A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Ljubljana for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Old Town

Should you visit Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Ljubljana, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Ljubljana. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Amsterdam different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Amsterdam is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ljubljana is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for live music. However, Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and Ljubljana both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ljubljana and Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Amsterdam or Ljubljana as a family destination.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

For families, Ljubljana is not always the best place to visit. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a great city for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Ljubljana is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Ljubljana is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Ljubljana is popular with students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its public transit.

Amsterdam has a great public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Amsterdam or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned for its walkability. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its high level of walkability.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Ljubljana is a very walkable city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Ljubljana Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Ljubljana. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Ljubljana 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the capital city of Ljubljana. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ljubljana has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Ljubljana. 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 capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming capital city of Ljubljana. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ljubljana 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Ljubljana, 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 Amsterdam or Ljubljana?

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 Amsterdam or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In July, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Ljubljana. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Amsterdam is cooler than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Ljubljana. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. In the winter, Amsterdam is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Amsterdam