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

Should you visit Utrecht or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Hvar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Utrecht

The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Utrecht and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Utrecht and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Utrecht attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Hvar is more touristy than Utrecht and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Utrecht is famous for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town.

How is Utrecht different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Utrecht or Hvar?

Both Utrecht and Hvar have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Utrecht or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Hvar just to party. 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.

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Is Utrecht or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Utrecht is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Utrecht is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Utrecht or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Utrecht is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Utrecht or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Hvar?

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

Utrecht is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

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 Utrecht or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly . There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Utrecht or Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Hvar make for a excellent place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Utrecht or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Is Utrecht or Hvar Better for Students?

Utrecht is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Utrecht. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Utrecht is notable 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.

Public transit in Utrecht can get you to some places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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

Is Utrecht or Hvar a more walkable city?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable . 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 Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Utrecht or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Utrecht, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Utrecht 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 Hvar.

One day in Utrecht or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Utrecht. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Utrecht or Hvar?

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Utrecht. This offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Hvar?

The canal-filled of Utrecht offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, 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 Utrecht and Hvar, we can see that Utrecht 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht 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 Utrecht Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Hvar?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht 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 Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Utrecht is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Utrecht in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Hvar. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Utrecht during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Utrecht is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 11°C (51°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Hvar. The winter months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

The weather in Utrecht can be very cold. Utrecht is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Hvar. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Hvar. The natural beauty are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Utrecht is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Utrecht in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Utrecht gets 52 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 Utrecht