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

Should you visit Ljubljana or Phoenix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ljubljana or Phoenix, 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 under-rated, authentic, and historic 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ljubljana or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ljubljana than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ljubljana is better known for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its hiking. Ljubljana is more touristy than Phoenix and is known 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. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Ljubljana different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Ljubljana or Phoenix.

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.

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

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

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Ljubljana or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Ljubljana and Phoenix.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Ljubljana or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Ljubljana or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

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

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ljubljana or Phoenix?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Ljubljana or Phoenix Better for Families?

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

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

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 Phoenix Better for Couples?

Ljubljana and Phoenix are both notable to visit as a couple.

Ljubljana is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Phoenix makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Ljubljana or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ljubljana. 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Ljubljana or Phoenix Better for Students?

Ljubljana is a capital city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Ljubljana is a capital city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Ljubljana or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Ljubljana?

How long in Ljubljana or Phoenix?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ljubljana than Phoenix 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 Ljubljana or Phoenix?

In Ljubljana, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Ljubljana or Phoenix?

In Ljubljana, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ljubljana has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sprawling destination of Phoenix. 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.

Five days in Ljubljana or Phoenix?

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Phoenix. 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.

A week in Ljubljana or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ljubljana. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix 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.

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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ljubljana and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Ljubljana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ljubljana is in Europe and Phoenix is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ljubljana or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Ljubljana and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Ljubljana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Ljubljana is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Ljubljana average around 22°C (72°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Ljubljana gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. In July, Ljubljana usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Ljubljana gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Ljubljana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Ljubljana is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ljubljana averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ljubljana often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Ljubljana gets 116 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. Ljubljana usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Ljubljana gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ljubljana and Phoenix. Many visitors come to Ljubljana in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ljubljana is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ljubljana in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Ljubljana gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ljubljana usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Ljubljana gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ljubljana as well as Phoenix. Most visitors come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ljubljana is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Ljubljana average around 12°C (54°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the spring, Ljubljana often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Ljubljana gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ljubljana usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Ljubljana gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Ljubljana