A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Ljubljana for Nightlife, Couples, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Marbella or Ljubljana?

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

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

Marbella

Marbella is a high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a historic, charming, and under-rated 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Ljubljana?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Marbella than Ljubljana. While Ljubljana is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities. Marbella is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Marbella different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Ljubljana offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ljubljana area. 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 Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Music?

Marbella is a great resort town for live music. However, Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Marbella has a thriving music scene. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

Marbella is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Marbella is renowned for its beaches. However, Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Ljubljana?

Marbella 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 Marbella. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Marbella is a great resort town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Marbella is a very family-friendly destination. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great 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 Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Marbella or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Ljubljana is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Ljubljana is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Marbella and Ljubljana are superb when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The capital city of Ljubljana offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Ljubljana?

You'll find live music and food around the glamorous destination of Marbella. 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 resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ljubljana is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ljubljana, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Ljubljana?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ritzy resort town of Marbella. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

Ljubljana is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Ljubljana?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This capital city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Ljubljana?

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

When is the best time to visit Marbella or Ljubljana?

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 Marbella or Ljubljana in the Summer?

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

In July, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

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

Marbella is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Ljubljana in the Winter?

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

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ljubljana. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Ljubljana in the Spring?

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

In April, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Marbella