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

Should you visit Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Ljubljana. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Ljubljana is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Zagreb different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb has something for everybody. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ljubljana and Zagreb.

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ljubljana. 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 Zagreb or Ljubljana Better for Families?

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

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Zagreb and Ljubljana both nice destinations for a couple.

Zagreb makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb and Ljubljana are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Zagreb is a great city to visit as a student. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Zagreb is a great city 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.

Visitors to Zagreb can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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

Is Zagreb or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Zagreb and Ljubljana both are great when exploring on foot.

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zagreb and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zagreb than in Ljubljana. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Zagreb, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

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

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

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

One day in Zagreb or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Zagreb. 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 Zagreb or Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Zagreb. 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 Zagreb or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Zagreb. 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.

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 Zagreb or Ljubljana?

Zagreb 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 charming 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 from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When comparing the travel costs between Zagreb and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana 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 Zagreb Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Ljubljana?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb or Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Zagreb during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Ljubljana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zagreb. In the summer, Zagreb often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zagreb usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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.

Zagreb is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zagreb usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zagreb or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Ljubljana. The winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Zagreb can be very cold. In the winter, Zagreb is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zagreb in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Zagreb often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Zagreb usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In April, Zagreb usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Zagreb