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

Should you visit Utrecht or Split?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Split? 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. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Utrecht and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Utrecht. While Utrecht is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Utrecht attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Split is more touristy than Utrecht and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Utrecht is famous for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town.

How is Utrecht different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Split 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, Split makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

Split 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 Split just to party. 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.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Utrecht is not a resort destination.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Utrecht is not a resort destination.

Is Utrecht or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Utrecht is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Utrecht is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Utrecht or Split Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Split Better for its Old Town?

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

Utrecht has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

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 the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Split?

Both Utrecht and Split are superb shopping destinations.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

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.

Is Utrecht or Split Better for Families?

Split 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.

Split is 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.

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 Split Better for Couples?

Split is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its romantic activities.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Utrecht makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Utrecht or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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.

Split is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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 Split Better for Students?

Utrecht and Split are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Split is very popular with students. 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 Utrecht or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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 Utrecht or Split a more walkable city?

Utrecht is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Utrecht. 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.

Split is a very walkable destination. 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 Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Utrecht or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split 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 Split.

Families should spend more time in Split than Utrecht. 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 Utrecht. 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 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 Split.

One day in Utrecht or Split?

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Split, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

In Split, 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 Split has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Split?

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

Split is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Utrecht. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Split. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Split, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 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 Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Split?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Split?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Utrecht or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Utrecht during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Split. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in July than Split. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Split. The autumn months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Split. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Utrecht or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Split. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Utrecht in the winter. Utrecht is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Split. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in January than Split. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

It's quite sunny in Split. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Split. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Utrecht