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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Ljubljana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a gothic, ancient, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a historic, charming, and under-rated 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Ljubljana. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Edinburgh different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great city for theatre. However, Ljubljana is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Ljubljana is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ljubljana is a capital city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh has something for everybody. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for live music. However, Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its old town.

The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Edinburgh and Ljubljana.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Edinburgh is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Edinburgh is a great city to visit as a student. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Edinburgh and Ljubljana.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Ljubljana, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a city bus system.

Is Edinburgh or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

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

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the capital city of Ljubljana. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ljubljana has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

You'll find live music and shopping around the charming destination of Edinburgh. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Ljubljana. 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 capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Edinburgh. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming capital city of Ljubljana. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

Edinburgh 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Edinburgh and Ljubljana, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Ljubljana?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Ljubljana. The autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

Edinburgh is cooler than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ljubljana. It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. In the winter, Edinburgh is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Edinburgh