A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gothenburg vs. Ljubljana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gothenburg or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Ljubljana? 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: Gothenburg or Ljubljana?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

Ljubljana

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Gothenburg?

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 Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is $116. 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 Gothenburg and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Ljubljana $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Ljubljana $126
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Ljubljana? 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 Gothenburg


Hotels in Ljubljana


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Ljubljana $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Ljubljana to Trieste or vice versa: $238
  • Transfer Ljubljana City to Lake Bled: $138
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Tolmin : $230
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Slovenj Gradec: $232
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Sežana (Casino Safir): $225
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Koper: $292
  • Private transfer from Sežana (Casino Safir) to airport Ljubljana: $225
  • Private transfer from Sežana (Casino Safir) to Ljubljana city: $190
  • Private transfer from Postojna to Ljubljana city: $119
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Žalec: $147
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Novo Mesto: $154
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Krško: $214

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $76
    Ljubljana $34

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    $2.35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ljubljana International Dinner: $5.87
  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Traditional Slovenian štrukelj Cooking Class: $70
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $71
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $72
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $81
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $90
  • Dinner in the Dark: $116
  • Medieval coast and romantic fish dinner in Piran from Ljubljana at 16:00: $144
  • Ljubljana Food Tour by Sigismundi, Eat & Drink: $152
  • The Cradle of Lipizzaner horses - Half Day Trip from Ljubljana: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Ljubljana $17

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $48
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
  • City Kayak Tour: $53
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $48
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $131
  • Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $586
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
  • Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $123

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    $9.39

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • Škocjan Caves, Rakov Škocjan & Marshes Tour (Slovenian underground): $166
  • 2 Hours Ljubljana Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $108
  • 4 Hours Private Ljubljana Walking Tour: $180
  • 8-Hour Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Waterfall Savica Tour: $96
  • All About Bees Tour from Ljubljana: $174
  • Authentic Slovenia: A Mystery Travel Day Tour: $176
  • BEER WAY Alpine Beer Tasting & Outdoors Tour: $166
  • BEER WAY Boat & Craft Beer Tasting Tour: $54
  • Best of Ljubljana, Classical walking tour of Capital city: $60
  • Best of Private tour with Ljubljana born guide: $176
  • Bike Tour Ljubljana: $71
  • Bled the Alpine Pearl Guided Tour from Ljubljana: $138

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $24
    Ljubljana $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    $7.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Broken Bones Distillery Guided Tasting: $15
  • Ljubljana Pub Crawl: $26
  • Pub Crawl Ljubljana: $26
  • Wine Tasting with Pairing Snacks in Vipava Valley: $30
  • Wine Tasting, Slovenian Wine Story: $59
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Appetizers: $64
  • Slovenian Wine Tasting at Wine Bar Šuklje: $67
  • Slovenian Wine Tasting Experience at Wine Bar Šuklje: $68
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $72
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $104
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $107


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Ljubljana, we can see that Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Ljubljana?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Ljubljana?

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 Gothenburg or Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Ljubljana. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. Gothenburg is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)