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

Should you visit Cologne or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Ljubljana? 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. 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.

Cologne and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Ljubljana?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Ljubljana. Cologne is bigger than Ljubljana, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is better known for its museums, nightlife, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Ljubljana is more popular for its historical sights. Cologne is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Ljubljana is well known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Ljubljana can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Cologne or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Cologne 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 Cologne has something for everybody. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ljubljana. 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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Ljubljana?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ljubljana and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne or Ljubljana Better for Christmas?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Ljubljana does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Ljubljana does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Ljubljana Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for visiting Christmas markets. However, Ljubljana does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to Cologne specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Ljubljana does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Cologne is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Cologne is a very family-friendly destination. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Ljubljana make for a notable place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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 Cologne or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ljubljana is a very popular capital city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Cologne or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a great city to visit as a student. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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.

Cologne has a great public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Cologne or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Cologne and Ljubljana both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cologne and Ljubljana. In our opinion, Cologne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cologne than Ljubljana. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Ljubljana?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer. 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 Cologne or Ljubljana?

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

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 Cologne or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Cologne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Cologne or Ljubljana?

Cologne is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, 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 Cologne and Ljubljana, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Ljubljana?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Cologne gets 184 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. Cologne usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Cologne gets 104 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, Cologne usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. Cologne can be very cold during winter. Cologne is much warmer than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In the spring, Cologne is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Cologne gets 152 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, Cologne usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Cologne