ljubljana travel wiki

A beginner's guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia

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written by Tamara Hinson

updated 06.08.2019

Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by Slovenia 's recent popularity - it's one of Europe's most fought-over countries, after all. The country was once part of the Roman Empire, then the German Holy Roman Empire, then under the rule of the Habsburgs of Austria, and even Napoleon for a brief period. It became part of Yugoslavia in the 1920s, until 1991, when it finally achieved independence. Although Lake Bled currently ranks as the country's most popular spot for tourists, growing numbers of visitors are taking time to explore Slovenia's beautiful capital, so we've put together a guide to Ljubljana so you can make the most of this enthralling city.

Ljubljana: the basics

What are the must-see attractions in ljubljana, where to shop in ljubljana, the best day trips from ljubljana.

Tromostovje, or Triple Bridge, in Ljubljana © Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Slovenia, created by local experts

16 days  / from 5243 USD

Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia

From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

12 days  / from 3017 USD

Gourmet Tour

You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.

13 days  / from 3123 USD

Balkan Extended

The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.

Ljubljana is one of Europe's smallest cities - two million people live in Slovenia, and just 292,000 in the capital. It's a place which feels surprisingly ahead of its time, thanks to a recently pedestrianised centre and a fleet of electric jeeps which will whisk you around for free – simply dial the number on the side of the vehicles. No wonder it was voted the European Commission's Green Capital of Europe in 2016.

The residents have architect Jože Plečnik to thank for the city's elegant, orderly layout. Regarded as a master of modern architecture, Plečnik designed large parts of Ljubljana's centre in the early 20th century, shaping its embankments and designing its cemetery, market buildings, library, famous Triple Bridge and the Križanke Summer Theatre, converted from a former monastery of the Teutonic Order. Don't be fooled by the name – a sliding roof means performances can take place on rainy days.

The city is home to some great restaurants and fascinating museums and there's plenty of history to discover. There's also a great range of bars and clubs (the 50,000-strong student population can take some of the credit for this). In a nutshell, Ljubljana a destination with endless appeal, but which has somehow remained blissfully crowd-free and wonderfully affordable – for now, at least.

Ljubljana Castle with its mountain backdrop © Matic Stojs Lomovsek/Shutterstock

Planning a trip to Slovenia? Get in touch and we can connect you with a local expert to plan your dream trip.

Prešeren Square is the logical (and spectacular) starting point for all explorations of Ljubljana. It's surrounded by several colourful mansions, like the Mayerjeva palača (Mayor's Palace), an impossibly grand building which now houses a pharmacy. Head to Urbanc palace on the square, regarded as the city's finest example of Art Nouveau architecture, to find the city's original (and still operating) department store, Galerija Emporium. The square was created as a tribute to the late France Prešeren, considered one of Europe's finest romantic poets. One of Prešeren's sonnets was used as the basis for the country's national anthem and his statue stands proudly in the square's centre.

Another architectural gem is the Triple Bridge –a cluster of three bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River and connecting modern Ljubljana with the historic centre. The bridge was designed in 1929 by Jože Plečnik. You can learn more about the architect at Plečnik House . His former home is stuffed with tools, models and drawings, including sketches of a building which never came to fruition – the Cathedral of Freedom, which would have housed the Slovenian Parliament had his designs not been rejected.

One building Plečnik can't lay claim to is the fifteenth-century Ljubljana Castle , which towers over the city. The building has a long history – it was built as a defence against Ottoman invasions before being used as a military hospital and prison in the 1800s. During WWII, quarantined prisoners of war were sent here, and later still it was used to house the city's poorest families – albeit in horrendous conditions. A major renovation in the 1970s turned it into Ljubljana's biggest tourist attraction, reached via a short, steep funicular which starts at the base of Castle Hill. There are daily tours of the castle, which has a wonderful Museum of Puppetry within its grounds – reflecting the city's love for one of its oldest art forms.

Lake Bled seen from Mt. Osojnica, Slovenia © Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock

Another surprising fact about Ljubljana? It's got one of Europe's largest shopping malls - the BTC City Ljubljana, a sprawling complex with a water park, multiplex cinema and hundreds of stores. Which is all well and good, but if you're on the hunt for souvenirs, the city centre is the place to be.

Mestni Trg and Stari Trg (Trg means "square" in Slovenian, but also refers to streets), at the base of Castle Hill, are where you'll find the highest density of souvenir shops. Items to look out for include hand-painted ceramic plates and bowls and Slovenian salt. For the best salt, head to Mestni Trg's Piranske Soline, where you'll also find the brand's legendary, salt-dusted chocolate bars and beeswax candles – Slovenia's Carniolan bee is a protected species, and the country has 90,000 beekeepers. Fancy splashing out? Treat yourself to something colourful at Ciril-Metodov Trg's Porcelain Catbriyur, a high-end porcelain brand founded by Slovenian designers Katja and Jure Bricman.

Postojna cave in Slovenia is a great day-trip from Ljubljana © Lapas77/Shutterstock

The brilliant thing about Slovenia is that its small size means it's relatively easy to get from the capital to other highlights. Lake Bled is a 50-minute drive away, the country has plenty of lesser-known gems, such as stunning Jezersko – a postcard-perfect valley framed by soaring, snow-capped mountains. Jezersko a destination with sustainability at its heart – spend the night at the beautiful Vila Planinka (this Condé Nast-worthy hotel, surrounded by a pretty, alpine plant-filled garden, opened in early 2019) and staff will happily organise guided hikes and visits to local farms. Don't forget to quench your thirst at Jezersko's spring, although you'll have to get in line behind the locals who come to fill old wine bottles with this magnesium-rich water.

Another great option for a day trip is the Postojna Cave, 53 kilometres from Ljubljana. Getting to the heart of this underground cavern, which is Europe's largest show cave, is half the fun – the visit starts with a two-kilometre train ride, pootling past house-sized stalagmites and through caverns transformed into dance halls and lit with Murano glass chandeliers.

Top image: Ljubljana Castle © Matic Stojs Lomovsek/Shutterstock

Tamara is a former snowboard instructor who's been a freelance travel writer for 12 years. She loves snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and scuba diving, and the regions she knows best are Asia, America and Africa. Europe-wise she knows Germany and France very well. In normal times she does two or three trips a month. Follow her on Twitter @tamarahinson

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• WHERE THE LOCALS GO

A Local's Guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia

Visit the European Green Capital 2016 with tips from the ultimate insider.

Cars once clogged the center of Ljubljana, Slovenia, but now it’s mostly devoted to pedestrians and cyclists. New parks took over parking lots and public transportation improved. Ljubljana’s efforts and fresh outlook earned the coveted title of European Green Capital 2016 . Find a yearlong celebration of natural beauty with themed activities and events under way.

Ljubljana-born Liza Nagode thinks her city is “one of the least explored and yet one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.”

Here are her local tips for an authentic trip:

When someone comes to visit me, the first place I take them is Prešernov trg (Prešeren Square), which is the major meeting point for locals in the heart of the city. Sit on the square’s namesake statue of the greatest Slovenian poet, France Prešeren, to observe surrounding architecture and those passing by.  

Spring is the best time to visit my city because Ljubljana and its residents are blossoming again.

You can see my city best from the Ljubljana Castle on Castle Hill. Besides being the best lookout point, the castle is also a host of numerous cultural events, including my personal favorite, the summer Film Under the Stars series.  

Locals know to skip crowded and pricier bars in the city center and check out the places away from the classic tourist trails instead. Try Sax pub in Trnovo, which is also a hostel.

Ljubljana’s Central Market is the place to buy authentic, local souvenirs. While open during the week, the market especially comes alive on Saturdays when locals gather to buy fresh produce and to catch up with friends on weekly gossip.  

In the past, notable people like natural historian Janez Vajkard Valvasor and renowned architect Jože Plečnik, whose work strongly influenced Ljubljana’s image, have called my city home.

My city’s best museum is National Museum of Slovenia   because it embodies Slovenian history and cultural heritage through a rich collection of archeological artifacts.

If there’s one thing you should know about getting around my city, it’s that the best way is on foot. If you wish to visit some of the more remote places you can always rent a bike outside of the tourist office.

The way to spend time outdoors in my city is to ascend Šmarna Gora in the northernmost part of the city. After a 30- to 45-minute hike you will be rewarded with an astonishing view, comfortable chairs, and a small restaurant.  

My city really knows how to celebrate December holidays. Every evening Cankarjevo nabrežje is packed with chattering locals and visitors sipping on mulled wine.

You can tell if someone is from my city from the way they speak. Compared to the other Slovene dialects, Ljubljana’s slang is quickly recognizable.

For a fancy night out, I have a cocktail with friends at one of the bars in the old town, like Čupiterija Hijo de Puta .

Just outside my city, you can hike or ski down the slopes of one of the Alpine peaks. The nature is absolutely breathtaking.

My city is known for being the hidden gem of Europe, and I couldn’t agree more.

The best outdoor market in my city is the Christmas Market that takes place every December on Cankarjevo nabrežje. You can buy anything from local food to crafts.    

Čajnica Gallus is my favorite place to grab breakfast, and Burek Olimpija and Nobel Burek are the spots for late-night eats.

To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, read this Visit Ljubljana page or simply ask a local.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I go to Semafor for one-euro beers. This bar is one of the main student hangouts.

To escape the crowds, I hike Nanos with my dad. Located an hour’s drive from the city, Nanos is part of the karst limestone plateau. After a 1,262-meter (4,140-foot) ascent, continue your drive toward the Slovenian coast to grab a lunch. Piran is particularly beautiful and worth a visit.        

Union beer is my city’s signature drink. Sample it at any local bar or restaurant.

The most random thing about my city is Metelkova Mesto , a cool art district that awakens every night, buzzing with youngsters hungry for late-night adventures.  

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Križanke , a famous summer festival venue, is the best place to see live music. But if you’re in the mood to dance (and have some great cocktails), check out Pr'Skelet Disco Bar located by the Kongresni trg (Congress Square).

The largest annual Graduates’ Quadrille Dance Parade   could only happen in my city. The event has set numerous Guinness World Records.

In the spring you should take a trip to Lake Bled . Its picturesque appearance, complete with a small island in the middle and Bled Castle perched on a rock overlooking the lake, will make you feel like you woke up in a fairy tale.    

In the summer you should buy a beer and enjoy it at Trnovsko nabrežje while watching tour boats pass by.  

In the fall you should take a stroll in Tivoli Park through golden and crisp leaves.

In the winter you should go ice-skating in Tivoli Park and enjoy the warm and festive atmosphere of the Christmas Market.

If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you won’t want to miss the House of Experiments . Located just around the corner from the famous Dragon Bridge at Trubarjeva 39, the site's mission is to provide fun, hands-on education.  

The best book about my city is Plečnikova Ljubljana (Plečnik’s Ljubljana) by Peter Krečič because it best explains the impact that this famous architect had on the development of the city.  

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The Ultimate Ljubljana Travel Guide

After spending a few days traveling in Ljubljana, I’m excited to share this city guide. From where to stay in Ljubljana, to the top things to do, there is so much to love in this city.

Ljubljana took me by surprise. Not only is it a beautiful city visually, but it’s also incredibly diverse as a cultural destination.

From a bustling restaurant scene to great third-wave coffee shops, Ljubljana seemed to have it all. It felt rather untouched by mass tourism as well — something to appreciate when in Europe.

The city felt joyful, a certain atmosphere of easy-going and relaxed. Perhaps it is all the green space in the city, multiple parks, trees, and rivers. It’s no wonder it was named one of Europe’s most livable cities and green capital.

If you’re headed this way, here’s what you won’t want to miss while visiting Ljubljana.

What to Know Before Visiting Ljubljana

Getting to ljubljana.

Major airports in Europe have connected flights into Ljubljana’s airport. Often airways like Easyjet, LOT, or Air France will run these. The airport is about 30 minutes from the center of town. You do not need a car in the city.

