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

Should you visit Istanbul or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Ljubljana, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a high-energy, historic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Ljubljana, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Istanbul different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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

Istanbul is renowned 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul has something for everybody. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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 Istanbul or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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 Istanbul or Ljubljana?

Both Istanbul and Ljubljana are superb shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Ljubljana is well-known for its shopping. 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 Istanbul or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Istanbul is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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

Istanbul is renowned 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.

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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

Is Istanbul or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Ljubljana both are superb when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Ljubljana. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Ljubljana?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. 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.

The capital city of Ljubljana offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Ljubljana?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ljubljana is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ljubljana, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Ljubljana?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. 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.

Ljubljana is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Ljubljana?

Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This capital city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, 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 Istanbul and Ljubljana, we can see that Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Ljubljana?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Ljubljana?

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 Istanbul or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Ljubljana. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Ljubljana. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Istanbul