A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bratislava vs. Cape Town for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bratislava or Cape Town?

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

Should I visit Bratislava or Cape Town? 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.

Where Should I go: Bratislava or Cape Town?

Bratislava

The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, The Best River Cruises in Slovakia, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Bratislava?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bratislava is €122, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is €91. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bratislava and Cape Town in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bratislava 49
    Cape Town 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bratislava 98
    Cape Town 72
Compare Hotels in Bratislava and Cape Town

Looking for a hotel in Bratislava or Cape Town? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bratislava


Hotels in Cape Town


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bratislava Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bratislava 26
    Cape Town 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $263
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Bratislava (hotel OR airport pick-up): $28
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $202
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna, 2h Stop in Schlosshof: $125
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $110
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
  • Bratislava Airport to TurĨianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Poprad - Arrival Private Transfer: $170
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany - Arrival Private Transfer: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers: $11
  • Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town- One way/Round Trips: $16
  • 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
  • Shuttle Transport Transfer from Cape Town City Center (CBD) to Cape Town Airport: $17
  • Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
  • Exclusive Cape Town Airport and Cruise Terminal Transfers: $18
  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Muizenberg Cape Town : $18
  • Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Constantia: $18
  • Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
  • 24 hour Private Airport Shuttle and Transfer CBD: $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Bratislava or Cape Town?

Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Bratislava change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bratislava 45
    Cape Town 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.

  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $142
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $170

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
  • 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
  • Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
  • Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
  • Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bratislava 30
    Cape Town 21

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:

  • Bratislava Premium Private Walking Tour, 4 hours: $224
  • Banska Stiavnica from Bratislava, UNESCO Day Tour: $230
  • Beautiful Bratislava Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Bratislava - Bike Tour: $54
  • Bratislava - Grand City Tour: $85
  • Bratislava Big Castle Tour by Presporacik: $18
  • Bratislava Brunch Tour: $93
  • Bratislava Card with Public Transport Option & Walking Tour: $25
  • Bratislava Castle: Self-Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $7.29
  • Bratislava Castle: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
  • Bratislava City Private Walking Tour: $27
  • Bratislava City Sightseeing Afternoon Walking Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
  • District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
  • Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
  • Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
  • Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
  • Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
  • Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
  • Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bratislava 19
    Cape Town 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $21
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $104
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $144
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $159
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $181
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $201
  • 6-Hour Carpathian Wine Tour and Tasting: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
  • Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
  • Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
  • Three Region Wine Tour: $44
  • Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
  • Fullday Wine Tour: $51
  • Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bratislava or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bratislava. When comparing the sizes of Bratislava and Cape Town, 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 Bratislava or Cape Town?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bratislava has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Bratislava or Cape Town in the Summer?

Both Cape Town and Bratislava during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bratislava is around the same temperature as Cape Town. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bratislava in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cape Town averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bratislava. In the summer, Bratislava often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin January. Bratislava gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.

Bratislava usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Bratislava gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F) 
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Cape Town in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bratislava and Cape Town. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

In October, Bratislava is generally cooler than Cape Townin April. Daily temperatures in Bratislava average around 12°C (54°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. Bratislava usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Bratislava gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bratislava usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Townin April. Bratislava gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F) 
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Cape Town in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bratislava as well as Cape Town. Many travelers come to Bratislava for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bratislava. Bratislava is much colder than Cape Town in the winter. The daily temperature in Bratislava averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

In the winter, Bratislava often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin July. Bratislava gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.

Bratislava usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Bratislava gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F) 
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Cape Town in the Spring?

Both Cape Town and Bratislava are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bratislava in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bratislava is cooler than Cape Town. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bratislava in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Cape Town averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Cape Town. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. Bratislava usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Bratislava gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bratislava usually receives more rain than Cape Townin October. Bratislava gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F) 
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Town and Bratislava

Bratislava Cape Town
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)