To get into town, either take a taxi on arrival (no Uber) or take a shared van ride which is around 15 dollars from a company on arrival, I used GoOpti and is located just outside the baggage claim.

Getting around Ljubljana

It’s so easy to walk this city that you won’t need any public transportation. Most of everything is in or near the historic district. For longer distances, taxis are available.

How many days in Ljubljana

I’d recommend at least two full days here if not three to really do a deep dive of the city.

There is also a lot to see nearby like castles and day tours to wine regions so you could consider staying longer and doing day trips.

Best time of year to visit Ljubljana

Shoulder seasons here are the best time like early fall or late spring to avoid the summer crowds. If cold weather doesn’t bother you, I think winter here would also be pretty magical.

You’ll need some cash, so I recommend pulling a few Euros out from a local bank on arrival. Most places will accept credit cards.

Pay for a Ljubljana tourist card for either 24, 48, or 72 hours for access to most sights.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, this trip I stayed in a local’s Airbnb right near the historic district.

One thing to note is that if you’re within the pedestrian zone, cars cannot enter. So if you need door-to-door service, keep this in mind for your luggage.

I’d recommend staying near the heart of the city or near the river.

* For Airbnb, use this link for $40 off your first booking when you sign up.

Best Hotels in Ljubljana

• The Hotel Ljubljana
• InterContinental Ljubljana
• Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel

Best Restaurants in Ljubljana

Some of my favorite meals:

My favorite meal in Ljubljana was here at Julija. Their freshly made ricotta pasta dish was delicious and the truffles were great. Come for dinner or lunch and reserve ahead.

Restaurant and bar Atelje

I sat down to one of the best pre-fix lunches in Slovenia here. I loved the use of local ingredients, rich flavors, and beautiful presentations here. It’s certainly one of the nicer restaurants in Ljubljana.

Abi Falafel

One of my favorite dinners was at this casual restaurant for falafel. So delicious and a hearty meal.

El Patro Tacos & Store

Authentic tacos hailing from Mexico in Ljubljana? You bet and a welcomed surprise.

TINK superfood café

Come here for a healthy breakfast, featuring acai bowls and avocado toast.

Sisters Kurtoš

The spot for a local dessert called kurtos (pastry dough cooked over an open flame) and filled with things like Nutella or ice cream.

Come to this epic rooftop for 360-degree views of the city. I’d recommend sunset and coming for a cocktail.

Where to get coffee in Ljubljana

Set inside a museum, it’s a quiet setting for a cup of coffee.

Črno Zrno Specialty Coffee

Third-wave coffee shop down incredibly well, their beans were delicious.

Coffee only and a very much locals spot for espresso.

Kaverna Moderna

Great interior, more industrial style with small bites.

Hotel Lev lobby

A beautiful setting to come grab a coffee.

Top Things to Do in Ljubljana

Tour the Plečnik House

One of my favorite experiences was getting to tour the architect Jože Plečnik’s home. It’s a small guided tour, limited to 7 people every hour on the hour from 10:00 to 7:00 and you get guided through his life and his famous works.

Explore the Ljubljana old town on foot

Ljubljana is one of those cities you’ll want to get lost in. Alleys have small boutiques, little cafes are tucked away on corners, and it’s incredibly scenic. You could spend a few hours just making your way through the old town.

Some of the top sights include Dragon Bridge, Cobblers’ Bridge, Robba Fountain, Ljubljana Cathedral, Prešeren Square, and Franciscan Church of the Annunciation.

You can also shop local here, stop by GUD Shop to see a few Slovenian designers!

Ride the funicular and visit the Ljubljana Castle

A fun and much quicker way of getting up to the castle is by funicular. Soaring views over the city you bring you up and then afterward you can visit the castle right there.

The castle has many exhibitions and historical artifacts for seeing. I’d recommend even making the walk back down if you want some exercise.

Take a scenic boat ride on the Ljubljanica

A short scenic ride on the river brings you through the city to get beautiful views of the buildings. Onboard you can also get a few drinks to enjoy while cruising. It embarks at the Breg embankment.

Museum hop your way through the city

There are many museums in Ljubljana whether you want to experience contemporary art or dive into history.

Some of the top options are the National Museum of Slovenia, the National Gallery, Slovenian Museum of Natural History, and Museum of Modern Art.

Go for a stroll in Tivoli Park

If you’re looking to be immersed in nature, head to Ljubljana’s greenest space. Tivoli Park is large and you could spend a few hours strolling through its winding trails.

Along the way, stop in for a drink or coffee at Art Cafe Tivoli for a break.

Stop by the Ljubljana Central Market

I always love stopping by fresh markets in a new city to find local products and check out what the produce is like.

This market is large and many vendors set up almost every day. Products like local honey to fresh fruits and vegetables are sold here as well as a small clothing area.

Save this post for later on Pinterest:

PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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• 12 March 2023

A Ljubljana Travel Guide: Discover the Charming Capital of Slovenia

A full overview of the best ljubljana tips with this ljubljana travel guide.

• Last modified: July 26, 2023

Ljubljana, the charming capital city of Slovenia, holds a wide range of offerings for travellers that are highlighted in this Ljubljana travel guide. With its beautiful architecture, rich culture, and friendly locals, it undoubtedly deserves a spot on every adventurer’s bucket list. The city holds fascinating contrasts, ranging from the static yet elegant architecture reminiscent of Vienna to the vibrant hipster culture found in Metelkova. Before my visit, I lacked background knowledge and had no acquaintances who had explored the city before. However, this only enhanced my experience, as going somewhere without prior knowledge allows for a more spontaneous and impressive journey. 

In this comprehensive Ljubljana travel guide, you’ll find an overview of the best Ljubljana city tips, including Ljubljana’s hipster area!  In fact, in this travel blog, you’ll discover the top things to do, the most beautiful places to visit, and the best bars and restaurants. Moreover, I’ll guide you to the best value-for-money hotels in town to make the most of your stay in this charming capital city.

Also, did you know you can easily combine Ljubljana with other places in mid-/eastern Europe? For me, Ljubljana was part of a 6-week trip exploring the Balkan countries.

Lastly, you can combine exploring Ljubljana with a visit to Lake Bled, only a 50-minute drive away and also referred to as the pearl of Slovenia. Read everything you need to know about Lake Bled here. Next to that, it is also possible to   visit Lake Bled with a day tour from Ljubljana .

your full ljubljana city map as YOUR LJUBLJANA TRAVEL GUIDE

Below, you will find an overview of all the recommendations provided in this Ljubljana travel guide. All my Ljubljana travel tips are structured on a Ljubljana City Map, that you can use during your visit. To demonstrate, the travel map includes the best things to do in Ljubljana. Furthermore, it gives you an overview of the best bars and restaurants. Lastly, I’m providing you with some hotel recommendations. 

Get in touch in case you feel that anything is missing to optimize this full Ljubljana city travel guide together.

Eat & Drink

- the best things to do in ljubljana -, 1 || stroll along the river and visit town square.

The nickname of Ljubljana is “Little Paris”, mainly because of the beautiful river running through the city. The famous square with the pink town hall is stunning and the whole area is perfect for photographs. Even without following this full Ljubljana Travel guide, you’ll stumble upon great places, simply by leisurely strolling around, as the charming little alleys are bound to surprise you. Notably, along the river, you can find one of the most iconic landmarks of Ljubljana, the Triple Bridge, seamlessly connecting the historic to the modern centre.

2 || Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Tivoli Park

During our visit to Ljubljana, temperatures reached 35 degrees during the day. Therefore, we were forced to spend most of the afternoon somewhere in the shade. Conveniently, our hotel was located next to Tivoli Park, so we passed the park every time we walked into the city centre (just 15 minutes). Due to the high temperatures, we decided to chill in Tivoli Park in the afternoon, after buying some craft beers from a brewery in Ljubljana called Tektonic. 

Fun story, we discovered  Tektonic on Google Maps and decided to go there because we thought this would be a taproom. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. However, I was walking around with a bag from a small brewery in the Netherlands so one of the locals assumed that we were looking for Tektonic and let us in so we could get some beers straight from production! Fortunately, they do have a tap room now!

3 || Visit Ljubljana Castle and be rewarded with the most beautiful city views

If you don’t like walking up to the castle (as it is located on a hill), you’re lucky as there is a funicular railway you can use to get up. In another case, you can opt for a city tour, that includes the funicular up to the castle; for example this tour.  Furthermore, you could purchase tickets upon your arrival at the funicular station. Currently, a return ticket costs €6, but check the latest prices and information on their website. Alternatively, you can walk up the hill, which takes approximately 45 minutes. When arriving at Ljubljana Castle, you are rewarded with views over Ljubljana and there is a restaurant located (more about that later). 

4 || VISIT METELKOVA, THE ALTERNATIVE hipster AREA OF LJUBLJANA

Metelkova is part of this Ljubljana City Travel Guide as it is THE alternative and hipster area of Ljubljana and one of the most famous neighborhoods in Europe. You’ll find loads of graffiti and street art during the day, where a wide range of bars and clubs open here at night. It was quite impressive that when we visited during the day, there was so little to do, it almost felt a little creepy. Therefore, I would advise you to also visit Metelkova in the evenings, to explore the nightlife that is going on. Also, regular events are organized, so if you want to be fully up-to-date, check out the Metelkova Event Agenda.  In the evening, you will find some people having drinks on the terrain, but you can also head to one of the smaller bars or clubs such as Channel Zero, Jalla Jalla, and Klub Gromka.

5 || visit the outside & inside market

In Ljubljana, you can explore two main markets. The first one is an outdoor market, open every day except Sundays. Adjacent to this, you’ll find an indoor market boasting a variety of delightful pastries and other items. Take a moment to glance around or simply sit back and immerse yourself in the vibrant day-to-day life of Ljubljana passing by. This bustling market is conveniently located at one of the ends of the main city center, easily searchable on maps under “Central Market” or “Marketplace.” Don’t miss the chance to experience the lively atmosphere and local delights at this bustling marketplace.

6 || Head to dragon's bridge

What is a travel blog without mentioning Ljubljana’s famous icon? The iconic Dragon’s Bridge crosses the Ljubljana River, located in the heart of the city. The bridge features 4 dragon statues and has become one of the most iconic landmarks of the charming city of Ljubljana. To many, it is an iconic sight that can’t miss in a city travel guide to Ljubljana, but I have to personally say that I was a bit underwhelmed. Therefore, don’t expect too much, however, it is nice to snap a couple of pictures when you pass by the bridge.

7 || Discover more of ljubljana's CITY CENTER: THE old town

Like in many cities, the Old Town is worth exploring. Despite having glimpsed various sights while passing through the Town Square and following the canals, delving deeper into the Old Town by leisurely strolling through its little alleys is a great experience to add to your Ljubljana trip. The hidden treasures and unique atmosphere of the Old Town make it an essential part of your Ljubljana exploration.

8. Visit nearby lake bled and vintgar gorge

Because Slovenia is relatively small, it is easy to visit the nearby Lake Bled as a day trip during your Ljubljana City Trip. On top of that, you could add a visit to the stunning Vintgar Gorge, located close to Lake Bled. If you are going on this trip yourself, definitely check out my guide on Lake Bled . However, GetYourGuide also offers a day trip.

- The best bars and restaurants in Ljubljana -

1 || eat a burger and drink some craft beer at pop's place.

One of our absolute favorite spots in Ljubljana was Pop’s Place, and it’s perhaps the reason why I don’t have any footage of the food and drinks; we were just enjoying the experience. If you’re a fan of beer and burgers, Pop’s Place is an absolute must-visit. Situated along the canal, the location offers picturesque scenery and a pleasant ambience. Therefore, a visit to Pop’s Place, enjoying a combination of great food and craft beer, is a great addition to your Ljubljana travel guide.

