Dubrovnik vs Split: Walled city or Romeins palace?
Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea: complete medieval city walls, marble streets, Game of Thrones. Split has the Diocletian's Palace complex as a living old town and is cheaper.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Dubrovnik for the walled old town by the sea. Choose Split for Diocletians Palace and island hopping. Flights from the Netherlands take about 2 hours 30 to Dubrovnik and about 2 hours 30 to Split. On price, Split is a little cheaper. For a first visit most travellers pick Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea: a complete medieval walled city, perfectly preserved, with marble streets and views of a crystal-clear turquoise sea. Game of Thrones location.
Flight from NL: €100 return
View Dubrovnik →Split
Split is Dubrovnik's cheaper and livelier cousin: the Diocletian's Palace forms the heart of the city, with restaurants and bars inside 1700-year-old Roman walls. A perfect base for island hopping.
Flight from NL: €90 return
View Split →Dubrovnik vs Split at a glance
| Dubrovnik | Split | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €100 return | €90 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 2 hours 30 | about 2 hours 30 |
| Coast / beach | Yes | Yes |
| Museums | A few good | A few good |
| Nightlife | Decent | Decent |
| Winter weather | Mild | Mild |
| Best months | May, June, September | May, June, September |
| Ideal length | 3 days | 3 days |
| Price level | €€€ | €€ |
Dubrovnik and Split are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Dubrovnik is known for the walled old town by the sea, while Split is about Diocletians Palace and island hopping. On price, Split is a little cheaper. Dubrovnik ideally needs 3 days, while you can see Split well in 3 days. The best months are May, June, September for Dubrovnik and May, June, September for Split. Want to combine them: Bus or ferry takes about 3 to 4 hours along the Croatian coast. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Dubrovnik
May, June, September: 22-28 degrees, sea warm enough to swim, manageable crowds. Avoid July/August (35 degrees, hordes of cruise tourists). April and October are quiet but the sea is cold.
Split
May, June, September: 22-28 degrees, sea warm enough to swim. July and August are busy and expensive. November to March is the off-season, many restaurants closed.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Dubrovnik
Directly from Schiphol to Dubrovnik (DBV) in 2 hour 35 minutes. KLM, Croatia Airlines, easyJet. Shuttle bus to Old City €10 in 30 minutes.
Split
Directly from Schiphol to Split (SPU) in 2 hour 30 minutes. KLM, Croatia, easyJet. Shuttle bus to center €6.
Costs compared
Dubrovnik
Hostels from €25, mid-range hotels €120 to 180, vacation rentals €130 per night. Food: lunch €15, dinner €25 to 40, fish dishes more expensive. The Old City is expensive, Lapad cheaper.
Split
Hostels from €20, mid-range hotels €80 to 130, vacation rentals €90 per night. Food: lunch €12, dinner €20 to 35, fish more expensive.
Who is it for?
Choose Dubrovnik if you are...
GoT fans, couples after romance, anyone who wants something truly unique.
Choose Split if you are...
Backpackers, festival-goers, a base for island hopping (Hvar, Brac).
Our verdict
Split is 30% cheaper and a better base for the islands. Dubrovnik is iconic but overcrowded May-Sep.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Dubrovnik or Split
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.