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

Should you visit Ljubljana or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ljubljana or Kotor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Ljubljana is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ljubljana travel costs.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come to Kotor because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Kotor travel costs.

Ljubljana and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ljubljana or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ljubljana. Although Ljubljana and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Ljubljana has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ljubljana is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also home to The Ljubljana Castle. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Ljubljana different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ljubljana is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is renowned 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Ljubljana is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Ljubljana has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its old town.

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ljubljana or Kotor?

Ljubljana is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor More Beautiful?

Kotor is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Kotor because of it's amazing beauty. The winding streets and isolated setting offer a beautiful escape from more touristy areas.

Ljubljana is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city has wandering cobblestone streets and traditional family run restaurants that give the area a sense of authenticity.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Families?

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

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

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 Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is a great coastal town for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

Kotor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ljubljana and Kotor are excellent places to visit.

Ljubljana is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Kotor is a great capital city to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor Better for Students?

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

Ljubljana is popular with 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Ljubljana is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Ljubljana, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a city bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Ljubljana or Kotor a more walkable city?

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

Kotor is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Ljubljana?

How long in Ljubljana or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Ljubljana or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ljubljana, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Ljubljana or Kotor?

In Ljubljana, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Ljubljana or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ljubljana or Kotor?

Ljubljana is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

A week in Ljubljana or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Ljubljana or Kotor?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Ljubljana and Kotor, 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 Ljubljana or Kotor?

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 Ljubljana or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ljubljana as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ljubljana is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Ljubljana averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. In the summer, Ljubljana often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Ljubljana gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ljubljana usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Ljubljana gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Ljubljana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the autumn, Ljubljana is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ljubljana in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Ljubljana gets 116 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. In October, Ljubljana usually receives less rain than Kotor. Ljubljana gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Ljubljana during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. In January, Ljubljana is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Ljubljana average around 1°C (34°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Ljubljana often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Ljubljana gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ljubljana usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Ljubljana gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ljubljana or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ljubljana and Kotor. Many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Ljubljana is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Ljubljana averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Ljubljana gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ljubljana usually receives less rain than Kotor. Ljubljana gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Ljubljana