A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Bratislava for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Kos or Bratislava?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Bratislava 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.

Kos

Kos is a party-hard, vibrant, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a laid-back, relaxed, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Bratislava: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Kos or Bratislava?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Bratislava are both popular with visitors, Kos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kos is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bratislava is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Kos is more touristy than Bratislava and is popular for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also home to Asklepieion Archeological Site. Bratislava is popular for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting.

How is Kos different from Bratislava?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Bratislava?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kos that are not to be missed. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Many visitors head to Bratislava specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.


Is the Food Better in Kos or Bratislava? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Bratislava has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Bratislava

Both Kos and Bratislava have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Kos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

The people in Bratislava know how to have a good time. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Resorts?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos is a popular place for its resorts. However, Bratislava is not a resort destination.

Kos has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Bratislava is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bratislava is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Kos a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Bratislava is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Beaches?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos is renowned for its beaches. However, Bratislava is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kos. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Bratislava is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Bratislava Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Bratislava

Bratislava is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Bratislava is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.

Kos does not have a historic old town.


Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Hiking?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bratislava is not a hiking destination.

Kos is a good destination for hiking. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Bratislava is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Bratislava?

Kos
Bratislava

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Kos and Bratislava.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Bratislava offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Families?

Kos
Bratislava

Both Kos and Bratislava are good to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bratislava. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.


Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Couples?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos is notable for romance. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Kos is a very popular place to visit for couples. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Bratislava makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.

Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Bratislava

Kos and Bratislava are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Bratislava is a great island to visit for backpackers. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

Is Kos or Bratislava Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos
Bratislava

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Kos and Bratislava.

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

The public transit in Bratislava can get you around easily. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.


Is Kos or Bratislava a more walkable city?

Kos
Bratislava

Bratislava is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bratislava. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Bratislava Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bratislava or Kos?

How long in Kos or Bratislava?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Bratislava. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Bratislava. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bratislava.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos than Bratislava 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 Kos.


  • How many days in Kos or Bratislava? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Bratislava 1-3

One day in Kos or Bratislava?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant island of Kos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife and food around the relaxed destination of Bratislava, 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 Kos or Bratislava?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Kos, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Many people visit Bratislava for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historical city of Bratislava, 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 Kos or Bratislava?

Kos, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The destination of Bratislava 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 Kos or Bratislava?

Kos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bratislava, a popular 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Kos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is €122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kos and Bratislava in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Bratislava 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Bratislava 98
Compare Hotels in Kos and Bratislava

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Bratislava? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kos


Hotels in Bratislava


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kos Hotel Prices and Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Bratislava 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach: $24
  • Lido Water Park Admission Ticket with Transfers: $24
  • Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $25
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27
  • Catamaran Ferry Transfer to/from Bodrum and Kos : $28
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Private Transfer Kos Airport to Kos Town: $60
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport : $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $265
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Bratislava (hotel OR airport pick-up): $29
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest, English-speaking driver: $138
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $204
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $99
  • Private Transfer Vienna Airport Hotel in Bratislava or vice versa: $101
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna, 2h Stop in Schlosshof: $126
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $88
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $297
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Bratislava?

Prices for flights to both Bratislava and Kos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kos 43
    Bratislava 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $66
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $87
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $89
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $97
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $98
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $115

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.

  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $132
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Bratislava 30

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $8.14
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.14
  • Kos Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops: $22
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $30
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $33
  • Kos Island: 3-Island Wooden Ship Cruise w/ Lunch: $33
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $33
  • 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming: $33
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:

  • Bratislava Premium Private Walking Tour, 4 hours: $215
  • 2 Hour Sightseeing Tour of Bratislava: $45
  • Banska Stiavnica from Bratislava, UNESCO Day Tour: $219
  • Bratislava - Bike Tour: $54
  • Bratislava - Grand City Tour: $86
  • Bratislava Card with Public Transport Option & Walking Tour: $23
  • Bratislava Castle Tour by Presporacik: $18
  • Bratislava Classical Walking Tour: $20
  • Bratislava Danube River Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Prosecco: $32
  • Bratislava Foodie Tour: $121
  • Bratislava Grand City Tour: $93
  • Bratislava Grand City Tour with Devin Castle: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Bratislava 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $60
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $152

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.58
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.70
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Craft Beer Pub Tour Bratislava by Team Beer Drink: $73
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $105
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $145
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $154
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $176
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $203


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


Which is Bigger, Kos or Bratislava?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Bratislava, 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.