A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Bratislava for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Bratislava?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bratislava? 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.

Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Bratislava?

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

Bratislava

The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is $132. 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 Saint Petersburg and Bratislava in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Bratislava $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Bratislava $106
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Bratislava

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Bratislava? 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 Saint Petersburg


Hotels in Bratislava


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: Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Bratislava $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $261
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $201
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $109
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $23
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $293
  • Bratislava Airport to TurĨianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Poprad - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $130
  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Bratislava?

Prices for flights to both Bratislava and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Bratislava $49
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.

  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $141
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Bratislava $33

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:

  • Bratislava Premium Private Walking Tour, 4 hours: $222
  • Magic Christmas tour in Komarno: $232
  • Banska Stiavnica from Bratislava, UNESCO Day Tour: $228
  • Beautiful Bratislava Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Beer Factory Tour with Beer Tasting in Banska Bystrica: $157
  • Bratislava - Bike Tour: $53
  • Bratislava - Grand City Tour: $84
  • Bratislava Big Castle Tour by Presporacik: $18
  • Bratislava Brunch Tour: $92
  • Bratislava Card with Public Transport Option & Walking Tour: $25
  • Bratislava Castle: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.32
  • Bratislava City Private Walking Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Bratislava $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $103
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $143
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $157
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $179
  • Small Carpathian Wine Tasting and Red Stone Castle Tour: $190
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $199


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Bratislava, we can see that Bratislava is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Bratislava would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bratislava than you might in Saint Petersburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Bratislava?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bratislava. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Bratislava, 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 Saint Petersburg or Bratislava?

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 Saint Petersburg or Bratislava in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Bratislava. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bratislava. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Bratislava. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bratislava in the Autumn?

Both Bratislava and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bratislava in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bratislava in the Winter?

Both Bratislava and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bratislava in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bratislava can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bratislava. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Bratislava averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bratislava. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bratislava in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Bratislava. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bratislava for the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bratislava this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bratislava. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Bratislava
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)