Comparison · Ljubljana vs Zagreb · Slovenia / Croatia
Ljubljana vs Zagreb
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 and Ljubljana Castle; choose Zagreb for Upper Town, St Mark's Church and lower day-to-day costs. Zagreb is generally less expensive, and the two are about 117 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 117 km
- Less expensive
- Zagreb
- Best time for Ljubljana
- May–June and September
- Best time for Zagreb
- May–June, September–October and December
Side by side
| Ljubljana | Zagreb | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Slovenia | Croatia |
| Known for | Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Castle and Jože Plečnik architecture | Upper Town, St Mark's Church and Dolac market |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | May–June, September–October and December |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$250 | $110–$190 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 27°C (81°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | LJU, ZAG, TRS | ZAG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Ljubljana for…
Triple Bridge and Ljubljana Castle. 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 Zagreb for…
Upper Town, St Mark's Church and lower day-to-day costs. Croatia's capital splits into the medieval Upper Town (Gornji Grad and Kaptol) on its hill and the grid of 19th-century squares, parks and boulevards of the Lower Town below, joined by one of the world's shortest funiculars. Ban Jelačić Square, the Dolac…
Top sights compared
| # | Ljubljana | Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ljubljana Castle | Ban Jelačić Square |
| 2 | Triple Bridge and Prešeren Square | Dolac Market |
| 3 | Central Market | Zagreb Cathedral |
| 4 | Dragon Bridge | St Mark's Church |
| 5 | Butchers' Bridge and the Ljubljanica embankments | Stone Gate |
Food compared
| Ljubljana | Zagreb |
|---|---|
| Carniolan sausage | Štrukli |
| Štruklji | Zagreb schnitzel |
| Potica | Turkey with mlinci |
| Prekmurska gibanica | Fresh cheese and cream |
Which is cheaper?
Zagreb is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$190 per person there, against $150–$250 in Ljubljana (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Zagreb on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Ljubljana and Zagreb are about 117 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Ljubljana and 3 in Zagreb.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Ljubljana or Zagreb cheaper?
Zagreb is usually less expensive: about $110–$190 a day mid-range against $150–$250 (estimates).
+Is Ljubljana or Zagreb better for a first trip?
Pick Ljubljana for Triple Bridge and Ljubljana Castle, or Zagreb for Upper Town, St Mark's Church and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Ljubljana from Zagreb?
About 117 km in a straight line.