A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit York or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit York or Dubrovnik? 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

York and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Dubrovnik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik than York, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubrovnik is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while York is more popular for its nightlife. Dubrovnik is more touristy than York and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. Also, Dubrovnik is famous for The Old Town Walls. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Dubrovnik?

Both York and Dubrovnik have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Dubrovnik specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

Is the Food Better in York or Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Dubrovnik both to be first-rate destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Dubrovnik has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

York is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in York has something for everybody. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is a well-known place for its resorts. However, York is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

York is not a resort destination.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a moderate coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a popular place for its beaches. However, York is not a beach destination.

Dubrovnik is a good option for a beach vacation. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the first-rate old towns in both York and Dubrovnik.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

With a famous historical old-town, Dubrovnik offers plenty to see. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Dubrovnik?

Both York and Dubrovnik are notable shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

York is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dubrovnik is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is York or Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both York and Dubrovnik offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Dubrovnik has some public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is York or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Dubrovnik on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or York?

How long in York or Dubrovnik?

In either York or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than York 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in York or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dubrovnik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in York or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of York. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Dubrovnik?

York is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The cultural coastal town of Dubrovnik offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Dubrovnik?

York has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of York and Dubrovnik, 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 York or Dubrovnik?

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 York or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Dubrovnik. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In July, York is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

York usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

York is much colder than Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, York usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In the winter, York is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Dubrovnik. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, York is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, York usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and York