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

Should you visit Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a mountainous, scenic, and youthful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ljubljana than Innsbruck. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ljubljana is very popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Innsbruck attracts visitors for its skiing, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Innsbruck different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is a great city for skiing. However, Ljubljana is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Ljubljana is not a skiing destination.

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

Ljubljana is a capital city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Innsbruck is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck has something for everybody. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is a great city for hiking. However, Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Innsbruck for the hiking trails. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Innsbruck is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Innsbruck is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Innsbruck and Ljubljana are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ljubljana. 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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Innsbruck is a great city to visit as a student. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in 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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Innsbruck is a great city 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.

Visitors to Innsbruck can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

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

Is Innsbruck or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Innsbruck and Ljubljana both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Innsbruck and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Innsbruck than in Ljubljana. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Innsbruck, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

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

One day in Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint city of Innsbruck. 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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

You'll find food and skiing around the outdoorsy destination of Innsbruck. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 under-rated 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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic city of Innsbruck. 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.

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 Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

Innsbruck 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 Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, 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 Innsbruck and Ljubljana, we can see that Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.