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

Should you visit Pamplona or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Ljubljana? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Ljubljana?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pamplona than Ljubljana. While Ljubljana is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pamplona is very popular for its food, nightlife, and hiking, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Pamplona different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pamplona and Ljubljana.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ljubljana. 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 Pamplona or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona has something for everybody. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ljubljana. 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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Pamplona or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Pamplona for the hiking trails. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Pamplona or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Pamplona offers lots of family activities. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

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 Pamplona or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Pamplona and Ljubljana make for a nice place to visit.

Pamplona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

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 Pamplona or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Pamplona and Ljubljana are very good destinations for backpackers.

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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.

Is Pamplona or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Pamplona and Ljubljana are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Pamplona is a good city to visit for students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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.

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

Both Pamplona and Ljubljana offer nice public transit options.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Pamplona or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Ljubljana both are very good when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pamplona. 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 Pamplona has to offer. 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 Pamplona or Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the elegant destination of Pamplona. 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 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 Pamplona or Ljubljana?

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

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 Pamplona or Ljubljana?

Pamplona 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.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours 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 Pamplona and Ljubljana, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Ljubljana?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pamplona or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Ljubljana. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 20°C (68°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Pamplona usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Pamplona usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamplona or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Pamplona during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. In the winter, Pamplona is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamplona in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Ljubljana. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Ljubljana. The spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

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

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Pamplona