2 || Have a luxury dinner at strelec (at the castle)

On top of the castle, there is a restaurant located called Strelec. While it may fall into the higher price class, it will be a memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer the open-air ambiance or the cozy indoor setting, Strelec caters to both with its outside and inside dining areas. Moreover, this restaurant has received 1 Michelin Star! 

3 || have brunch (or oysters and prosecco) at magda

For a delightful brunch, a comforting cup of coffee, or even something stronger, look no further than Magda’s. This  spot offers the perfect setting to spend a leisurely afternoon, sitting in the cool shade and enjoying a refreshing glass of prosecco. 

4 || enjoy a drink at (student) bar Zmauc

This colorful bar has a small terrace where you enjoy a drink in the sun, but also inside there is a great atmosphere. Funnily enough, this isn’t your average tourist bar, even though it is still located quite in the city centre. In my opinion, this is a great bar to add to your Ljubljana itinerary. 

5 || KLUB DAKTARI

Enjoy the terrace during the day and an inside space that is decorated with lounge chairs and sofas, so you’ll feel at home straight away. Located at the foot of castle hill, Klub Daktari is one of the most famous bars in Ljubljana. Despite its name, don’t expect a large ‘club’ atmosphere, as it is more like a cultural/music centre.

6 || Sir WIlliam's pub

A place with several beers on tap and a great craft beer list. The outside area is rather small, so chances are great you have to sit inside. Expect an English-style pub where you can cool down and enjoy a nice beer. 

7 || Tektonik taproom

As a devoted craft beer enthusiast, I was absolutely thrilled to discover this taproom! During our visit, as described before, we initially couldn’t locate the taproom, but the staff was incredibly gracious and offered us a selection of beers to try. Luckily, I can now happily confirm that they have established a taproom in Ljubljana, so it’s an absolute must-visit destination! If you share my passion for craft beer, this is definitely a must visit Ljubljana travel tip!

|| More bars and restaurants in ljubljana

Unfortunately, I did not have the time in this beautiful charming city of Ljubljana to explore more bars and restaurants. However, I still want to provide you with other bars and restaurants that were on my list to visit as well as the most popular bars and restaurants now in 2023, otherwise this Ljubljana Travel Guide wouldn’t be complete.

 For breakfast, you could check out  Le Petit Cafe, and  for some local food and drinks, you can check out Julija. If you are looking for a wine bar, give TaBar or Suklje  a shot. One of the most popular places right now, is Todz, so a visit can’t miss out on your travel plan to Ljubljana. Lastly, a great location to have a drink by day or by night is Pritlicje.  

- Best hotels and apartments in Ljubljana -

Luxury hotel in ljubljana: intercontinental ljubljana.

With the Intercontinental Ljubljana , you can’t go wrong. This beautiful 5-star hotel offers everything you need: beautiful rooms, restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa area. The hotel has a perfect location, right in the middle of the old town and Tivoli park. Hotel rooms start from €250. 

Looking for a luxury apartment, then Second Home Apartment by Loft is a great option. You pay €350 a night, but an apartment can host 5 visitors.

Mid-Range hotel in Ljubljana: IBIS STYLES LJUBLJANA CENTER

The Ibis Styles Ljubljana Center hotel is a relatively basic, but great hotel in the city center of Ljubljana, about 500 meters from the main square. They do have a rooftop with co-working spaces available. This is a place that offers you good value for money, paying €90 for a room.

Another great mid-range option in Ljubljana is the City Hotel Ljubljana but is slightly more expensive at €160 for a room.

Budget hotel in Ljubljana: OH Apartments & Rooms

My top pick! We did stay at OH Apartments & Rooms for about €45 a night (for one room). The place was decent and delivered good quality for the price. It was located near Tivoli Park and it, therefore, took around 15 to 20 minutes to walk to the city center. Book the apartment here.

In case you are looking for a budget option in a hostel, check out Party Hostel Zzz , where you pay around €35 for a bed and €65 for a twin room.

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Hiking around Ljubljana

• 1 Transport
• 2 Stay safe
• 3.1 Inside Ljubljana
• 3.2 On the edge of the city
• 3.3 Posavsko hribovje
• 3.4 West of Ljubljana
• 3.5 South of Ljubljana
• 3.6 Southwest of Ljubljana
• 3.7 North of Ljubljana
• 3.8 Karavanke
• 3.9 Julian Alps

This page is intended for travellers, visitors, students and others in Ljubljana who are dependent on public transport (or decide for it) to reach starting points for hiking in Slovenia . While many places could only be reasonably visited on a day trip if you start by car, there are many higher and lower mountains and hills that can be easily reached by bus or train, the advantage of public transport being that you don't have to return to the starting point.

Transport [ edit ]

If you plan trips in the Alps , maybe for several days, the best place to start is the annual publication Timetables in the Alps [dead link] , 2016 edition is the latest so far, but double check all the info before relying on it! Other places to look for connections are Slovene railways [dead link] and Ljubljana bus station (to see the prices, switch to Slovene version!).

Ljubljana city bus transport : Check the zone map, the zones look weird because it depends on the level of co-financing from other municipalities, not distance from Ljubljana. The usual 90-min ticket for €1.30 is valid for the whole zone 1, otherwise you need to tell the driver beforehand that you need a ticket for 2 or more zones. The driver usually doesn't really care if you don't have the right ticket, but controllers won't be happy. You can plan you trip also in Google maps, but better check Timetables for each line (Slovene only) and Interactive map

Most Slovenes use cars though to go hiking, so especially on sunny weekends it's often easy to hitch a ride back if you miss the bus, or it's too long to wait for the next one or if it's a long walk along some road to the bus stop. Do talk to other hikers you meet along the way or in huts, they might have some free space in the car.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Before you go you should get more precise information about paths, timings, weather, equipment, maps etc from other sources! At least good shoes, wind jacket and enough water and food are a must, proper experience for longer or more difficult paths as well - don't start with Triglav when you come to Slovenia if you didn't do much mountain hiking before and e.g. test your skills and vertigo first on climbing path to Šmarna gora (not alone).

Destinations [ edit ]

The places are listed roughly from easiest to hardest.

Inside Ljubljana [ edit ]

• Rožnik - popular forest area above Tivoli park, west of city centre
• Grajski grič (Castle Hill)
• Golovec - continuation of the Castle Hill to the southeast, on the other side of Ljubljanica river channel

On the edge of the city [ edit ]

Clockwise from northwest:

• 46.051028 14.629578 3 Debni vrh - at the eastern end of Ljubljana, with a viewing tower on top. Take train two stops east to Ljubljana-Zalog or bus #11 to Zadružni dom (after the bus goes under rail tracks and turns left at traffic lights), then continue a bit further along the main road. Just across the bridge you can turn towards the hill and start walking up. There's also a millstone quarry somewhere if you manage to find it.
• 45.969169 14.422064 5 Sveta Ana - a small hill with the best views of the Ljubljana Marsh. Take bus #19B to the last stop, take the right road to a little lake where you can jump in for a swim after the hike, a little past the lake you will see signs to the path uphill. It's also possible to continue from the church to the top of Krim.

Posavsko hribovje [ edit ]

These hills east of Ljubljana lie on the banks of Sava and Savinja valleys where the railway was built, so it's very convenient to start from any train station listed below and descend to another one.

• Kum , the highest peak - starting points are Zagorje, Trbovlje, Hrastnik, Zidani Most (this one involves "cicka" , a hand-operated cable car across the Sava river!), Radeče
• Kopitnik above Rimske Toplice - start from Rimske Toplice (several possible paths), Zidani most or Hrastnik (via Gore)
• Veliko Kozje - start from Rimske Toplice, Zidani Most or Loka pri Zidanem Mostu (via Lovrenc), you can also arrive from Lisca!
• Lisca - start from Sevnica or Radeče or across Veliko Kozje

West of Ljubljana [ edit ]

• 46.166667 14.266667 8 Lubnik - bus to Škofja Loka (train station is outside the town), then find the castle with the museum and start the hike

South of Ljubljana [ edit ]

Take a frequent bus from the main station, or less frequent train, or hitchhike from the last stop of line 3B in Škofljica :

• Stojna - Kočevje
• Mala gora - Ribnica

Southwest of Ljubljana [ edit ]

• 45.688889 14.061111 10 Vremščica - Gornje Ležeče or Divača train station. From/to Divača you can also make a detour to Škocjan caves
• Slavnik - Podgorje is the closest train stations

North of Ljubljana [ edit ]

Karavanke [ edit ].

• Stol from Žirovnica

Julian Alps [ edit ]

• 46.263249 13.840981 18 Vogel - up by cable car, then it's a not so difficult hike to the top.
• bus to Ukanc , from there you can hitchhike or walk or take the free bus in summer to Koča pri Savici (hut below the famous Savica waterfall, which is 30-min walk away) and start walking up from there to Črno jezero. The easy option is to visit just the valley, possibly sleep at Prehodavci and return. If you're returning to Savica, it is recommended to take a detour via Komna, it is longer but much easier on your knees.
• get off the bus in Ribčev Laz and walk or hitchhike to nearby village Stara Fužina, then go to Mostnica canyon, Voje and Velo polje.

See also [ edit ]

• Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka

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Ljubljana is Slovenia's capital and largest city. It's known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park. The curving Ljubljanica River, lined in outdoor cafes, divides the city's old town from its commercial hub. Ljubljana has many museums, including the National Museum of Slovenia, displaying historic exhibitions, and the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures.

Overview [ ]

Hotels and lodging [ ], attractions [ ], shopping [ ], maps and transportation [ ], getting to ljubljana [ ], exploring ljubljana [ ], practical information and resources [ ], restaurants [ ], text with links to user-reviews on other pages [ ], nightlife [ ], photo gallery [ ], everything else [ ], external resources [ ].

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TRAVELSLOVENIA.ORG – All You Need To Know To Visit Slovenia

All you need to know to visit the ljubljana old town, introducing ljubljana old town.

The term Ljubljana Old Town refers to the area on the right bank of the Ljubljanica River, directly beneath the Castle Hill, particularly the streets of Mestni Trg, Stari Trg and Gornji Trg. This is the most picturesque part of Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana featuring many top tourist attractions like Triple Bridge, Preseren Square, Ljubljanica River Canal, Ljubljana Cathedral, Franciscan Church, Town Hall and Ljubljana Castle.

Ljubljana Old Town Review

Ljubljana is a charming little capital and its old city centre called Ljubljana Old Town is one of Slovenia’s top tourist destinations that draws over one million visitors per year. It’s a mix of impressive architecture, a picturesque river littered with fascinating bridges, plus heaps of lovely restaurants, bars and cafés. It’s a very safe and easy area to wander around – the streets are pedestrianized so that makes it quieter and more relaxed as you’re not dealing with traffic roaring by.

Ljubljana’s Old Town is very compact, everything is close by so it’s easy to do some sightseeing on foot. It has a lot of history and you can easily spend a day photographing the charming and impressive architecture, take a free walking tour, enjoy lovely restaurants, cafés and bars on the river that’s wandering through the old town, explore a wide array of boutiques, buy some fresh produce at the open market (it operates Monday to Saturday and offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, clothes, etc.,) listen to talented buskers who perform music in the streets, taste the local cuisine and enjoy great homemade ice cream. Prices are very affordable for dining and drinks with a huge selection to choose from. The atmosphere is very laid back and relaxed and the locals are so nice, educated and well mannered. At night, the Old Town is beautifully lit, the buildings and bridges and river are like a fairytale. The nightlife is lively and varied.

All in all, Ljubljana’s Old Town is just enchanting and provides the quaint European city experience you can’t get in the larger, more touristy cities.

Ljubljana Old Town Photos

Ljubljana Old Town location on the map

Address: Mestni trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.049845, 14.506966 GPS coordinates: 46° 2′ 59.4420” N     14° 30′ 25.0776” E Region: Central Slovenia

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One thought on “all you need to know to visit the ljubljana old town”.

