Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Sigulda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Sigulda
Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySigulda €24Plitvice Lakes National Park €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Sigulda and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSigulda €16Plitvice Lakes National Park €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSigulda €32Plitvice Lakes National Park €120
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Plitvice Lakes National Park
Looking for a hotel in Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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.
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: Sigulda Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sigulda -Plitvice Lakes National Park €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
- From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
- Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sigulda 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
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Food Meals for one daySigulda €7.81Plitvice Lakes National Park €40
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:
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Pastry€1.85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sigulda -Plitvice Lakes National Park €34
Tours and Activities in Sigulda
Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218
- From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
- Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
- Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
- Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
- Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
- Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
- Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
- Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
- Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
- Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
- From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
- Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
- From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
- Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySigulda -Plitvice Lakes National Park €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:
- Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park than you might in Sigulda.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sigulda Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
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 Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sigulda during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.
Sigulda is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Sigulda usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySigulda 17°C (63°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sigulda is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sigulda in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In October, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSigulda 7°C (45°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter for the cuisine.
Plitvice Lakes National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sigulda. In January, Sigulda is generally much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around -5°C (23°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
Sigulda usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySigulda -5°C (23°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.
Sigulda is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In April, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSigulda 5°C (42°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sigulda
| Sigulda | Plitvice Lakes National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.