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

Should you visit Venice or Split?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Venice and Split can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Venice. While Venice is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Venice is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Split is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace.

How is Venice different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice 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 Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Split has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Venice or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is great for its luxury resorts. However, Venice is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. 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.

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Venice or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Venice or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

Split is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Split Better for its Old Town?

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

Venice has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice or Split?

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

Known for shopping, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Split Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Venice or Split.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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.

Is Venice or Split Better for Couples?

Both Venice and Split are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Venice or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Split, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Venice or Split Better for Students?

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

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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 Venice can take you anywhere. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Split a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Venice?

How long in Venice or Split?

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

Families should spend more time in Split than Venice. 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.

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

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping 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. 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 Venice or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. 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.

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 Venice or Split?

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice or Split?

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 historic 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Split, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Venice or Split?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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 Venice 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 Venice or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Split. Many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives more rain than Split. Venice 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 Venice or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Venice as well as Split. Most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Venice is cooler than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Venice often gets less sunshine than Split. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in October than Split. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. In the winter, Venice is much colder than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Venice in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Venice usually receives less rain than Split. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Venice or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Venice during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Venice is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 13°C (55°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than Split. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in April than Split. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Venice