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

Should you visit Vienna or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Ljubljana, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a historic, charming, and under-rated 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Ljubljana. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Ljubljana.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Ljubljana has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Ljubljana Better for Music?

Vienna is renowned for live music. However, Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Ljubljana is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its old town.

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 the Shopping Better in Vienna or Ljubljana?

Vienna is renowned for shopping. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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.

Is Vienna or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Vienna offers lots of family activities. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Vienna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for students.

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Ljubljana is a good 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.

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

Vienna is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its public transit.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

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

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Ljubljana?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Vienna. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Ljubljana?

You'll find live music and food around the traditional destination of Vienna. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Ljubljana?

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional city of Vienna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Vienna or Ljubljana?

Vienna 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Ljubljana. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Vienna and Ljubljana, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Ljubljana?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Ljubljana. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In July, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Ljubljana. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. In the winter, Vienna is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Vienna