A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Ljubljana for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Zermatt or Ljubljana?

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 Zermatt and Ljubljana can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zermatt and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Ljubljana?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Ljubljana are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana is known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing. However, Ljubljana is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Zermatt is among the best in the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Ljubljana is not a skiing destination.

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

Ljubljana is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Ljubljana is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

Zermatt is a great town 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 Zermatt. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Zermatt has something for everybody. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for hiking. However, Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Zermatt draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Ljubljana?

Both Zermatt and Ljubljana are excellent shopping destinations.

Zermatt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Ljubljana is well-known for its shopping. 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 Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Zermatt is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly destination. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zermatt and Ljubljana are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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.

Is Zermatt or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Ljubljana is very good for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

Ljubljana is a good capital 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Both Zermatt and Ljubljana offer good public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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

Is Zermatt or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

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

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Ljubljana?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zermatt or Ljubljana?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Zermatt. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Zermatt or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the breathtaking destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town 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 Zermatt or Ljubljana?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the stunning town of Zermatt. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

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 Zermatt or Ljubljana?

Zermatt is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zermatt and Ljubljana, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Ljubljana. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Ljubljana. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zermatt is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 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. It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ljubljana can be very cold during winter. Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ljubljana. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Ljubljana. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Zermatt