2 days in Split or Ljubljana?

I would do Ljubliana. I enjoyed both. Having said that where else are you going on your trip? Ljubiliana has an Austrian vibe to it. Natural beauty, easy to get around, cafe culture. Split is much more Mediterrean feel to it-food is different, views are different and very much a harbor town. You can day trip out to other Croatian islands from there. So I guess it all depends on where else you are doing or have been during your time over there.

Thank you, Nancy. We will spend time in Budapest, Prague, and leave from Dubravnik.

My preference would be Ljubljana as well - it's perhaps my favorite city in Europe. Not very touristy yet (especially compared to Prague and Dubrovnik!) but charming and vibrant. With two full days you could even day trip to Lake Bled (easy by bus).

However, I wouldn't say either Ljubljana or Split has any "can't miss attractions." Visiting Ljubljana is mostly about the charm. Split has some seaside charm, plus the ruined Diocletian's Palace adds something unique to the town. Some people love the sea - but you will also be in Dubrovnik, so you'll get some time there already.

Thank you, Andrew. Both of your comments describe Ljubljana as what might be a "resting point" in our trip where we might not be running around looking at things here and there, but taking in the charm of the city and people-watching - like sitting at an outside table at Papa Haydns on NW 23rd on this beautiful evening ;0) We read about day trips to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Ljubljana that several people in the reviews said were "amazing!" We definitely want to choose a place/s between leaving Budapest and arriving in Dubrovnik (4-5 days total) where we can experience the "best of" that area while we are there.

Well I can see the similarities between Papa Haydn's and Ljubljana! Both are perfect places to relax, especially in the central square. I do recommend a day trip to Postojna, or even Lake Bled.

Papa Haydns :0) Thank you, Rizell, too!

Papa Haydn - now there's a place I haven't been in a long time! NW 23rd just isn't that trendy anymore, except to old-timers. :-(

The "Papa Haydn" of Ljubljana might be a place called Cacao, which is along the river near Preseren Square, close to the center of town:

http://cacao.si/en/

Oh my! Cacao may be the deal-breaker between Ljubljana and Split! It looks heavenly! We'll have to do some "research", comparing the decadent creations between these 2 fine places :0) I am one of those old-timers who grew up taking study breaks at PH's, their thick, triangular shortbread cookies, half-dipped in dark chocolate and a glass of milk. Later, I graduated to Autumn Merengue and Raspberry Gateau, still my favs all these years later...but not the prices. My grandfather's drug store was across the street from PH (and Rosie's) for over 50 years, now the Paper Source. That area sure has changed - for the better!