Great photos, makes me miss my time in Slovenia. I loved Ljubljana’s Old Town, I could sit there for hours just taking photos of all the interesting architecture and beautiful river views, I miss it a lot, I should go back soon.

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Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Cultural Travel , Slovenia

Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia – Slovenia’s Capital Beyond its Old Town

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

From historical architecture to edgy street art to cultural sites and a vibrant gastronomy circuit, here are all the things to do in Ljubljana to see it differently. A guide to Slovenia’s capital beyond its Old Town status.

In Ljubljana, you will immediately see that Slovenia’s capital is all the pretty things you hear about.

Except, travel to Ljubljana is more than the sum of its charming Old Town status that many do not look beyond, thereby setting a course in time for overcrowding and missing out on the young, artistic minds that have come to shape the city. The centre of Slovenia and a lesser-known darling of central Europe, Ljubljana will charm you with its old town but surprise you with how much more it offers.

This guide to Ljubljana will show you how it is a mix of the old and charming, dominated by the architectural visions of the father of design, Plečnik, mixed with the hip cultural and art scene alive in alternative neighbourhoods and the student influence, and with access to relaxation and adventure in the surrounding countryside, where 70% of Slovenia’s population resides.

It might just be time to re-think your European city-hopping route.

Is Ljubljana Worth Visiting?

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Ljubljana has a small-town feel but with big European capital vibes, which is what you can expect from a capital that sits between central Europe and the Mediterranean. Its multi-faceted layers, including food, art, nightlife, history, and culture, are perfect for curious travellers. Located in the centre of Slovenia, the city is also a pivotal point to explore all corners of the country easily, which can be easily done via day trips. 

At the very least, you need two days in Ljubljana to see its Old Town and the art district of Metelkova. My four days allowed a more comfortable exploration, more time to try out restaurants and bars, and allowed time for day trips to the nature region surrounding the city.

Ljubljana is considered to have a ‘continental climate’, making it both a winter haven, given the nature surrounding it, and a summer hotspot with its beautiful Mediterranean climate. 

Well connected by rail, European buses like Flixbus, and by plane.

The Slovenian company GoOpti also operates car transfers between neighbouring European cities and neighbouring country airports in Germany, Austria, Croatia and Italy. We took the GoOpti transfer from Graz to Ljubljana, and I also took it back to Vienna from Ljubljana, where you share a car with other travellers booked on the same journey or route. You are reminded about your journey via text 24 hours before and when your vehicle arrives.

The Ljubljana card is an all-inclusive card giving you access to over 20 major attractions and museums, travel on the city buses, a guided city tour and 24-hour Internet access. You can save 10% by booking online.

• 24 hours: €27
• 48 hours: €34
• 72 hours: €39

Budget. Hostel Celica Art is a former prison turned design hostel in the alternative area of Metlekova. It has 20 unique cell rooms to choose from. It’s five minutes from the main train station and 10 to the heart of town.

Midrange.  I stayed in  Hotel Galleria on the fringes of the Old Town. It sits on the corner of some restaurants and coffee shops (open until late) and is a five-minute walk to the centre of the old town where the action is.

Luxury. For those looking to splash out, the 4 star Grand Union Hotel s situated just metres from Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge. Constructed in the early 20th century, it is the oldest building Ljubljana, built during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. It is considered one of central Europe’s most significant Art Nouveau architectural structures.

The Old Town is a vehicle-free zone, but a free shuttle bus/buggy system called Kavalir (gentle helper) exists where you can get from one end of the Old Town to another quickly. It’s handy at times, although the joy is in walking.

If you want to use the bus (without a Ljubljana card), you will need to purchase an ‘Urbana’ card from a newspaper stand. It costs €2. Each bus ticket cost €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.

Bikes are everywhere in Ljubljana – you’ll feel like you are in Amsterdam. Should you wish to join the city cyclists, bicycles can be hired in summer and autumn from the Slovenian Tourist Information Centre on Krekov trg 10, for €2 for 2 hours and €8 for two hours or more. You can also use the Bicike (LJ) hire network with 36 docking stations around the city. The first hour is free, and every additional hour is €1. You have to register online first.

Things to Do in Ljubljana to See it Differently

Like any visitor, the Old Town was top of the list to explore. Like most former medieval strongholds, it’s compact yet full of a long, historical timeline of architectural styles and charms. In Ljubljana, this means endless cobblestone conveyor belts of streets that present numerous bridges, intricate townhouse facades, palaces, fountains, statues, monuments, churches and squares (of which Trg Republike next to the Slovenian parliament building is the largest).

The architecture of Ljubljana Old Town – a living historical timeline.

Riverside restaurant in Ljubljana Old Town, Slovenia

The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation on Prešeren Square in Ljubljana.

Galerija Emporium fashion store in Ljubljana Old Town, home to Ljubljana’s first department store in 1903.

Place all of that within the Mediterranean atmosphere of streets lined with tables, humming outdoor markets, a slew of coffee shops and those revelling in wine tasting and locals casually wheeling past pastel boulevards on their bicycles, and you’ve got yourself a very attractive city.

One of the best things to do in Ljubljana is enjoying the al fresco street life.

Old town dining alfresco at sundown.

Rows of cafes and stores line Old Town streets in Slovenia’s capital.

Crumbling, historical charm in Ljubljana’s timeworn streets.

There are remains of the Roman city of Emona in the serene, green-filled outer city suburb of Trnovo – one of the oldest areas of the city, built outside of the city medieval walls, that used to be home to the fisherman.

Then you have the remnants of the medieval days, including the 15th-century old town hall on Mestni trg (street), behind the 20th-centry Robba Fountain (The Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers). Stroll Vegova Ulica street to follow the course of the former medieval town wall, where a tower still stands at the end of the street. 

Robba Fountain in Mestni Trg is one of the historical places to visit in Ljubljana.

Renaissance-era and Baroque (the latter designs found mostly in Stari trg, the oldest part of the city) fill the town, as they do in most European cities. In Ljubljana, the more quirky Art Nouveau structures from the early 20 th century can be found between the old city and the railway station. The Dragon’s Bridge, adorned with giant emerald green dragon figures, is the city’s first Art Nouveau creation from 1901.

One of Ljubljana’s Renaissance-era buildings.

Find Ljubljana’s famous green dragon at the end of The Dragon’s Bridge.

You can’t miss the design works of Plečnik – Ljubljana’s famous architect and urban designer.

Jože Plečnik – known as the Slovenian father of design – left his visionary marks in many parts of Europe (having studied in Graz, Vienna and later becoming the Chief Architect in charge of Prague castle renovation), but he transformed his hometown of Ljubljana in the period between the two world wars (the era referred to as ‘Plečnik’s Ljubljana’).

All his works in Ljubljana were created in less than 20 years and his constructions here are rated some of the most prominent works of European art of the 20 th Century. You likely stumble or stroll upon them without realising but the main design works include:

The Cobbler’s Bridge (connecting Mestini trg to Stari trg) is designed to be a ‘square’ above the water.

The Cobbler’s Bridge in Ljubljana designed by Jože Plečnik.

Then there’s the Triple Bridge (where two bridges were added to an original stone bridge) and the Butcher’s bridge (to create more space in the central market’s colonnade for trading), which you can spot by the love locks and opaque floor.

The Triple Bridge in Ljubljana, one of Jože Plečnik’s core urban designs

The other side of the Triple Bridge connects two sides of Ljubljana’s old town.

There’s also the Žale Cemetery, the promenade in Tivoli Park (Ljubljana’s largest) and the National and University Library.

The National and University Library in Ljubljana.

I visited the NUK Café in the library to take part in an honourary Plečnik tradition – for tea, just as it was made for him by his housekeeper, in a strainer cup just like the one he used, and served with a honey biscuit (Plečnik loved honey), before heading to his house (Karunova 4-6) in Trnovo . A modern structure combining classical elements, it is now a permanent exhibition and has been left the exact same way since his death in 1957.

You can grab a map of Plečnik’s 39 works in Ljubljana from the Tourism Information centre and go on a self-guided walk.

Visiting the Plečnik house in the Trnovo neighbourhood of Ljubljana

The study room inside Plecnik’s house.

Plecnik’s bedroom, in his house whose interior hasn’t changed since he died.

BOOK: A tour of Plecnik’s work in Ljubljana and what inspired him, including a visit to his office at the Faculty of Architecture, a boat cruise on the Ljubljanica river and lunch in the Plečnik House garden. 

Ljubljana is not just about architecture. The cirty thrives on the atmosphere that comes from reinventing tradition. The food and drink scene mixes traditional with modern in a city where young local chefs and international kitchen wizards are the force behind the reinvention.

We had lunch in Atelje, cooked up by one of Ljubljana’s award-winning chefs. Other recommendations include the healthy menu of Mala Terasa Bistro in the Skyscraper Nebotičnik for food with a view, and to sample the international influence of Slovenian cuisine, check out the Japanese chef influence at Bazilika and the middle-eastern feasts at Abi Falafel.

However, to get a real taste for Ljubljana’s vast options, the Open Kitchen Market should be top of your list. Every Friday the best chefs and city restaurants come together , each with their stall for locals and visitors to enjoy dishes on the spot. All washed down with fines wines, a good crowd and some music pumping in the background. It’s crowded, but for good reason.

Visit the delicious Open Kitchen Market in Ljubljana every Friday.

Sample an array of modern Slovenian cuisine, all in one place.

BOOK: If you can’t make it for the Open Market, check out this Ljubljana good tour where you wander the old town with a professional guide and taste history via nine Slovenia culinary specialities and four local wines. Or take this 3-hour food tour through authentic Slovenian restaurants . 

For a wonderfully presented breakfast 376 metres on the hill, head to the restaurant Gostilna na Gradu at the grounds of Ljubljana castle and fuel up for a day of exploration. In showcasing traditional eats and local ingredients, this breakfast serving is part of a project established in 2015, giving hoteliers and restaurants the chance to bring the farm to the table.

The famous breakfast at Gostilna na Gradu at Ljubljana castle

The site of a former fortress, military warehouse, army barracks, prison and even apartments is worth strolling, especially for the panorama views and walks along the old ramparts and towers.

Ljubljana castle atop a grassy hill, always looking over the city.

It’s a complex catalogue of Ljubljana’s past – whose early beginnings in the early 1100s are recorded before being turned into a stone fortress in the 13 th century, where it came under the estate of the Habsburgs in 1335 who demolished it and rebuilt it as new. It was ‘repurchased’ in 1905 by the then major of Ljubljana from Austro-Hungarian authorities.

Inside the fortress grounds of Ljubljana Castle.

The castle is now the core symbol of the city and the most visited tourist attraction, complete with interactive exhibitions on Slovene and Ljubljana history. There are even stones with fossils dating back 310 million years! So take the one-minute funicular ride up, whether for breakfast, the city views, or to enjoy one of the many social and cultural events like theatre shows, open-air cinema screenings, ‘Castle Summer Nights’ concerts and major annual events, including the Pink Week Ball that I attended.

I’m always seeking out the ‘other side’ to these pretty pastel old cities, and in Ljubljana, artists have found their space for expression. While small murals can be found in the old town, you’ll know when you’ve reached the grittier neighbourhoods.

Smaller street art mural in Ljubljana’s old town.

These corners of the city are home to street art, sculpture art, artist galleries and studios that are home to an underground music scene of alternative bars and clubs at night. I couldn’t imagine Ljubljana without this contrast since it’s such a striking and fascinating difference to the Old Town.

See the gritty, art areas that neighbour the old town.

Visiting Metelkova is one of the fun things to do in Ljubljana and a way to explore the city’s new persona. This colourful, funky, whacky place of artistry and alternative nightlife was once an abandoned barracks site. It turned urban squat and later was reclaimed by artists who use the spaces as open studios and small business ventures.

The further injection of cool comes from Ljubljana’s 60,000 students, many of whom live in and frequent the area of Metelkova. 

