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

Should you visit Debrecen or Bratislava?

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

Should I visit Debrecen or Bratislava? 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: Debrecen or Bratislava?

Debrecen

Finding its beginning as a collection of agricultural villages, Debrecen has grown to become the second largest city in Hungary as well as the regional center for the Northern Great Plain region. Highlights include the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen, Hortobagy National Park, Deri Museum, and the Debrecen Zoo and Botanical Garden.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Hungary, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Hungary, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Debrecen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Debrecen is $66, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is $132. 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 Debrecen and Bratislava in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Debrecen $33
    Bratislava $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Debrecen $66
    Bratislava $106
Compare Hotels in Debrecen and Bratislava

Looking for a hotel in Debrecen or Bratislava? 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 Debrecen


Hotels in Bratislava


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: Debrecen Hotel Prices and Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Debrecen $11
    Bratislava $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:

  • Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $167

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $23
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Bratislava Airport to TurĨianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $109
  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $130
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Poprad - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $197
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $201
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $261
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Debrecen or Bratislava?

Prices for flights to both Bratislava and Debrecen 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
    Debrecen $23
    Bratislava $49

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: $141
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Debrecen $17
    Bratislava $33

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle: $4.33
  • Guided City and Castle Tour from Bratislava: $4.34
  • City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava: $5.41
  • Bratislava Old Town In App Audio Tour (ENG): $5.43
  • Historic City Centre Self-guided Tour: $6.29
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $6.93
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.93
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.05
  • The jewels of Bratislava a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Debrecen $9.24
    Bratislava $20

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!: $16
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $103
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $143
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $157
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $179
  • Small Carpathian Wine Tasting and Red Stone Castle Tour: $190
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $199


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

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


Which is Bigger, Debrecen or Bratislava?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Debrecen. When comparing the sizes of Debrecen and Bratislava, 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 Debrecen or Bratislava?

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 Debrecen or Bratislava in the Summer?

Both Bratislava and Debrecen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

In the summer, Debrecen is cooler than Bratislava. Typically, the summer temperatures in Debrecen in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bratislava averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Debrecen. Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Bratislava during summer. Debrecen gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Debrecen usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Debrecen gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Debrecen 20°C (68°F) 
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Bratislava in the Autumn?

Both Bratislava and Debrecen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Debrecen is generally cooler than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around 11°C (52°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Bratislava. Debrecen gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bratislava. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F) 
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Bratislava in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Debrecen and Bratislava. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bratislava in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bratislava can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Debrecen. Debrecen is much colder than Bratislava in the winter. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Debrecen usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Debrecen gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Debrecen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bratislava. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Debrecen -2°C (28°F) 
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Debrecen or Bratislava in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Debrecen as well as Bratislava. Additionally, most visitors come to Bratislava for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Debrecen is cooler than Bratislava. Typically, the spring temperatures in Debrecen in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bratislava averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. In the spring, Debrecen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bratislava. Debrecen gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.

Debrecen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bratislava. Debrecen gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Debrecen 11°C (52°F) 
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Debrecen

Debrecen Bratislava
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)