A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Ljubljana for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Beijing or Ljubljana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Ljubljana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a fascinating, historic, and massive city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Ljubljana?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Ljubljana. Beijing is bigger than Ljubljana, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Ljubljana is more popular for its historical sights. Beijing is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Ljubljana is well known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Beijing different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Beijing from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beijing is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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.

Is Beijing or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 Beijing or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Ljubljana?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ljubljana and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Beijing or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Beijing is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Beijing or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Ljubljana are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Ljubljana is a nice destination for couples. 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 Beijing or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Ljubljana are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Ljubljana is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Beijing or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Beijing is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for students.

Beijing is a great city to visit as a student. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Ljubljana is a good city to visit for 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.

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

Beijing is a great city 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.

Visitors to Beijing can move around easily with public transportation. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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

Is Beijing or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Ljubljana?

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

In Ljubljana, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Ljubljana?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Ljubljana, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ljubljana has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Ljubljana?

People visit Beijing 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Ljubljana?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ljubljana. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Slovenia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Ljubljana is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Ljubljana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ljubljana than you might in Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Ljubljana?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beijing is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Beijing gets 224 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Ljubljana. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Ljubljana. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In October, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Beijing gets 227 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, Beijing usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Ljubljana in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ljubljana. It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. Beijing is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Beijing is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Beijing gets 247 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, Beijing usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Beijing