A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Ljubljana for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Ios or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Ios 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.

Ios

Ios is a backpacker-friendly, historical, and party-oriented island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, 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.

Ios and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Ljubljana are popular destinations, Ios has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ios is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Ios is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also well known for Skarkos Archeological Site. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Ios different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ios and Ljubljana.

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ljubljana. 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 Ios or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios is a great island 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 Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

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 Ios or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Ios is renowned for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

Ios is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

Ios is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Ios is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Ljubljana Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Ios is renowned for its beaches. However, Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Ios are among the best in the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is notable for its old town. However, Ios does not have a 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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Ios is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Ios has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Ios or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Ios or Ljubljana as a family destination.

Ios is not the most family-friendly destination. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Ljubljana is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Ios or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Ios is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

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 Ios or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios 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 Ios. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

Ljubljana is a great island 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 Ios or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Ljubljana is a popular place for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Ljubljana is a good capital 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.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios is a great island 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 Ios can move around easily with public transportation. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

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

Is Ios or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Ios?

How long in Ios or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ios or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Ios. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With nightlife and food around the authentic destination of Ljubljana, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Ljubljana?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historical destination of Ios. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Ljubljana for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic capital city of Ljubljana, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the striking island of Ios. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Ljubljana offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

A week in Ios or Ljubljana?

Ios is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, a popular capital city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When comparing the travel costs between Ios and Ljubljana, we can see that Ios is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.