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

Should you visit Bratislava or Maribor?

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

Should I visit Bratislava or Maribor? 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 Maribor?

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.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia, The Best Adventure Tours to Slovakia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor or Bratislava?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bratislava is €155, while the average daily cost in Maribor is €95. 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 Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bratislava 49
    Maribor 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bratislava 98
    Maribor 88
Compare Hotels in Bratislava and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Bratislava or Maribor? 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 Maribor


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 Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bratislava 26
    Maribor 8.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $209
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Piestany - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $167
  • Bratislava Airport Transfer with Private Driver to City: $70
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $39
  • Budapest: Transfer to Prague via scenic Bratislava: $237
  • Experience Bratislava with Private Luxury Car Transfer: $35
  • Luxury Transfer from Bratislava to Vienna or Vienna Airport: $119
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $95
  • Private Transfer Bratislava Airport to Hotel in Bratislava or vice versa: $33
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $120
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $220

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $274

Is it cheaper to fly into Bratislava or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor 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 78
    Maribor 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

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

  • Bratislava Christmas Market Food Tour: $83
  • Gourmet Goose Dinner with Cruise on Danube: $88
  • Bratislava Traditional Wine and Food Tour: $101
  • Vegan Bratislava Food Tour: $113
  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $155

Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    24
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    7.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bratislava 30
    Maribor 8.57

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

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

  • Bratislava City & Castle Walking Tour with Sebastian in English: $3.56
  • Bratislava walk tour with bonuses and castle 3€ + Tip, kids free: $3.57
  • The Story of City and Castle Walking Tour with Locals: $4.75
  • Guided City and Castle Tour from Bratislava: $5.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.74
  • Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.51
  • Bratislava Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.51
  • Old Town Cake Tasting Experience: $14
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Full Day Ticket: $15
  • Discover Beautiful Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Tasting Experience at House of Beer: $15
  • Old Town Cake Tasting Experience: $16

Tours and Activities in Maribor

Here are a few actual costs in Maribor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • WOOP! Pixel Interactive Game Experience: $9.36
  • Private Aroma-Tasting Experience in Vida′s Garden, Maribor: $106
  • Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Day Private Tour: $936

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bratislava 19
    Maribor 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.11
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.21
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $18
  • Wine Tasting in city center: $18
  • Bratislava Wine Tasting in City Center: $18
  • Wine Tasting Experience in the Dark: $27
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $27
  • Private Pub Crawl with Free Beer and Shots: $35
  • Pub Crawl with VIP Entry, Free Shots & Beer: $35
  • Bratislava Pub Crawl with Free Welcome Shots: $36
  • Slovakian Wine Tasting Experience: $65
  • Half-Day Tour with Organic Wine Tasting in Bratislava: $93

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    12

Sample the Local Flavors in Maribor

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Maribor:

  • Maribor Wine Tasting Experience - Discover Local Wines: $38
  • Vinag Wine Cellar Tour with Wine tasting and snacks: $39
  • Stories and Tastes of City Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Maribor & Styria Tour with Wine Tasting: $123


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bratislava and Maribor, we can see that Bratislava is more expensive. And not only is Maribor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maribor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maribor 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 Maribor.

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


Which is Bigger, Bratislava or Maribor?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Bratislava and Maribor, 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 Maribor?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bratislava or Maribor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bratislava and Maribor. Most visitors come to Bratislava for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bratislava is generally around the same temperature as Maribor. Daily temperatures in Bratislava average around 23°C (73°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maribor this time of the year. In Bratislava, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bratislava usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor during summer. Bratislava gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bratislava usually receives less rain than Maribor. Bratislava gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Maribor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bratislava as well as Maribor. The autumn months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bratislava is around the same temperature as Maribor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bratislava averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bratislava often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Bratislava gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun.

Bratislava usually gets less rain in October than Maribor. Bratislava gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Maribor in the Winter?

Both Maribor and Bratislava are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Maribor. It's quite cold in Bratislava in the winter. In the winter, Bratislava is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bratislava in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Maribor averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Bratislava usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during winter. Bratislava gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bratislava usually receives less rain than Maribor. Bratislava gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Maribor in the Spring?

Both Maribor and Bratislava during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bratislava for the natural beauty.

In April, Bratislava is generally around the same temperature as Maribor. Daily temperatures in Bratislava average around 13°C (55°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. In the spring, Bratislava often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Bratislava gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun.

Bratislava usually gets less rain in April than Maribor. Bratislava gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Bratislava

Bratislava Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)