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

Should you visit Budapest or Ljubljana?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Ljubljana can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a under-rated, authentic, and historic 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Ljubljana. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its museums, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Budapest different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ljubljana is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ljubljana has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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 Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Budapest and Ljubljana are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Many visitors go to Ljubljana to see the historical old town. 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 Budapest or Ljubljana?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Ljubljana both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Budapest or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest 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.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Budapest or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

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

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Budapest and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than in Ljubljana. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

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

One day in Budapest or Ljubljana?

People visit Budapest 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.

The capital city of Ljubljana offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Ljubljana?

People visit Budapest 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.

Ljubljana is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ljubljana, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Ljubljana?

People visit Budapest 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.

Ljubljana is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or Ljubljana?

Budapest 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.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This capital city offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Ljubljana?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest or Ljubljana?

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 Budapest or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Budapest is cooler than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ljubljana can be very cold during winter. Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Budapest