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

Should you visit Portofino or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Portofino 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.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive seaside village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, 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.

Portofino and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Portofino and Ljubljana are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Portofino is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

Its scenic harbor

How is Portofino different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ljubljana is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

Portofino is a great seaside village 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 Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt 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 Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Portofino has something for everybody. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

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 Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

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

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Portofino or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Portofino and Ljubljana.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a great seaside village for hiking. However, Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portofino for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Ljubljana?

Both Portofino and Ljubljana are very good shopping destinations.

Portofino is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Portofino or Ljubljana as a family destination.

Portofino is not the most family-friendly destination. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Ljubljana is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

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 Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is notable for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ljubljana is a great capital 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.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Portofino or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Ljubljana is a popular place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Ljubljana is a good capital 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.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Ljubljana is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Portofino or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

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

Portofino is a very easy seaside village to get around on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

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.

A weekend in Portofino or Ljubljana?

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. 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 seaside village has to offer. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated 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.

Five days in Portofino or Ljubljana?

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside village has to offer.

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.

A week in Portofino or Ljubljana?

Portofino 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, 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 Portofino and Ljubljana, we can see that Portofino 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino 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 Portofino Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portofino or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino 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.