Ljubljana is an authentic capital city known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Ljubljana?
You should plan to spend around $101 (€98) per day on your vacation in Ljubljana. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $30 (€29) on meals
- $21 (€21) on local transportation
- $111 (€108) on hotels
A one week trip to Ljubljana for two people costs, on average, $1,415 (€1,372). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$708
€686
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,415
€1,372
-
One Month
Per person
$3,033
€2,940
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,415
€1,372
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,831
€2,744
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,066
€5,880
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ljubljana cost?
A one week trip to Ljubljana usually costs around $708 (€686) for one person and $1,415 (€1,372) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ljubljana on average costs around $1,415 (€1,372) for one person and $2,831 (€2,744) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ljubljana will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ljubljana on average costs around $3,033 (€2,940) for one person and $6,066 (€5,880) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ljubljana expensive to visit?
Ljubljana is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Ljubljana can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $44 (€42) per day, mid-range travelers spend $102 (€98) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $206 (€200) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ljubljana.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Ljubljana is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ljubljana Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ljubljana?
The average Ljubljana trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ljubljana travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ljubljana cost?
Ljubljana on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
(€23)
|
$56
(€54)
|
$117
(€114)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$10
(€9.22)
|
$21
(€21)
|
$39
(€38)
|
|
Food 2
|
$13
(€13)
|
$30
(€29)
|
$57
(€55)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(€6.16)
|
$15
(€14)
|
$31
(€30)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(€2-7)
|
$6-17
(€5-16)
|
$11-33
(€11-32)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Ljubljana is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Ljubljana on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $44 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Ljubljana, such as Hostel Celica, Hostel Tabor Ljubljana, and Tresor Hostel. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Ljubljana. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $102 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Ljubljana. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Cubo is a good kid-friendly option, and Lesar Hotel Angel is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Ljubljana here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $206 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the capital city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Ljubljana private walking tour with a local - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ljubljana
Ljubljana offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $82, but during peak summer season, they can average $153. Prices range from $49 to $239, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ljubljana for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $111 (€108). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $56 (€54) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ljubljana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ljubljana include:
- Hotel Cubo starting at $118
- Lesar Hotel Angel starting at $102
- G Design Hotel starting at $85
- Hotel Nox starting at $70
- Dvor Tacen starting at $77
The great public transit system in Ljubljana gives you the option to stay outside the capital city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Walking is a favored way to experience Ljubljana, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.
The capital city's famous old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels in this area may be more expensive, but they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main attractions.
Transportation Budget in Ljubljana
Ljubljana has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There is a city bus system. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.
Anyone who likes to wander around on foot will appreciate their time here. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $21 (€21) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ljubljana. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ljubljana is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
€21
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer. Or vice versa. For $52 details
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana City or back for $29 details
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) for $68 details
How much does it cost to go to Ljubljana? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ljubljana will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ljubljana
Cuisine in Ljubljana is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the capital city to discover. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Ljubljana can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ljubljana is $30 (€29) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$30
€29
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ljubljana is around $30 (€29) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $57. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ljubljana are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, the downtown area has plenty of cafes with outdoor seating during the summer months. There are many restaurants around town that offer traditional Slovenian food. One quintessential Slovenian experience is to try a horse burger at the Hotel Horse. It's cheap and good, particularly after a late night out. Pizza, falafel, and burek are all available and cheap as well. The quality is usually reasonable to good.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Ljubljana. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- SLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class for $63 details
- Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show for $62 details
- Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana for $78 details
Food and meal prices in Ljubljana, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ljubljana
It's easy to see why people visit Ljubljana, given its historical sights, budget-friendly accommodations, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ljubljana typically cost an average of $15 (€14) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
€14
Although most people don't often visit Ljubljana for the sights, it's still a nice city and there are a handful of places worth checking out. Triple Bridge is a scenic area near Preseren Square. The Old Town is located between Castle Hill and the Ljublijanica River. It has two squares and is a great area to walk around. Ljubljana Castle is also worth a visit. Be sure and climb the tower for the view. Tivoli Park and Ljubljana Zoo are also worth checking out. Good museums in the area include the Architecture Museum of Ljubljana, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery, the National Museum of Slovenia, the National Museum of Contemporary History, and the Slovenian Museum of Natural History.
Popular activities in Ljubljana include taking in a show, going to the opera, going to the puppet theater, or going to Water City of Atlantis, which is a water park.
Nightlife is also popular in this dynamic city, as it is full of bars, clubs, and concerts.
Ljubljana also makes for a nice base to explore the surrounding countryside, small towns, and other nearby attractions. Consider one of these incredible day trips from Ljubljana to visit Kamnik, Predjama Castle, Vintgar Gorge, Skofja Loka, or many other beautiful destinations.
Historical Sights:
The charming old town is a magnet for tourists. 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.
Shopping:
Be sure to enjoy the shopping here, as it's an experience you won't forget. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ljubljana is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- City Tour of Ljubljana for $167 details
- Axe Throwing Experience in Ljubljana for $35 details
- Ljubljana - Personalized Private Tour for $142 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Ljubljana. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Ljubljana
Ljubljana does have some nightlife activities, but it doesn't compare to the excitement found in more popular destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (€11) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ljubljana per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
€11
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Ljubljana. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Wine Tours in Slovenia for $229 details
- BEER WAY Craft Brewery Visit & Tastings for $26 details
- BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour for $80 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Ljubljana, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 5, 2024
Traveling in Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia
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.
Ljubljana is also a city defined by its seasons. During the fall months the city overflows with university students. They keep the atmosphere energetic, enthusiastic, and filled with culture. The winter months can be cold and long, but come spring, the city is ready to open back up. After months spent indoors, the city comes to life with events and festivals that fill the plaza. There are concerts and festivals that linger through the summer months, when the weather is at its prime. During this time you'll also see street performers who provide entertaining outdoor shows for both adults and kids. Streets shut down for festivals that bring residents and tourists alike into the downtown area. This is a wonderful time to come and be part of the city.
A visit to Ljubljana is about atmosphere and culture, not checking attractions off of your list, so throw out your itinerary and let yourself get lost in the city's character.
Neighborhoods & Around
Popular areas of interest for tourists include the Old Town, Krakovo, Metelkova City, Castle Hill, and Tivoli Park. The Old Town is located between Castle Hill and Ljubljanica River. It has two squares; Mestni trg (City Square) and Gornji trg (Upper Square). It's a great area to see medieval buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Krakovo is a part of town that has a village feel. It is between the city center and the Trnovo suburb. Metelkova City is an area where alternative artists, various subcultures, and youth gather. It's located about five minutes by foot from the main train station. There are old military barracks that now house artists, bars and nightclubs. It gets particularly crowded on Fridays and Saturdays.
Related
Are you a student or backpacker headed to
Switzerland or
Austria?
Need a hostel in
Zurich or
Vienna?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.