One of the many art studios in Metelkova in Ljubljana, Slovenia

In the daytime, I loved photographing the eclectic mix of art, from wall mosaics to giant sculptures (including a horror-house looking façade of giant sperm), and at night I ventured out to revel with the cool kids and students of the city as they party in these clubs and gather in droves on these very streets. I got a good feel for the real Ljubljana as it stands today – young, vibrant and outrageously artistic.

One of the more eccentric sculptures in Metelkova. 

A painted old barracks building in Metelkova Art Centre. 

Wall art murals in AKC Metelkova.

Metelkova’s art space is also home to some cool bars and music venues

The hostel on-site, should you want to base yourself here, is a former prison where all rooms are former cells and still made to look the same, but with more comfortable touches!

The former prison turned Hostel Celica in Ljubljana’s reformed abandoned barracks area.

One of the cell themed bedrooms at Cecila Hostel

I was told there wasn’t a lot to see at the Rog Factory, which is a short walk away from Metelkova, but I disagree. Should the door to the site be open, it’s well worth a wander through this creative space.

One room was an ariel silk practice area, other artists were working away in their small studios and the courtyard was filled with junk art, murals and even a robot sculpture made of metal. It’s a fascinating, reformed space where, creativly, anything goes.

Entrance to the Rog Factory in Ljubljana.

Rog Factory is a fascinating and random place.

One of the art studios at Ljubljana’s Rog Factory

Art and sculpture at the repurposed building on the outskirts of Ljubljana city centre.

Ljubljana Day Trips – Adventures in City Nature

Ljubljana is described as a “small capital with a green soul”, which means there’s plenty more to visually feast on than the gorgeous old town architecture. Central Slovenia is a blanket of nature filled with lakes, hills and mountains. From the marshes to the high peaks, outside of the city is a playground for hiking, biking and countryside wandering, with national parks and trail highlights accessible as day trips from Ljubljana.

READ MORE:  Adventure Day Trips in Ljubljana and Around – Hiking and Biking Slovenia’s Nature.

Visiting the Velika Planina Shepherd Settlement on a day trip from Ljubljana.

There’s a host of city tours and day excursions, from culinary and cultural walks to beer and bicycle tours, as well as day trips to many parts of Slovenia and neighbouring countries such as Italy. All can be booked from the Tourism Office in the heart of the Old Town on Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje. Slovenia is so small, it is said you can visit any point of the country in a day.

My trip to Ljubljana was a combination of a #EuroCityTrip project to highlight the city as a ‘cool neighbour’ to Austria’s second-largest city of Graz  in partnership with both city tourism offices. Perfect as part of a multi-country city-hopping trip, you’ll be surprised how much they have in common being so close to one another.

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

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Travel Guide Europe Slovenia Ljubljana

Introduction

ljublanica river

© herbert44

Ljubljana , the capital of Slovenia is a charming Central European city that has gained great popularity among travellers in recent years. It has regularly been compared to Prague and offered as a smaller, less busy alternative.

Although the largest city in Slovenia , its population is below 300,000 making it relatively small for a capital city. Despite its size, it oozes charm - from the river Ljubljanica running through the centre to the historical city centre. The ancient castle atop a hill looks down upon the city and can be seen anywhere from the centre of town. A mixture of Baroque and Art Nouveau style buildings dominate the architecture to the east of the river with more modern commercial buildings to the west.

Neighbourhoods

The Ljubljanica river flows through the centre of town, past Baroque buildings and under the ramparts of the ancient castle on the hill. The new city and modern-day commercial core lies to the west of the river, while the old city and the castle are located on the east side of the river.

Sights and Activities

Ljubljana card.

Visitors can buy the Ljubljana Card which offers discounts to many of the popular sights. It is valid for 72 consecutive hours and costs €12.50. It can be bought at the tourist information offices. For the latest information about this card visit the Ljubljanacard website.

This is the historic centre of the city. Stone-paved and lined with well preserved Baroque/Art Nouveau style buildings and churches lining the riverfront. The old stone bridges over the river are a sight to see too. Museums are closed on mondays.

• Ljubljana Castle ( Ljubljanski Grad ) - Built on top of Castle Hill ( Grajska Planota ) it cannot be missed. Entrance is free however to ascend the tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city you must pay. At the moment the the tower is closed for renovation. However the Virtual Museum is still open. It is a 20-minute 3D film recalling the history of Ljubljana - not essential viewing but available in many languages. To get to the castle, you can catch the 'tourist train' from the main square (Prešernov Trg) every hour (€3 - adult, €2 - concession), walk up the steep hill (there are multiple paths each taking about 20 minutes) or the funicular (€2 - adult/rtn, €1.50 - concession/rtn) next to the puppet theatre.
• Cathedral - Twin-towered with single green dome. Small but pleasant. Has a daily market outside selling fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.
• Franciscan Church ( Frančiškanski Samostan ) - Located right by Prešernov Square (Trg), painted in bright pink.
• Triple Bridge ( Tromostovje ) - one of Ljubljana's most recognisable sites. 3 beautifully designed bridges designed by Plečnik himself. Leads right onto Prešernov Square.
• Dragon Bridge ( Zmajski Most ) - one of the more photographed birdges. Guarded by four large dragons.

In general, check the Museums in Ljubljana website for more information about prices, opening hours etc. Some of the best include:

• City Museum
• National Gallery of Slovenia
• National Museum of Slovenia
• Architecture Museum, Plečnik House
• Railway Museum
• Contemporary History Museum - Located inside Tivoli park with a large tank in front of it. Sometimes can be hard to find. (€7 - adult)
• International centre of Graphic Arts - Also located within Tivoli park. Not much in terms of permanent works. (€3.40 - adult)
• Holy Trinity Church
• Orthodox Church
• St. Peter's Church

Parks and Cemeteries

• Tivoli Park - about 10 minutes walk from the city centre. Also houses the city zoo . Rolling hills and swathes of green grass in this very large park.
• Žale Cemetery - 10 minutes walk northeast of the train station. Has a grand stone arch, final resting place for Plečnik.

Events and Festivals

Ljubljana festival.

The Ljubljana Festival is Slovenia’s biggest cultural event, with performers from all over the world providing 10 weeks of dance, opera, and musical performances. First held in the summer of 1953, the production runs annually from June until September, encompassing 50 to 70 individual shows.

Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe)

The annual November film festival aims to bring the best of international cinema to Slovenia. First held in 1990, the event is hosted by Ljubljana’s Cankarjev Dom (Cankar Hall, named after Slovenian playwright Ivan Cankar), which is Slovenia’s largest cultural center. It has expert and audience awards to encourage movie-goer participation.

Ljubljana has a moderate continental climate with warm summers and relatively cold winters. Temperatures in summer range from 22 °C to 27 °C during the day and around 15 °C at night. Summer peaks in July. Precipitation is quite high throughout the year, with some less wet conditions in winter. During winter, temperatures are between 3 °C during the day and around -5 °C at night.

Getting There

Adria Airways is the national airline of Slovenia , based at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU). International destinations served by this airline are Amsterdam , Barcelona , Birmingham , Brussels , Bucharest , Copenhagen , Dublin , Frankfurt , Istanbul , Kiev , London , Manchester , Moscow , Munich , Ohrid , Paris , Podgorica , Priština , Sarajevo , Skopje , Stockholm , Tirana , Vienna , Warsaw and Zürich . It also has charter flights to about 20 destinations mainly in the south of Europe . About 20 other airlines (both scheduled and charter flights) have direct flights to Ljubljana as well. Low-cost airline easyJet regularly flies to/from London-Stansted (STN).

The airport is served by a highway exit off the A2 motorway and by bus service connecting it with Ljubljana and Kranj. A rail line to both cities is planned as well. The airport is located 20 kilometres north from the city centre. There are many minibuses outside the airport and is the easiest way to get to Ljubljana. The journey to the main train/bus station costs €5-8 and lasts 35-45 minutes. From there it is about a 10-minute walk to the old town centre. Minibuses will typically leave when full, pay onboard. Taxi's from the airport to the centre of town will cost around €40. Minibuses also wait outside to take you to other popular destinations such as Bled (33 kilometres).

The Slovenske železnice (Slovenian Railways) has an efficient train network of both intercity and local trains with regular departures to and from Ljubljana, with daily fast trains to and from Maribor . The train station is located next to the main bus station. The train station is just 10 minutes away from Ljubljana city centre by foot.

Direct trains also run to many international destinations from the main train station. Popular destinations include Prague (11 hours, €91), Zagreb (2.5 hours, €12.20), Venice (5 hours, €25), Budapest (9 hours, €50) and Belgrade (10 hours, €44.20). Direct trains also run daily to countries as far as Austria , Germany and Switzerland . For up-to-date schedules and prices visit the official website - international rail information . It is best to book tickets 1 or 2 days in advance for international journeys.

Ljubljana is at the centre of the Slovenian road network, which means that if you're not driving towards the border, you're approaching Ljubljana. Traffic can be frustrating at rush hours, but is generally lighter than in larger European capitals. Huge jams can occur if there's an accident or road works.

There are several car parks throughout the city centre, and cheaper ones at the outskirts. Those offer day-long parking with return city bus ticket included in the price. Most car parks are operated by the Municipal company. Short-term street parking in blue zones is payable at parking meters scattered around (€0.7/h in the city centre, 2 hours max; €0.4/h further out, 3 hours max; Saturday afternoon and Sunday parking is free). Parking meters don't return change, but they also accept the Urbana card.

There are many buses to and from Ljubljana to almost any towns and village in the country including Maribor , Bled and Koper .

The bus station is located next to train station is a 10-minute walk north from the old city centre. Just get on the bus and pay onboard. Alternatively you can buy tickets at the ticket counter in the main bus building.

The latest timetable can be viewed at the offical bus station website . There is car rental information at the bus station kiosk.

Getting Around

Taxi Ljubljana (tel. 080 11 17), Taxi Metro (tel. 080 11 90) and Intertours Taxi (tel. 031 311 311) are considered the cheapest taxi companies. These are free numbers (all numbers starting with 080 are free in Slovenia), so you can use a phone booth to make a free call. Note that not all taxis charge the same fare.

By Public Transport

Avtobusna Postaja runs the Ljubljana city buses. To ride the buses, you must first purchase an Urbana card. These can be bought at self-service stations ("Urbanomat") found at the larger bus stops across the city, LPP sales sites, Tourist Information Centres and newspaper agents for €2 and need to be loaded with an amount ranging from €1 to €50. Upon entering the bus by the front door, you need to position the card next to the reader to pay for the route. The confirmation is a quiet beep and an illuminated green light, while a negative response is a louder beep and a red light. After that, you proceed to take your seat / stand. The cost per journey is €1.20 and includes an unlimited number of free transfers within 90 minutes from the first entry to the bus. Most lines operate at least once every 15 minutes.

Ljubljana is relatively small for a capital city. As such it is very easily walkable. Free tourist maps can be found at the Tourist information offices at the train station or city centre.

Bikes are available for rent at the Slovenian Tourist Information Centre (beside the Central Market) as well as some of the hotels in the area (€2 for 2 hours, €8 for the whole day. There is also a system called "Bicikelj" where you can rent bikes (first hour free, second hour €1, third hour €2, each additional hour €4). It is designed for short-term hire. It has 300 bikes on 30 stations around the inner city part and you can subscribe with a credit card online.

Downtown Ljubljana is full of trendy cafes (outdoor seating in the summer!) and high-quality restaurants. You can find local Slovenian food, and restaurants with ethnic food from many places around the world. Pizza in Ljubljana is of very good quality. Try a burger Slovene style with a horse burger at the Hot Horse! Cheap and good for returning from a night out.

Most of Ljubljana’s bars tend to cluster on the streets running parallel to the river, radiating from Prešernov trg, which is the main square in Ljubljana. The more interesting bars tend to be on the backstreets, rather than directly facing the river.

Ljubljana offers several hostels and student homes that function as hostels in the summer.

