Comparison · Ljubljana vs Salzburg · Slovenia / Austria
Ljubljana vs Salzburg
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Milligan Sumo, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Ljubljana for Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Castle, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Salzburg for Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Ljubljana is generally less expensive, and the two are about 224 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 224 km
- Less expensive
- Ljubljana
- Best time for Ljubljana
- May–June and September
- Best time for Salzburg
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Ljubljana | Salzburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Slovenia | Austria |
| Known for | Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Castle and Jože Plečnik architecture | Mozart, Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Festival |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$250 | $180–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 27°C (81°F) | July, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | LJU, ZAG, TRS | SZG, MUC |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Ljubljana for…
Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Castle, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Slovenia's small capital wraps around a castle hill and the green Ljubljanica river, with a pedestrianised centre where the Triple Bridge, Prešeren Square, the Central Market and the cathedral are all within a ten-minute walk. Much of the townscape was…
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Choose Salzburg for…
Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Salzburg's UNESCO-listed old town squeezes Baroque churches, archbishops' palaces and Mozart's birthplace between the Salzach river and the cliffs of the Mönchsberg, with Hohensalzburg Fortress on top. It is compact enough to see on foot in a day or two, and…
Top sights compared
| # | Ljubljana | Salzburg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ljubljana Castle | Hohensalzburg Fortress |
| 2 | Triple Bridge and Prešeren Square | Mozart's Birthplace |
| 3 | Central Market | Mozart Residence |
| 4 | Dragon Bridge | Mirabell Palace and Gardens |
| 5 | Butchers' Bridge and the Ljubljanica embankments | Salzburg Cathedral |
Food compared
| Ljubljana | Salzburg |
|---|---|
| Carniolan sausage | Salzburger Nockerl |
| Štruklji | Mozartkugel |
| Potica | Bosna |
| Prekmurska gibanica | Cheese dumplings |
Which is cheaper?
Ljubljana is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$250 per person there, against $180–$300 in Salzburg (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Ljubljana on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Ljubljana and Salzburg are about 224 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Ljubljana and 3 in Salzburg.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Ljubljana or Salzburg cheaper?
Ljubljana is usually less expensive: about $150–$250 a day mid-range against $180–$300 (estimates).
+Is Ljubljana or Salzburg better for a first trip?
Pick Ljubljana for Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Castle, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Salzburg for Mozart and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
+How far is Ljubljana from Salzburg?
About 224 km in a straight line.