A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Split for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Split?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Split, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Sydney travel costs.

Split

Split is a budget-friendly, historic, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Split travel costs.

Sydney and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Split, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Split is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights. Split is more touristy than Sydney and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House.

How is Sydney different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Sydney are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Sydney or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Split can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Split. 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 Sydney or Split Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Split.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Split is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Sydney or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is well known for its resorts. However, Sydney is not a resort destination.

Split is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

Is Sydney or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Split to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Sydney or Split Better for Beaches?

Sydney is terrific for the beach. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Split is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Is Sydney or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Split Better for Hiking?

Sydney is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Split?

Sydney is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Sydney draws large crowds to its stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Sydney or Split More Beautiful?

Sydney is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Split is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Split is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sydney or Split Better for Families?

Sydney is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sydney is very family-friendly. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Sydney or Split Better for Couples?

Sydney and Split are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Split is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Is Sydney or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney and Split are world-class places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Many backpackers frequent 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 Sydney or Split Better for Students?

Sydney is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Sydney is a very popular place to visit for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Sydney or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sydney is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Sydney can take you anywhere. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Split a more walkable city?

Sydney and Split both are great when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

Split is very walkable. 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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Split?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Split 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Split?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Split?

Sydney is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Split?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the budget-friendly destination of Split. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Split, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific and Split is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney than you might in Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Split?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Split?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Split has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Split. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Sydney is generally cooler than Splitin July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Splitin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Splitin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Sydney is around the same temperature as Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Split. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Splitin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sydney is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Splitin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Splitin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Split. The spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In October, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Splitin April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Split during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Splitin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Sydney