You can use the form below to search for availability ( Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form )

• University of Ljubljana

Keep Connected

Slovenia is generally well covered by inexpensive broadband internet due to fierce competition between multiple companies. Internet cafes are thus common in cities and internet access is offered by most hotels and hostels.

A free wireless internet network is also being set up in some cities by volunteers (Ljubljana, Maribor, Nova Gorica). You can use it if you have a computer or a WiFi enabled phone.

See also: International Telephone Calls

The international calling code for Slovenia is 386, and the prefix for international calls is 00; the area code prefix is 0. Some number blocks are reserved for special use: 080 are toll-free numbers and 090 are commercial services, which are usually expensive.

Mobile networks use the common European frequencies (900 and 1800 MHz for GSM/LTE and 2100 MHz for 3G; 800 MHz is planned for LTE). Two major Slovenian mobile companies, Mobitel and Simobil, provide an excellent coverage in GSM and 3G, but 3G can be unavailable in mountainous regions. Roaming between European phone companies is becoming cheaper due to the EU regulation setting a maximum of 0.29€ per minute for calls made and 0.09€ for calls received, while calls to or from non-EU providers remain expensive. Slovenian pre-paid SIM cards are also available in supermarkets and gas stations.

Telekom Slovenije operates around 3500 phone booths. They unfortunately do not accept coins but require the use of cards costing 3-15€.

Posta Slovenije is the national postal service of Slovenia. It has relatively fast and reliable services. Post offices are generally open from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 8:00am to noon on Saturdays. Only the larger central post offices keep longer hours and/or are open on Sundays. You can also use them for money transfers and some other simple banking services. Stamps are available here or at newspaper stands/kiosks. Domestic rates for sending postcards/standard letters start at €0.29. International rates start at €0.39 for postcards and €0.44 for standard letters. Parcels start at around €16 for delivery to other Europena Union Members . You can also use companies like UPS , TNT or DHL to send parcels, as they offer comparable prices and fast services.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website

The following places provide excellent excursion opportunities. You can either take them as a day trip with an organised tour group or choose to stay there for longer.

• Bled is a picturesque town with a fresh water lake surrounded by the Julian Alps . There are many (20+) coaches leaving regularly from the main bus station. It costs €6.20 and takes 1.5 hours.
• Postojna 's main attraction is the huge caves and Predjama Castle north of the town. There are regular buses and trains.
• Škocjan Caves , located in the town of Divača . Bigger and better than the Postojna caves, it is also harder to get to. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
• 1 http://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=Slovenia

Quick Facts

• Latitude: 46.051426
• Longitude: 14.505965

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The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Ljubljana Itinerary

Last Updated on February 12, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Located in Central Europe within easy travelling distance from cities like Zagreb , Venice , Vienna or Salzburg , the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana has fast become one of the hottest places to visit in all of Europe. Charmed by the city’s small size, beautiful architecture, and pedestrianised Old Town, planning a Ljubljana itinerary has never been more popular.

Though small in size, Ljubljana has a lot to offer visitors and its compact and laid-back nature makes it accessible for visitors no matter how long they plan to spend. Rarely can you find a capital city where you can easily see all of the highlights in just one day. However, it is also possible to adequately occupy yourself when spending 2 or 3 days in Ljubljana.

This beautiful capital city that feels like a small town is one of the highlights of many a Balkan or Central European itinerary , so if you’re thinking of visiting Ljubljana, read on to find out how to plan your visit to Slovenia’s capital.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Ljubljana?

As mentioned previously, Ljubljana is a fairly compact city and you can easily see a good portion of its tourist attractions in just one day. Because the attractions are so close to each other, it can be surprising how much you can pack into just a short Ljubljana itinerary.

However, while many people try to visit the city as a Ljubljana day trip from Zagreb or elsewhere and it’s certainly possible to do this, I would personally recommend planning to spend at least one full day and preferably two or three in Slovenia’s capital.

With one day in Ljubljana, you can hit all of the main sites and tourist attractions and maybe throw a museum into the mix. With 2 days in Ljubljana, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into the city’s attractions and culture, visit some more museums or explore areas outside of the picturesque old town.

If you have 3 days, you have the opportunity to head outside of the city and see more of Slovenia on a day trip. Whether this is to some of the country’s beautiful natural spots or to other cities, it will allow you to get a good overview of the country outside of its capital city.

Getting To and Around Ljubljana

Ljubljana is centrally located and easy to reach from several different nearby cities, with international frequent bus and train connections to cities like Zagreb , Vienna , and Venice (via Trieste).

It is also easy to reach Ljubljana via bus or train from cities within Slovenia like Maribor, Bled, or Piran and from other Austrian cities like Graz. You can view train and bus schedules here.

Once in Ljubljana, the easiest way to get around is on foot. The majority of Ljubljana’s tourist attractions lie within the Old Town, which is completely pedestrianised, meaning that you can only walk or ride a bicycle inside it — so there are no confusing bus routes to contend with!

2 or 3 Days Ljubljana Itinerary

Whether you have one, two, or three days to spend in Ljubljana, you are sure to find something to love about the Slovenian capital. If you only have a day to explore follow the first day in this itinerary and so on if you have two or three days to dedicate to visiting Ljubljana.

Day 1 – Old Town Highlights

This first day of this trip sees you exploring the main sites in the Old Town. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, you can join the Ljubljana Free Walking Tour or this food and walking tour if you want to enjoy some Slovene cuisine while walking around the city.

Central Market

Begin your day at one of the most vibrant and lively places in Ljubljana — the Ljubljana Central Market. Running every day but Sunday, this is the preferred place amongst locals to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables and for tourists to shop for local produce and handicrafts.

The market has been in operation since the 1940s after Slovenia’s favourite architect, Jože Plečnik, designed the area for this specific purpose.

The market begins operation at around 7 AM when stalls begin to be set up and closes down at around 4 PM. It is best to head there in the morning around 9-10 AM in order to see everything at its peak.

Pre š eren Square

From the market, head to Prešeren Square, the central square in Ljubljana and main meeting point within the Old Town. As part of the pedestrian zone, the square lies on the north bank of the Ljubljanica River in the foothills of the Ljubljana Castle.

Here you can also see the Prešeren monument, which was built to commemorate Slovenian poet France Prešeren, who is considered to be the national poet of the country.

Triple Bridge

Just south of the square lies the Triple Bridge, a beautiful bridge connecting both banks of the Ljubljanica River.

Though some forms of the bridge have been around for centuries, the current iteration of the bridge (which only accommodates pedestrians) was designed by architect Jože Plečnik in 1929 — as was so much of Ljubljana’s modern architecture.

Dragon Bridge

A bit further along the river at the beginning of the city’s pedestrian zone lies the iconic Dragon Bridge. Gilded with four massive copper dragons on either side and a further 12 on the bridge itself, this bridge is meant to celebrate the mythical founding of Ljubljana.

As legend has it, when the Greek hero Jason and the Argonauts were returning from Colchis (in present-day Kutaisi, Georgia ) with the Golden Fleece, they passed through Ljubljana, battled a dragon, and founded the city. This bridge celebrates that and emphasises the pride of such a small city being included in such a rich literary tradition.

If you would rather see these (and more!) bridges and other sites from the river, there are numerous boat tours along the Ljubljanica that you can take. They all cost around €15 per person and last for 30 minutes.

Ljubljana Cathedral

Another of Ljubljana’s main sites is the Ljubljana Cathedral, which is an iconic part of the city’s skyline and is officially known as the St Nicholas Church. Originally a Gothic cathedral, the building was replaced in the Baroque style in the early 18th Century.

The cathedral is most famous for its ornate bronze side door, which was designed in 1996 in honour of the papal visit from Pop John Paul II. The door depicts centuries of Slovenia’s and Ljubljana’s Catholic history and it is truly a beautiful piece of artwork.

City Museum of Ljubljana

If you want to learn more about Ljubljana’s history — spanning from before its founding to the present day — then make sure to head to the City Museum of Ljubljana . Located within easy walking distance of everywhere in the Old Town, this is a great place to learn about the Slovenian capital throughout the centuries.

Entry is €6 for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, and families.

Ljubljana Castle

If you want to see Ljubljana from above, then hike up or take the funicular to the Ljubljana Castle. The castle complex houses a museum, numerous cafes and a small viewing platform where you can see the capital from above.

If you’re just interested in heading up the hill on the funicular, a return ticket costs €6 per person. If you want to visit the museum along with that, expect to pay €14 per adult and €11.20 for students, under 18s, and pensioners. You can purchase tickets here.

Day 2 – Beyond the Old Town

After hitting all of the attractions in the Old Town on day one of this itinerary, if you have 2 days in Ljubljana, this is how you should proceed:

Tivoli Park

Begin your day in the city’s biggest green space, the lush Tivoli Park. This tranquil park has numerous pathways, tree-lined lanes, and myriad benches to sit down and relax and escape from your busy first day.

It is a popular spot for active residents and where many locals flock to on warm and sunny days to take advantage of the fine weather. In the autumn, the colourful foliage lines the pathways making for an incredibly picturesque visit.

Museum of Modern Art

If you are a fan of art, then you must visit the Museum of Modern Art located right near Tivoli Park. Housing works from Slovenian artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, it beautifully showcases incredible works of art from local artists.

There is also a fantastic coffee shop located in the museum if you want to good cup of coffee to pick yourself up.

Entry is €5 for adults, with half-price tickets available for students and seniors.

Metelkova City

If you want to transport yourself to somewhere that is radically different from the Old Town of Ljubljana, but located only a stone’s throw away, then you need to head to Metelkova City.

Reminiscent of places like Christiana in Copenhagen , RAW in Berlin , or Uzupis in Vilnius , Metelkova is an area that is covered in street art and filled with free-thinking individuals.

Branding itself as an “autonomous cultural centre,” Metelkova was once a military barracks that turned into a squat in the early ’90s.

Today, it operates as a cultural centre where you will be able to find fun artistic things and live music. It is one of the best things to do in Ljubljana if you’re a fan of street art.

Ljubljana Skyscraper

If you want to see some of the best views of the city, then make sure to head to the viewing platform at the Ljubljana Skyscraper.

Located in the city centre just outside of the Old Town, this was the first “high rise” built in the Slovenian capital and access to its top-floor cafe and viewing platform is absolutely free of charge.

From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ljubljana Old Town, castle, and surrounding areas while sipping on a coffee or cocktail from the cafe.

Ljubljanica River Stroll

After enjoying the views from the Skyscraper, wander back into the Old Town and end your day with a leisurely stroll along the Ljubljanica River.

Both banks are lined with numerous cafes and bars where you can pop in for a drink, coffee, or an ice cream and just enjoy the laid-back nature of Slovenia’s compact capital.

Day 3 – See More of Slovenia

If you have 3 days in Ljubljana, then spend your final day on a trip outside of the capital. There are numerous places to visit in Slovenia within easy reach of the capital. Here are some of our suggestions:

The most popular day trip from Ljubljana is undoubtedly to the picturesque Lake Bled . As one of the most iconic spots in Slovenia, a visit to Lake Bled is a bucket-list item for most people.

There are numerous transit options available from Ljubljana to Bled and you can reach the beautiful lake and island castle in under an hour from the Slovenian capital. You can opt to rent a car yourself and drive, take the bus, or book an organised day tour.

Keep in mind that Bled is one of the most-visited spots in Slovenia and can get overwhelmingly busy in the peak seasons.

Lake Bohinj

If you want a less touristy alternative to Lake Bled, then you cannot go wrong with visiting Lake Bohinj . Located within easy reach from Ljubljana, Lake Bohinj is a beautiful lake surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

You can get to Bohinj in under two hours either by driving yourself, by public transit, or by organised tour.

If you want to combine Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj in one day, then we consider taking this guided tour or this full-day tour.

If you would rather visit a city as a Ljubljana day trip, then you absolutely cannot go wrong with heading to Slovenia’s second city of Maribor .

