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

Should you visit Kaunas or Ljubljana?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Ljubljana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a active, young, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Ljubljana?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ljubljana than Kaunas. While Kaunas is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ljubljana is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. Also, Ljubljana is famous for The Ljubljana Castle. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ljubljana is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Kaunas and Ljubljana.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Kaunas or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Kaunas and Ljubljana.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Kaunas or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Kaunas offers lots of family activities. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

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 Kaunas or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Ljubljana is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Ljubljana is a good capital city for couples to visit. 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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is notable for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ljubljana is a very popular capital city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Kaunas and Ljubljana are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Kaunas is a good city to visit for students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Plenty of students visit Ljubljana. 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 Kaunas or Ljubljana Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Kaunas and Ljubljana offer notable public transit options.

Kaunas has a few public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

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

Is Kaunas or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ljubljana than Kaunas 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 Ljubljana.

One day in Kaunas or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Kaunas. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kaunas has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Kaunas or Ljubljana?

You'll find food and nightlife around the active destination of Kaunas. 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.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Kaunas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Ljubljana?

Kaunas is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Ljubljana. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When comparing the travel costs between Kaunas and Ljubljana, we can see that Kaunas 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 Kaunas Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Ljubljana?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kaunas is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kaunas in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 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 Kaunas this time of the year. In the summer, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Kaunas usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kaunas is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 8°C (46°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 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, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kaunas or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Kaunas during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. Kaunas is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Ljubljana. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kaunas is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kaunas in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Kaunas gets 175 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, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Kaunas