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

Should you visit York or Hvar?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. 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.

York and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in York or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although York and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Hvar is more touristy than York and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

York
Hvar

York is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. 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 York or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York
Hvar

York is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is York or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

York
Hvar

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is York or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

York
Hvar

Hvar is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, York 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.

York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is York or Hvar Better for Beaches?

York
Hvar

Hvar is a well-known place for its beaches. However, York 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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

York
Hvar

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

The old town of York is one of the most recognized in 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Hvar Better for Hiking?

York
Hvar

Hvar is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, York 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.

York is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Hvar?

York
Hvar

Both York and Hvar are nice 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 Hvar. 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 York or Hvar Better for Families?

York
Hvar

York is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. 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.

Is York or Hvar Better for Couples?

York
Hvar

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 York or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Hvar

Hvar 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.

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

York
Hvar

Both York and Hvar offer nice public transit options.

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

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

Is York or Hvar a more walkable city?

York
Hvar

York and Hvar both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable place. 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 York Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or York?

How long in York or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Hvar. In our opinion, Hvar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hvar than York. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hvar than York. 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 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 Hvar.


  • How many days in York or Hvar? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Hvar 2-4

One day in York or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Hvar?

York is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fanciful destination of York. This city 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in York or Hvar?

The medieval city of York 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.

The energetic island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar or York?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Hvar is £88. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Hvar £33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Hvar £66
Compare Hotels in York and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in York or Hvar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Hvar


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices and Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Hvar £41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Hvar £33
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Hvar £6.46

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • York Guide - Everybody Hates a Tourist: $6.35
  • Tower Tour: $7.63
  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • York Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $12
  • Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $14
  • City Chronicles Historical Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $25
  • Walking tour of Hvar with your local guide: $32
  • Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $48
  • Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $49
  • Half-day kayak tour from Hvar town: $65
  • Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $65
  • Private Hvar Island E-Bike Tour: $68
  • Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $70
  • Experience Romantic Sunset Sailing on a modern 36ft (11m) sail yacht | Hvar: $71
  • Private Hvar Walking Tour: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Hvar £7.92
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Hvar, we can see that York 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 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 Hvar.

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


Which is Bigger, York or Hvar?

York has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York 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, York is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. York usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Hvar. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit York or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene 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, York is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Hvar. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Hvar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit York or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Hvar. The winter months attract visitors to York 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 York can be very cold. York is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Hvar. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit York or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Hvar. Additionally, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in York 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, York often gets less sunshine than Hvar. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and York

York Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)