many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Split is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Split averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In the spring, Split often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Split gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Split usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Split gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Split