Located in the northern Styrian region, Maribor in the heart of Slovenian wine country and is packed with charm. It also receives a fraction of the tourism of other areas in Slovenia, making it an excellent alternative option if you want to get slightly off the beaten path.

It can be reached by car, bus or train in about an hour.

If you want to experience the beauty of the Istrian seaside on a day trip from Ljubljana, then you cannot go wrong with a visit to Piran .

Located a little over 2 hours from the Slovenian capital, Piran offers a completely different pace of life than any of the other day trips mentioned here. If you have a car you can also stop at Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave on the way or you can book a full-day tour here.

It is also a great stop if you plan to head south and travel through Croatia’s Istria region

Where to Eat & Drink in Ljubljana

There are lots of restaurants and cafes in Ljubljana to choose from and these were some of our favourites during our time in the city.

Druga Violina — This traditional Slovenian restaurant located in the heart of the Old Town is an excellent place to eat in Ljubljana. It is small yet incredibly popular — expect to wait for a table if you visit during peak hours! They have an extensive a la carte menu along with a great-value set lunch menu. This restaurant also employs several people with special needs.

Abi Falafel — If you’re looking for an affordable yet filling meal in Ljubljana, you cannot go wrong with this place. It is incredibly popular and perennially busy and it makes some of the best falafels to be found in the city. They also have a great breakfast option available daily until 11:30, so it’s a fantastic place to start the day, as well!

Hood Burger — If you’re craving a burger, then this is a great place to check out! With a few locations scattered throughout the city, they have a range of delicious burgers available (with the option to put a veggie patty on all of them!) at affordable prices.

Lajbah — This brewpub is an excellent option if you want to sample Ljubljana’s craft beer scene while getting a good bite to eat. With over 20 craft beers on tap — both local and international brews — and a seasonal menu, this is a great place to go to get a feel for the hip side of Ljubljana. The beer menu also rotates with the season and you’re sure to find something to suit all tastes!

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

It is worth noting that accommodation prices can be a bit higher in Ljubljana compared to that of other cities nearby and that is because the city imposes a “tourist tax” on each visitor each night they stay in the city. The fee is €3.13 per person per night — some accommodations will incorporate this into their nightly rates while others will have you pay it separately.

Adora Hotel — This mid-range hotel is centrally located within the pedestrianised Old Town and has some clean and comfortable rooms available for all sorts of travellers. There is a 24-hour reception, a hotel bar, and a great breakfast included in the room rate.

City Hotel Ljubljana — If you’re looking for a plush place to stay in Ljubljana, then you cannot go wrong with this boutique hotel. Located in the centre of the Old Town, you can reach all of the best sites of the city on foot. There are a myriad of comfortable and stylish rooms available, a restaurant and bar on-site, and a hearty buffet breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Hostel Celica — If you’re a budget or solo traveller, then this hostel is a great choice for accommodation in Ljubljana. As one of the highest-rated hostels in the Slovenian capital, they have both dorm beds and private rooms available, good common areas to meet and mingle with other travellers, and its central location means that you can reach all of the highlights of Ljubljana on foot.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Ljubljana hotels!

When to Visit Ljubljana

Ljubljana, and Slovenia in general, has a continental climate and very much experiences all four seasons so there are certainly some times of year that are better to visit than others.

If you love warm weather and don’t mind battling tourist crowds, then the high season months between June and August are going to be a good time for you to visit.

During these months, you can expect temperatures to be at their highest of the year — with high temperatures averaging around 26°C (79°F). This is also when the most tourists tend to visit and the compact old town can feel quite congested. Accommodation prices in Slovenia will also be at their peak in the summer months.

Conversely, the low season months of December-February are going to be the coldest and least busy. Expect temperatures to hover around freezing and to combat with some snowy weather.

This can be an appealing time if you want to experience some traditional Christmas markets, find a fun place to celebrate New Year’s Eve, or take advantage of some nearby skiing in the surrounding Slovenian mountains.

The shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November are my personal choice for visiting Ljubljana. During these months, you can expect crowds to be fewer, prices to be a bit lower than in the high season, and temperatures to be mild and pleasant.

In the autumn you can expect things like the wine harvest and beautiful fall foliage and in the spring you can expect to find lovely floral blooms and a city opening its eyes after a long winter.

However, no matter when you decide to visit, Ljubljana will always be a lovely destination with a lot to offer.

Planning the perfect trip to Ljubljana isn’t a difficult task, with so much on offer in the charming, picturesque and compact Slovenian capital.

Are you planning a trip to Ljubljana? Are you going on a trip around Slovenia? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

11 Things To Do In Piran, Slovenia: A One-Day Itinerary

10 Best Things to Do in Maribor, Slovenia: A One-Day Itinerary

Best Things to Do in Bohinj: A One-Day Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I had a great trip to Croatia in September, and it sparked my interest to visit Slovenia for Christmas week with my 3 adult children. Your travel website is very helpful! After visiting Old Towns in Croatia, I am wondering if staying in the Old Town of Ljubljana might be lovely. Also, wondering if flying to Ljubljana from New York is the best route, or if it easy to fly into other cities in Central Europe and get in Ljubljana in a short time by train.

Hi Cheryl, Ljubljana airport is very small and not all that well-connected compared to other airports so it may be a fair bit more expensive to fly into there vs other airports in the vicinity. I would suggest flying into Vienna and maybe taking the train from there?

we are planning to visit Ljubljana next week with some friends. Your post has been very helpful in planning the visit. thank you.

Thanks for your comment, Nikita! Hope you have a lovely time in Ljubljana 🙂

Superb post with stunning pictures! These are actually most beautiful places to visit in Ljubljana.

Tivoli Park looks so peaceful. Great post.

Thanks Ratheesh! The whole city of Ljubljana really does have a fantastic peaceful vibe, particularly Tivoli Park!

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A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Ljubljana, Slovenia

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If you’re visiting Ljubljana for the first time and wondering how to visit Ljubljana, our mini travel guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia is for you. From the history of Ljubljana to how to get around to where to stay and eat to Ljubljana attractions…this Ljubljana Travel Guide includes everything you need to know about the capital of Slovenia to plan a perfect Ljubljana vacation.

Visiting Ljubljana Travel Guide

s LOVE nia – the world’s most sustainable and greenest country has love in its name.

Hey! Even Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia has love in its name. Ljubljeni means beloved in Slovene.

How can you not feel LOVE when in Ljubljana 🙂

Ljubljana, the European Green Capital is an intersection of diverse epochs. A Roman city, Emona stood in place of Ljubljana about 2,000 years ago.

You can witness the ruins of Emona in contemporary Ljubljana.

Read Next: How to visit Vintgar Gorge from Lake Bled

Where is Ljubljana in Slovenia?

Ljubljana is the capital and the biggest city of Slovenia. Located right in the center of the country, it stretches between Vienna (Austria) and Venice (Italy), at an intersection of the major ancient trade route that connects the northern Adriatic to the Danube region.

It lies at the intersection of four major motorways in Slovenia and thus, effortless access from any of the cities in Slovenia and neighboring countries.

How to Pronounce Ljubljana

Okay. I make sure to learn how to pronounce the name of the city or place I’m planning to visit (especially the tricky ones like Ljubljana and this ) because how would you feel if someone pronounces your or your city’s name wrong?

Terrible, right?

Ljubljana is pronounced as lyoo-blyah-nuh . More often than not, locals pronounce it as loo-blah-na skipping the J’s altogether. Listen here .

So, J’s in Slovenian are pronounced as Y’s in English . J’s make all the difference here!

The Legend of Ljubljana Dragon

The Ljubljana Dragon is the symbol of Ljubljana. You’ll see it everywhere…buildings, Ljubljana castle, bridges, wall art, even the car registration number plates…literally everywhere.

How did it become the emblem of Ljubljana? There are a few explanations for this.

The most interesting and popular legend about the origin of Ljubljana is that the city was founded by Jason , the Greek mythological hero. The story goes that he stole the golden fleece from King Aeëtes and fled with his fellow Argonauts aboard the Argo ship.

Journeying back home (Greece) across the Black Sea and up the Danube , Sava , and Ljubljanica rivers, they made a stop at Ljubljana Marshes , the monster’s habitat. Jason fought and killed the monster, called Ljubljana Dragon now.

Jason thus became the very first citizen of Ljubljana and the dragon found a place on the Ljubljana coat of arms.

Another story about how Ljubljana became the Dragon City has to do with Christianity. The wall murals at St George Chapel in the Ljubljana Castle showcase the saint killing the dragon.

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Ljubljana?

You might. Many nationals need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. Read our Guide to Schengen Visa to know more.

Read More: Best things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

A smart traveler never set out without travel Insurance! Don’t forget to buy reliable travel Insurance.

Heymondo is our favorite when comes to comprehensive protection while traveling. They are the best in the industry!

Purchase a Heymondo policy with a 5% discount.

Best Time to Visit Ljubljana

The best time to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia is during the months of April , May , September , and October . These months of spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and lower accommodation prices.

We visited in July and it was too hot and too crowded to enjoy the city.

How Many Days in Ljubljana Should You Spend?

We were able to explore most of the must-see attractions in a day but yes it was a bit rushed.

If you want to go slow and are keen to discover the museums and galleries, set aside at least 2 days for the wonderfully cozy capital of Slovenia.

Getting to Ljubljana

Ljubljana’s strategically excellent position makes traveling to and from Central Europe, Western Europe, and the Balkans easy.

By Car or Bike

Traveling by car is the easiest, fastest, and most flexible way to travel. I’d recommend renting a car especially if you are traveling as a family.

We traveled to Ljubljana from Kranj in a rented car. It’s a quick 40-minute drive. You can take a detour to Škofja Loka if you have time.

Read our Guide to Renting a Car in Europe before you plan a European road-trip

Road Toll Vignette

Be aware that a road toll vignette is needed to drive on the Slovenian motorways and highways.

You don’t need a vignette If you drive the regional roads through quaint little villages and towns. Of course, the time to reach your destination will be doubled as the speed limit through village roads (50 km per hour) is nearly half that through motorways (130 km per hour).

Weekly, monthly, and annual vignettes are available for sale at all the petrol stations, most newspaper kiosks, some toll booths, shopping centers in Slovenia, and online . I’d recommend you purchase online or one just before entering Slovenia from a petrol station located in a neighboring country (the country you are exiting) close to the border. For more information, visit the website here .

Parking in Ljubljana

Like all other European Capitals, parking in Ljubljana is a hassle.

There are a number of parking garages, park & ride garages, and parking lots in Ljubljana. Street Parking in the center aka short-term parking has a limited parking time of a maximum of 2 hours.

We parked our car at a centrally located Congress Square parking garage. The parking cost is 1.20 Euros per hour for the first 3 hours and 2.40 Euros after 3 hours.

T he Ljubljana bus station, Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana has bus connections throughout Slovenia and to and from other European countries. Check their official website for routes and timetables.

The Ljubljana train station is next to the bus station at Trg Osvobodilne Fronte , a short walk from the center of the city. Local and International rail connections to and from Ljubljana are good.

There are direct train connections to Budapest, Graz, Salzburg, Vienna, Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, and Belgrade. For more information check the official website of Slovenian Railways (Slovenske Zeleznice).

Joze Pucnik Airport , Ljubljana’s main airport is 26 km away from the center. Adria Airways (Slovenian Airlines) serves affordable flights connecting Ljubljana with major European cities. Check Ljubliana Airport’s portal for the details .

We recommend Skyscanner and WayAway for the best flight deals.

Airport Transfers

There’s an hourly public bus service between the airport and the Ljubljana Bus Station daily that costs 4.10 Euros per person. Also, a less frequent private shuttle bus service is also available that costs anywhere between 9 Euros to 19 Euros.

A taxi from the airport to the city center can cost about 35 Euros to 40 Euros.

You Might Like: Kranj – A Hidden Gem in Slovenia

Getting Around Ljubljana

Ljubljana card.

