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

Should you visit Kiel or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Kiel 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ljubljana. Although Kiel and Ljubljana are roughly the same size, Ljubljana has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ljubljana is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kiel attracts visitors for its beaches. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. 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 Kiel different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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 Kiel or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kiel and Ljubljana offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Ljubljana is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Kiel or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Kiel and Ljubljana.

Kiel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

If you're looking for night time activities Ljubljana has a few options to choose from. 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 Kiel or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is well known for its old town. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

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 Kiel or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kiel and Ljubljana make for a nice place to visit.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Ljubljana is a good 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.

Is Kiel or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ljubljana is a great capital 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Kiel and Ljubljana are nice places to visit for students.

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

It's common for students to 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 Kiel or Ljubljana Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ljubljana is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Ljubljana, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a city bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Ljubljana?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ljubljana than Kiel. 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 Kiel 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 Kiel or Ljubljana?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Kiel. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Kiel. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Ljubljana. This capital city offers something for everyone. 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 Kiel or Ljubljana?

Kiel 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.

The under-rated capital city of Ljubljana offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Kiel and Ljubljana, we can see that Kiel 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 Kiel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kiel 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 Kiel Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel 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 Kiel or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Kiel during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kiel is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 16°C (61°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kiel. In the summer, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kiel usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Kiel is cooler than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Kiel usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kiel or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. Kiel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kiel is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiel in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In April, Kiel is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 7°C (44°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Kiel usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Kiel 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 Kiel