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

Should you visit Ljubljana or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ljubljana or Hvar, 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.

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.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ljubljana and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ljubljana or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Ljubljana and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Ljubljana different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Ljubljana or Hvar.

Ljubljana is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great island for its beaches. However, Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Ljubljana or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ljubljana or Hvar?

Ljubljana is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Hvar is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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.

Is Ljubljana or Hvar Better for Students?

Ljubljana is a capital city with good options for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Ljubljana and Hvar both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Ljubljana offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a city bus system.

Hvar has a few public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Ljubljana or Hvar a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable capital city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Ljubljana?

How long in Ljubljana or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Ljubljana or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ljubljana, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Ljubljana or Hvar?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Ljubljana or Hvar?

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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the energetic destination of Hvar. 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.

Five days in Ljubljana or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Hvar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ljubljana or Hvar?

The charming 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.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ljubljana and Hvar, we can see that Hvar 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 Hvar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hvar 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 Ljubljana Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ljubljana or Hvar?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Ljubljana and Hvar, 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 Ljubljana or Hvar?

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 Ljubljana or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Ljubljana during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ljubljana is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ljubljana in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. In the summer, Ljubljana often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Ljubljana gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. Ljubljana usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Ljubljana gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ljubljana and Hvar. Many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ljubljana is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Ljubljana average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Ljubljana gets 116 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ljubljana usually receives more rain than Hvar. Ljubljana gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ljubljana as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Ljubljana in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. Ljubljana is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Ljubljana averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Ljubljana often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Ljubljana gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hvar. Ljubljana gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Ljubljana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ljubljana is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ljubljana in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Ljubljana gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. In April, Ljubljana usually receives more rain than Hvar. Ljubljana gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Ljubljana