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

Should you visit Madrid or Ljubljana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Ljubljana 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.

Madrid

Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a under-rated, authentic, and historic 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Madrid or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Ljubljana, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Ljubljana is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum. Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Madrid different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Madrid
Ljubljana

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Madrid or Ljubljana.

Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Madrid or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid
Ljubljana

Madrid is renowned 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Madrid
Ljubljana

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

The nightlife in Madrid has something for everybody. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

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 Madrid or Ljubljana Better for Music?

Madrid
Ljubljana

Madrid is renowned for live music. However, Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Madrid is known as a music capital around the world. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Ljubljana is not a live music destination.


Is Madrid or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Madrid
Ljubljana

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

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Ljubljana?

Madrid
Ljubljana

Madrid is renowned for shopping. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Madrid. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

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.

Is Madrid or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Madrid
Ljubljana

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

Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

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 Madrid or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Madrid
Ljubljana

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

Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

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 Madrid or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid
Ljubljana

For backpackers, both Madrid and Ljubljana are high quality places to visit.

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Ljubljana is a great 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 Madrid or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Madrid
Ljubljana

Madrid is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for students.

Madrid is a great destination for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Ljubljana is a good 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.


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

Madrid
Ljubljana

Madrid is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its public transit.

Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Madrid or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Madrid
Ljubljana

Madrid is renowned for its walkability. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its high level of walkability.

Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Madrid or Ljubljana?

People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Madrid or Ljubljana?

People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Madrid or Ljubljana?

People visit Madrid because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Madrid or Ljubljana?

Madrid 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Ljubljana. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Madrid?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is €86. 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 Madrid and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Madrid 77
    Ljubljana 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Madrid 154
    Ljubljana 108
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Ljubljana? 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 Madrid


Hotels in Ljubljana


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: Madrid Hotel Prices and Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Madrid 19
    Ljubljana 21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

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

  • Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $456
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Lumbreras to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $285
  • From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $266
  • Private Transfer from Mazarrón to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $257
  • Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $239
  • Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Avila City by Business Car: $231
  • Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $230
  • Private Transfer from Mar de Cristal to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $224
  • Private Transfer from Vergel to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $212
  • Private Transfer from Condado de Alhama Golf to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $212
  • Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $208
  • Private Transfer from Hacienda de Alamo Golf to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $202

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

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

  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana: $532
  • Guided Truffle Hunting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $380
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Koper: $299
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Ptuj: $291
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Pohorje: $288
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Bovec: $268
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kostanjevica na Krki: $263
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Krško: $259
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Ilirska Bistrica: $241
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Lipica: $219
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Novo Mesto: $219
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Celje: $219

Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Madrid 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
    Madrid 34
    Ljubljana 17
Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

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

  • Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $28
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $34
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $36
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $37
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $42
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $50
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $60
  • Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $62
  • Madrid San Miguel Market and City Center Street Food Tour: $64

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

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

  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $59
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $65
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $75
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • Dinner in the Dark: $87
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $92
  • Dinner in the Dark: $108
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $130
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $212
  • Private Food Tour With Guide and 10 Tastings: $219

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Madrid 34
    Ljubljana 14

Tours and Activities in Madrid

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.

  • Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $224
  • Skip the Line Guided Tour Royal Palace Madrid: $73
  • 1-Hour Madrid Segway Tour: $32
  • 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
  • 2-Hour Patisserie Experience for Dessert Lovers: $61
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour through the Beautiful Streets of Madrid: $50
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour on the History of Islamic Medieval the origins: $39
  • 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $38
  • 20 Minute Tandem Paragliding Flight Experience in Alicante: $94
  • 3 Hours Private Madrid City Tour Guide: $54
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $271
  • 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $94

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • Škocjan Caves, Rakov Škocjan & Marshes Tour (Slovenian underground): $153
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Ljubljana: $57
  • 2 Hours Ljubljana Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $71
  • 4 Hours Private Ljubljana Walking Tour: $165
  • 8-Hour Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Waterfall Savica Tour: $88
  • BEER WAY Alpine Beer Tasting & Outdoors Tour: $136
  • Best of Private tour with Ljubljana born guide: $163
  • Broken Bones Gin Experience: $37
  • City Tour of Ljubljana: $160
  • Day Tour to Bled Lake from Ljubljana: $54
  • Discover the land of green gold - Private tour from Ljubljana: $281
  • E-bike tour Škofja Loka: $121

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Madrid 20
    Ljubljana 11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.77
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Madrid's Live Music Bar Crawl: $21
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
  • Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $39
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $50
  • Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $51
  • Toledo Day Trip with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $56

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $60
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $64
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $84
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $94
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $98
  • Food and Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $106
  • Private Family-Owned Vineyard Wine Tasting Trip: $147
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $194
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $219
  • Wine Tours Slovenia: $219
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $263


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


Which is Bigger, Madrid or Ljubljana?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.