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

Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ljubljana

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

Nagano and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nagano than Ljubljana. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Nagano different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great city for skiing. However, Ljubljana is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Ljubljana is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagano is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nagano can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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 Nagano or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagano is a great city 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Nagano 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 Nagano has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a great city for hiking. However, Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Ljubljana?

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

Ljubljana is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Nagano is a very family-friendly destination. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Both Nagano and Ljubljana are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Ljubljana is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nagano or Ljubljana Better for Students?

For students, both Nagano and Ljubljana are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

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

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

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

Is Nagano or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Nagano. 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 Nagano has to offer. 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 Nagano or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife and food around the traditional destination of Nagano. 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.

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 Nagano or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic city of Nagano. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Nagano or Ljubljana?

Nagano 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nagano is in Asia and Ljubljana is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagano Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Ljubljana?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

Nagano is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Ljubljana. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Ljubljana. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ljubljana. It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. In the winter, Nagano is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagano in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Ljubljana. Many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Nagano is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 11°C (52°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Nagano usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Nagano