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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Bratislava?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Bratislava?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Gothenburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is $130. 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 Gothenburg and Bratislava in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Bratislava $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Bratislava $106
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Bratislava

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Bratislava $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $263
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $202
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $87
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
  • Bratislava Airport to TurĨianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Bratislava Airport to Bojnice Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $131
  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Bratislava?

Prices for flights to both Bratislava and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $38
    Bratislava $48

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: $142
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $169

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Bratislava $32

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

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

  • Bratislava Premium Private Walking Tour, 4 hours: $224
  • Magic Christmas tour in Komarno: $234
  • Banska Stiavnica from Bratislava, UNESCO Day Tour: $229
  • Beautiful Bratislava Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Beer Factory Tour with Beer Tasting in Banska Bystrica: $158
  • Bratislava - Bike Tour: $53
  • Bratislava - Grand City Tour: $84
  • Bratislava Big Castle Tour by Presporacik: $18
  • Bratislava Brunch Tour: $93
  • Bratislava Card with Public Transport Option & Walking Tour: $25
  • Bratislava Castle: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Bratislava City Private Walking Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    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!: $21
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $104
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $144
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $158
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $180
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $201
  • 6-Hour Carpathian Wine Tour and Tasting: $209


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Bratislava?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Bratislava. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Bratislava?

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 Gothenburg or Bratislava in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Bratislava. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Bratislava. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Bratislava averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bratislava. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Bratislava. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bratislava in the Autumn?

Both Bratislava and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bratislava in the Winter?

Both Bratislava and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Gothenburg. Gothenburg is much colder than Bratislava in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Bratislava. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bratislava in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Bratislava. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bratislava for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Bratislava. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Bratislava averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bratislava this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Bratislava. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Bratislava
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)