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

Should you visit Vilnius or Ljubljana?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Ljubljana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a surprising, undiscovered, and authentic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, 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.

Vilnius and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Ljubljana?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ljubljana than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ljubljana is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Vilnius attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Ljubljana is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Vilnius and Ljubljana.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ljubljana. 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 Vilnius or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Ljubljana can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Ljubljana is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Vilnius or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Vilnius has something for everybody. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

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 Vilnius or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Vilnius and Ljubljana.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Vilnius or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Vilnius offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Ljubljana both nice destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Ljubljana is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Vilnius or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Ljubljana are great destinations for backpackers.

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Vilnius or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Vilnius and Ljubljana are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

Plenty of students visit Ljubljana. 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 Vilnius or Ljubljana Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Vilnius and Ljubljana offer nice public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vilnius and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vilnius than in Ljubljana. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This capital city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Vilnius or Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Vilnius. 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.

In Ljubljana, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ljubljana has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Vilnius. 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.

Ljubljana is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Ljubljana?

Vilnius 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ljubljana. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When comparing the travel costs between Vilnius and Ljubljana, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Ljubljana?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Ljubljana?

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 Vilnius or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Vilnius is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Vilnius usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vilnius is much colder than Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Ljubljana. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Vilnius