A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tihany vs. Ljubljana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tihany or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Tihany 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.

Where Should I go: Tihany or Ljubljana?

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Tihany?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tihany is $44, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is $94. 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 Tihany and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tihany $19
    Ljubljana $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tihany $38
    Ljubljana $116
Compare Hotels in Tihany and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Tihany or Ljubljana? 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 Tihany


Hotels in Ljubljana


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: Tihany Hotel Prices and Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tihany $11
    Ljubljana $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana: $522
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana to Rovinj: $490
  • Guided Truffle Hunting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $373
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Ptuj: $286
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kostanjevica na Krki: $259
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Krško: $255
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Maribor: $254
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Maribor: $252
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Izola: $244
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Portoroz: $237
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Ilirska Bistrica: $237
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Izola: $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Tihany or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Tihany 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
    Tihany $18
    Ljubljana $18

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    $2.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $65
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $81
  • Dinner in the Dark: $86
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $105
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tihany $4.82
    Ljubljana $16

Tours and Activities in Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.43
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $217

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    $8.67

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • Škocjan Caves, Rakov Škocjan & Marshes Tour (Slovenian underground): $151
  • 4 Hours Private Ljubljana Walking Tour: $163
  • 4-hour Bike Tour Ljubljana: $86
  • 8-Hour Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Waterfall Savica Tour: $87
  • Axe Throwing Experience in Ljubljana: $36
  • Best of Private tour with Ljubljana born guide: $160
  • Broken Bones Gin Experience: $37
  • City Tour of Ljubljana: $173
  • Discover the land of green gold - Private tour from Ljubljana: $276
  • E-bike tour Bled: $130
  • E-bike tour Velika Planina: $119
  • Experience a day full of the beauty of Ljubljana, Slovenia: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tihany $6.58
    Ljubljana $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,209

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    $6.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • Brunch and Wine Tasting at a Sommelier's Kitchen Table: $69
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $96
  • Private Family-Owned Vineyard Wine Tasting Trip: $144
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $216
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $259


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tihany or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Tihany 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 Tihany 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 Tihany or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Tihany are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tihany is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 21°C (70°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. Tihany usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during summer. Tihany gets 278 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. In July, Tihany usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Tihany gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tihany 21°C (70°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Tihany during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.

Tihany is cooler than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tihany averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tihany often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Tihany gets 152 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. Tihany usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Tihany gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tihany and Ljubljana. 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. Tihany can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tihany is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tihany in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Tihany usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Tihany gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tihany usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Tihany gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tihany -1°C (31°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Tihany or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tihany as well as Ljubljana. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In April, Tihany is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Tihany average around 12°C (53°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Tihany often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Tihany gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Tihany usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Tihany gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tihany 12°C (53°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Tihany

Tihany Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)