A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bratislava vs. Novi Sad for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bratislava or Novi Sad?

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

Should I visit Bratislava or Novi Sad? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bratislava or Novi Sad?

Bratislava

The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the capital city of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Novi Sad has a population of about 400,000 people and is located on the Danube River near Budapest and Belgrade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia, The Best Adventure Tours to Slovakia, The Best Budget Tours to Serbia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade.


Which place is cheaper, Novi Sad or Bratislava?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bratislava is €155, while the average daily cost in Novi Sad is €24. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bratislava and Novi Sad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bratislava 49
    Novi Sad 11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bratislava 98
    Novi Sad 22
Compare Hotels in Bratislava and Novi Sad

Looking for a hotel in Bratislava or Novi Sad? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bratislava


Hotels in Novi Sad


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bratislava Hotel Prices and Novi Sad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bratislava 26
    Novi Sad -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Private Transfer Bratislava Airport to Hotel in Bratislava or vice versa: $33
  • Experience Bratislava with Private Luxury Car Transfer: $35
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $39
  • Bratislava Airport Transfer with Private Driver to City: $70
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $95
  • Luxury Transfer from Bratislava to Vienna or Vienna Airport: $119
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $120
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Vienna City : $165
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Piestany - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest, English-speaking driver: $208
  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Bratislava or Novi Sad?

Prices for flights to both Novi Sad and Bratislava change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bratislava 78
    Novi Sad 13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.

  • Bratislava Christmas Market Food Tour: $83
  • Gourmet Goose Dinner with Cruise on Danube: $88
  • Bratislava Traditional Wine and Food Tour: $101
  • Vegan Bratislava Food Tour: $113
  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $155

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bratislava 30
    Novi Sad -

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:

  • Bratislava City & Castle Walking Tour with Sebastian in English: $3.56
  • Bratislava walk tour with bonuses and castle 3€ + Tip, kids free: $3.57
  • The Story of City and Castle Walking Tour with Locals: $4.75
  • Guided City and Castle Tour from Bratislava: $5.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.74
  • Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.51
  • Bratislava Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.51
  • Old Town Cake Tasting Experience: $14
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Full Day Ticket: $15
  • Discover Beautiful Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Tasting Experience at House of Beer: $15
  • Old Town Cake Tasting Experience: $16

Tours and Activities in Novi Sad

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Novi Sad are as follows:

  • Walking Tour city center and Petrovaradin Fortress: $41
  • Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci shared tour: $100
  • Private Day Tour Discovering Gems of Novi Sad in Luxury: $109
  • Novi Sad tour from Belgrade: $189
  • Novi Sad Private Walking Tour: $278
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $560
  • Private Romantic Tour: $562

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bratislava 19
    Novi Sad -

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.11
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.21
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $18
  • Wine Tasting in city center: $18
  • Bratislava Wine Tasting in City Center: $18
  • Wine Tasting Experience in the Dark: $27
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $27
  • Private Pub Crawl with Free Beer and Shots: $35
  • Pub Crawl with VIP Entry, Free Shots & Beer: $35
  • Bratislava Pub Crawl with Free Welcome Shots: $36
  • Slovakian Wine Tasting Experience: $65
  • Half-Day Tour with Organic Wine Tasting in Bratislava: $93

Sample the Local Flavors in Novi Sad

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Novi Sad:

  • Fruška Gora Wine Tasting with Local Bites: $35
  • From Belgrade: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting: $211
  • From Belgrade or Private Wine Tour in Fruska Gora: $225


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bratislava and Novi Sad, we can see that Bratislava is more expensive. And not only is Novi Sad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novi Sad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novi Sad 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 Bratislava would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bratislava than you might in Novi Sad.

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


Which is Bigger, Bratislava or Novi Sad?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Novi Sad. When comparing the sizes of Bratislava and Novi Sad, 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 Bratislava or Novi Sad?

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 Bratislava or Novi Sad in the Summer?

Both Novi Sad and Bratislava are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bratislava in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bratislava is generally around the same temperature as Novi Sad. Daily temperatures in Bratislava average around 23°C (73°F), and Novi Sad fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Novi Sad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. Bratislava usually receives less sunshine than Novi Sad during summer. Bratislava gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bratislava usually receives around the same amount of rain as Novi Sad. Bratislava gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F) 
    Novi Sad 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Novi Sad in the Autumn?

Both Novi Sad and Bratislava during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bratislava is around the same temperature as Novi Sad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bratislava averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Novi Sad fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bratislava often gets less sunshine than Novi Sad. Bratislava gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 168 hours of full sun.

Bratislava usually gets more rain in October than Novi Sad. Bratislava gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F) 
    Novi Sad 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Novi Sad in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bratislava and Novi Sad. The winter months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Novi Sad in the winter. The weather in Bratislava can be very cold. In the winter, Bratislava is much warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bratislava in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Novi Sad averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Bratislava usually receives less sunshine than Novi Sad during winter. Bratislava gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 71 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bratislava usually receives around the same amount of rain as Novi Sad. Bratislava gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F) 
    Novi Sad -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Bratislava or Novi Sad in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bratislava as well as Novi Sad. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bratislava this time of the year. In the spring, Bratislava often gets more sunshine than Novi Sad. Bratislava gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 178 hours of full sun.

Bratislava usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Novi Sad. Bratislava gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F) 
    Novi Sad 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Novi Sad and Bratislava

Bratislava Novi Sad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 83 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)