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

Should you visit Ljubljana or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ljubljana or Reykjavik, 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 historic, charming, and under-rated capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Ljubljana and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ljubljana or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ljubljana than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ljubljana is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also home to The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Ljubljana different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ljubljana is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ljubljana is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Ljubljana or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Ljubljana or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Ljubljana to see the historical old town. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Ljubljana or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for hiking. However, Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ljubljana or Reykjavik?

Ljubljana is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Ljubljana or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole 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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Reykjavik is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Ljubljana is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Reykjavik is a good capital city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Ljubljana or Reykjavik Better for Students?

For students, both Ljubljana and Reykjavik are good places to visit.

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.

Reykjavik is a good capital city to visit for students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Ljubljana and Reykjavik both offer good 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.

Reykjavik has a few public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Ljubljana or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Ljubljana and Reykjavik are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Reykjavik is a very walkable capital city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Ljubljana?

How long in Ljubljana or Reykjavik?

In either Ljubljana or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Ljubljana because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ljubljana, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ljubljana or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated capital city of Ljubljana. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Ljubljana or Reykjavik?

Ljubljana is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Ljubljana or Reykjavik?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Ljubljana and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ljubljana and Reykjavik. The summer months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

Ljubljana is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Ljubljana averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ljubljana usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Ljubljana gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ljubljana usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Ljubljana gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ljubljana as well as Reykjavik. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the autumn, Ljubljana is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ljubljana in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Ljubljana often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Ljubljana gets 116 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ljubljana usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Ljubljana gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Ljubljana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ljubljana. In January, Ljubljana is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Ljubljana average around 1°C (34°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Ljubljana usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Ljubljana gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ljubljana usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Ljubljana gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Ljubljana during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ljubljana in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Ljubljana is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Ljubljana averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Ljubljana often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Ljubljana gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. Ljubljana usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Ljubljana gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Ljubljana