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

Should you visit York or Split?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

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

York and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Split?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Split than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Split is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while York attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Split is more touristy than York and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both York and Split have superb 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 Split specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 York or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is York or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split 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 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.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, York 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.

York is not a resort destination.

Is York or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, York 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.

York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is York or Split Better for Beaches?

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

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Split Better for its Old Town?

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

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

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 York or Split?

Split is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Split is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. 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.

Is York or Split Better for Families?

York is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. 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.

Split is known to be 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 York or Split Better for Couples?

Split 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.

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.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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.

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 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 Split Better for Students?

Split is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Split offer nice public transit options.

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

Split has some public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is York or Split a more walkable city?

Split is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Split is very walkable. 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.

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 Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or York?

How long in York or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Split. In our opinion, Split has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Split 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 Split. 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 Split than York. 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 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 Split.

One day in York or Split?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fanciful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Split. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Split?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the touristy destination of Split. This city 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 Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The fun-filled city of Split 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Split, we can see that York is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York 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, York is much colder than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°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, York often gets less sunshine than Split. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Split. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Split in the Autumn?

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

In October, York is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Split. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Split in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in York in the winter. York is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Split. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Split. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Split in the Spring?

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

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

It's quite sunny in Split. York usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Split. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and York