With free admission to the city’s major attractions, museums, and galleries plus unlimited free travel on public transportation during the card validity period, Ljubljana Tourist Card can save you some Euros for sure.

You can purchase the card for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You get a 10% discount if you buy your card online.

Click Here to Buy a Ljubljana Card Online

Our favorite way to explore any place is on foot. And more so if the city is as compact as Ljubljana.

Ljubljana’s strong bus network connects the entire city and its surrounding areas. To use city buses you need to have the Urbana Card which you can buy from Ljubljana Bus Station, newspaper kiosks (trafika), tourist information centers, post offices, Bicikelj bike-sharing systems, and many other locations in the city. The city buses don’t sell the Urbana Card and don’t take cash either.

The card costs 2 Euros and needs to be topped up. A single bus ride fare starts from 1.20 Euros covers up to 90 minutes of journey and allows you to change as many buses as you can in that time period.

For more information check LPP’s official website.

Bicycle Hire

Cycling is our second most preferable way (walking being the first one) to explore the destination.

Ljubljana Tourism runs the Ljubljana Bike project that makes bicycle hiring easy. You can hire a bike from the Slovenian Tourist Information Center located at Krekov trg 10 .

The bike rental is 2 Euros for a 2-hour hire period and 8 Euros for a more than 2-hour hire period.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike from Bicike (LJ) which has a huge number of docking stations in Ljubljana city center.

The first hour is free, the second hour costs 1 Euro, the third hour costs 2 Euros, and each additional hour after 3 hours costs 4 Euros.

If you are to stay in Ljubljana, you can hire a bike for a full week by paying just the 1 Euro weekly registration fee.

You can save money by returning the bike after an hour and hiring a new bicycle again for an hour. Yes.

You can easily find a taxi in the city center, though the cost will be less if you book one over the phone.

Urban Electric Train

Urban is an environment-friendly train in Ljubljana that takes you on a circular tourist trail connecting famous tourist attractions. The tour starts at Town Hall and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Best Ljubljana Tours

What to do in ljubljana.

From Ljubljana Old Town with its beautiful squares, charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, art nouveau architecture, and cathedrals; to Ljubljana Castle; Views over Ljubljana from the castle and the rooftop of Nebotični Skyscraper; intriguing museums, to green urban spaces: Ljubljana has an overwhelming range of amazing things to see and do.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Pint-sized Ljubljana has an overwhelming number and variety of accommodation options to choose from.

Here are our recommendations for you-

Hotels in Ljubljana

City Hotel Ljubljana Art Hotel Adora Hotel Grand Hotel Union Hotel Cubo Hotel Nox

Hostels in Ljubljana

Hostel Celica Art Kva Hostel MS Sparrow Hostel Turn Hostel Hostel Vrba Hostel Tivoli

Apartments in Ljubljana

OH Apartments & Rooms Apartment EMA Apartment Central Station between Dragon and Triple Bridges Royal Vega Apartments Ljubljana’s Heart Alpino

Where to Eat in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a compact capital but there’s no dearth of great restaurants, cafes, bistros, pizzerias, and street food stalls.

Here are some of our favorites plus a few recommended by fellow travelers.

Mid-Range Restaurants in Ljubljana

Julija Restaurant

One of the best in Ljubljana Old Town, Julija is a mid-range restaurant with a great medieval ambiance that serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Slovenian touch.

Address: Stari trg 9, Ljubljana

Luxury Restaurants in Ljubljana

Manna Ljubljana

A nice place to enjoy Slovenian cuisine away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: Eipprova ulica 1a, Ljubljana

JB Restaurant Ljubljana

A great place for fine dining and a fancy meal. The restaurant was featured in San Pellegrino’s Top 100 World’s Best Restaurants list in 2010.

We didn’t get a chance to experience it but got recommendations from friends and relatives while we were planning our Slovenia trip.

Address: Mikloshicheva cesta 17, Ljubljana

Most Ljubljana

Great Food. Great Service. Great Location. A bit high-priced.

Address: Petkovshkovo nabrezhje 21, Ljubljana

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Taman Organic

This is our other favorite in Ljubljana. Taman serves fresh organic food only. Innovative food served with love. Seriously.

If you are a vegan or a vegetarian, you gotta give this place a try.

Address: Nazorjeva ulica 3, Ljubljana

Cheap Eats in Ljubljana

Pop’s Place

Great spot to have a quick bite. Pop’s Place = quality plus quantity both at decent prices. You can enjoy yummy burgers with fries and drinks in beautiful outdoor seating.

Address: Cankarjevo nabhrezhje 3, Ljubljana

If you love non-vegetarian food, you gotta visit here for their famous traditional Slovenian dish, Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage) .

Address: Ciril-Metodov trg 15, Ljubljana

Abi Falafel

I had to visit here for two reasons – 1. I love falafel 2. I’d heard a lot about Abi Falafel

It lives up to its name. Such delicious and crispy falafel at such reasonable prices in such large quantity – couldn’t ask for more!

Address: Trubarjeva ceste 40, Ljubljana

Druga Violina

Durga Violina literally translates to Second Violin. This restaurant is special not just because of its food but also because of its noble gesture – they employ people with disabilities.

Address: Stari trg 21, Ljubljana

Best Pizza in Ljubljana

Pizzeria Foculus

Now, this is where you can eat the best pizza in Ljubljana. They have a great choice of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and gluten-free pizzas.

Address: Gregorchicheva ulica 3, Ljubljana

Verace Ljubljana

Verace has a great selection of pizzas, wines, and snacks. They are consistently rated high for their excellent services.

Address: Streliska ulica 22, Ljubljana

Ljubljana Street Food

Street Food BTC

BTC City apart from being a great shopping destination is an amazing food destination. Its open-air street food market with local and international delicacies attracts foodie travelers from all around the world.

The street food vendors offer anything and everything from burgers, and wraps, to international culinary ranges. There’s even a stand that sells vegan Indian food 🙂

Odprta Kuhna

Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen) is a food market where Slovenian chefs cook then and there and sell their Slovenian and other International delicacies on stalls.

The choice is varied from Slovenian to Japanese, Mediterranean, and European to fast food.

The market takes place every Friday from March until October. You can enjoy live performances with good food.

Address: Pogacharjev trg 1, Ljubljana

Bistro Ljubljana

Away from the crowds, located at the junction of Petkovškovo bank and Usnjarska Street overlooking the river, Ek Bistro is a lovely place to enjoy a good breakfast or just a cup of coffee or a glass of beer with snacks.

Address: Petkovškovo nabrezje 65, Ljubljana

Monstera Bistro

It’s the best in Ljubljana! We had a traditional Ljubljana breakfast here. Tasty food served tastefully.

Address: Gosposka Ulica 9, Ljubljana

Cafe Ljubljana

Le petit Cafe – Okrepčevalnica

Located in the charming quarter of Ljubljana, Le Petit is a great place for breakfast or brunch. We had a great cup of coffee with yummy cakes and croissants.

Address: Trg francoske revolucije 4, Ljubljana

Slovenska Hisa

Slovenska Hisa is a great place for drinks and appetizers with a nice seating area overlooking the river.

Address: Cankarjevo nabhrezhje 13, Ljubljana

Ljubljana Food Tours

Want to know the culinary scene of the place when you travel? Take a food tour!

What to Eat in Ljubljana

Barley Risotto or Beetroot Risotto @ Monstera Bistro

Real Gelato Ice-Cream @ Gelateria Romantika

Burek @ Nobel Burek

Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage) @ Klobasarna

Potica @ lePotičke

Prekmurska gibanica (Prekmurje layered cake) @ Gujžina Prekmurska Gostilna

Štruklji @ Moji Struklji

Have you ever been to Ljubljana? How did you like it? We’d love to hear from you.

Or Are you visiting Ljubljana sometime soon? Hope our travel guide to Ljubljana helps you plan a great trip. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be happy to help.

Recommended Reading: Renting a Car in Europe Schengen Visa for Europe How to Plan a Trip to Europe Best Things to do in Slovenia Magical Places to Visit in Slovenia 7 Days in Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary Best Things to do in Ljubljana Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia Lake Bled, Slovenia Kranj, Slovenia

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How to reach Ljubljana

Ljubljana is located at the intersection of major European transportation routes, half way between Vienna and Venice. It is easily accessible by train, from the highway, and by air, with Ljubljana Jože Pučnik international airport being only a short drive away.

Getting to Ljubljana by air

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is located 26 kilometres to Ljubljana (20 minutes by road).

Flight information

T: +386 (0)4 20 61 981 W: Aerodrom Ljubljana

Transfers to/from the airport

• Shuttle transfers : GoOpti, Nomago, MNJ Shuttle, Markun Shuttle, ZUP prevozi.
• Taxi : Taxi services are available in front of the airport building.
• Rent-a-car : consult the list of rent-a-car service providers at the airport.

Regular bus route

A regular bus route connects the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport and the Ljubljana Central Bus Station (bus stop no. 28).

Other airports within reasonable distance to Ljubljana

Getting to ljubljana by road.

Ljubljana is located at the crossroads of Slovenia's most important road routes. Motorway access from any of the neighbouring countries is very easy.

Road tax vignettes

Road tax vignettes must be purchased for the use of Slovenian motorways, including the Ljubljana bypass. The roads where the vignette is required are marked by special vignette signs. Vignettes can be purchased at petrol stations located in the border areas of Slovenia's neighbouring countries, at petrol stations, post offices and most newspaper kiosks in Slovenia, and at branch offices of the Automobile Association of Slovenia (AMZS) and other automobile clubs.

Vignette prices

© M. Budnar

The Ljubljana Railway Station is Slovenia's main railway station. It connects Ljubljana to Trieste, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Prague, Vienna, Graz, Budapest, Zagreb, and Belgrade. Railway is also a convenient means of transport within Slovenia, given that distances within the country are mainly short and travel costs low.

Information on train schedules: 

• Slovenian Railways call centre T: 1999 (indicative call price; €0.75; the price depends on the phone network you are calling from)
• Answering service (information on train timetables from Ljubljana) T: +386 90 93 9801
• E: [email protected]

W: Slovenske železnice

Getting to Ljubljana by bus

© AP Ljubljana

The Ljubljana Bus Station has regular services to all Slovenia's neighbouring countries and the most popular tourist destinations within the country. Bus tickets can be purchased at the counter of the Ljubljana Bus Station or online from the Ljubljana Bus Station website.

European cities served by direct bus routes from Ljubljana: Trieste, Venice (Mestre, Marco Polo Airport), Florence, Milan, Klagenfurt, Vienna, Munich, Dortmund, Paris, Budapest, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Niš, Sofia.

Major Slovenian tourist destinations served by direct bus routes from Ljubljana: Bled and Bohinj lake resorts, Postojna cave, the coastal towns of Portorož and Piran. In addition to bus tickets for the above-mentioned tourist destinations, Ljubljana Bus Station website offers the possibility to purchase tickets for some of the major Slovenian tourist attractions.

T: +386 (0)1 234 46 00 Bookings for bus tickets from Ljubljana:  T: 1991 (the number is available only for calls placed from within Slovenian phone networks). E: [email protected] W: Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana

Getting to Ljubljana by bicycle

© Jošt Gantar

If you are travelling to Ljubljana by train or by bus, you can take your bicycle with you on selected international train lines and on selected bus lines operated by FlixBus in the summer months.

Most other bus companies enable you to transport your bike in the trunk of the bus, but only when enough space is available in the trunk, as the passengers' luggage has priority.

Train lines , enabling you to travel with a bike throughout the whole year:

• EC 150/151 Ljubljana-Vienna-Ljubljana,
• EC 158/159 Zagreb-Vienna-Zagreb,
• EC 212/213 Zagreb-Ljubljana-Villach-(Munich-Frankfurt)-Villach-Ljubljana-Zagreb

More information: Slovenske železnice

Once you arrive in Ljubljana, you won't have any problem getting around by bike, as Ljubljana is one of the most cycling-friendly cities in the world .