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Top things to do in Ljubljana: 14 Unmissable Sights and Experiences
Ljubljana, aka the City of Dragons, is the largest city and the capital of Slovenia.
Built on the banks of the Ljubljanica River, the city is a hub of culture with delicious local cuisine and fascinating history.
Ljubljana is located in central Slovenia near the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. With it’s perfect location there’s something for everyone nearby, from city boat cruises, shopping and wine tasting experiences to fairy-tale castles, picture perfect lakes and an abundance of hiking trails.
Slovenia gained independence in 1991, which is when Ljubljana became the capital. Therefore it’s one of the newer capital cities in Europe and is still one of the lesser known, and as a result it’s growing in popularity and tourism is increasing every year.
Fun Fact: ‘The City of Dragons’ is a local legend that tells the story of Jason and the Argonauts, who after stealing the golden fleece fled across the Black Sea and up the rivers until they reached the Ljubljanica. From here they planned to carry their ship overland to the Adriatic Coast. However, they came across a lake at the source of the Ljubljanica which was said to be the home of a dragon. Jason then fought this dragon and killed it.
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How many days should I spend in Ljubljana?
Two days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Ljubljana, as a fairly small city it’s enough time to see key sights and immerse yourself in local culture. However, if you DO want to spend longer, we recommend spending 2-3 days in Ljubljana and then spending a few days exploring Lake Bled and Triglav National Park.
It goes without saying that the longer you spend somewhere, the more you will be able to see and do. However your individual budget and free time will determine this.
Where should I stay in Ljubljana?
As a capital city, Ljubljana has a range of accommodation options, from budget friendly hostels to high end hotels.
Below is a list of options ranging from a 5* luxury hotel to a budget friendly hostel, all of which are located in central Ljubljana. For first time visitors, we recommend staying in the Old Town as it’s been pedestrianised and is near all the main sights and restaurants.
All of the hotels (except Hostel Celica) listed below can be booked through Hotels.com. We always book through Hotels.com because of their rewards program and as a result we earned a free night in Lake Bled!
£££
- Intercontinental Ljubljana
- Is the city’s first 5 star hotel and the tallest in the city. The Intercontinental is the Ultimate Luxury.
- It has incredible views of the castle, city and Julian Alps beyond.
- There is a spa, gym and swimming pool on 18th floor with panoramic views.
- It’s located in the City centre and within walking distance of the Old Town and Bus Station.
- Antiq Palace Hotel
- It was renovated 16th-century Palace and is a former Aristocratic Mansion.
- A stunning Historic Boutique Hotel
- Amenities include a hot tub, gym and sauna which are available for an extra charge.
- It’s very centrally located and within short walk of the Old Town.
££
- Exe Lev Hotel
- This is a modern and sophisticated hotel.
- It’s in a great location and is within close walking distance of the Old Town and Bus Station.
- Some of the rooms have views over Tivoli Park.
- Vander Urbani Resort
- This is located in the heart of the Old Town
- It has a rooftop infinity pool
- Incredible picturesque views of the Caste or River.
- It can be very popular so best to book well in advance
£
- Hostel Celica
- This hostel is located in a renovated 19th century prison.
- Both Private and Dorm rooms are available
- There’s a Café, Art Gallery, Museum and Garden Terrace
- It’s located in Metelkova district and is only a short walk into the Old Town
Getting around Ljubljana
Getting around Ljubljana is fairly easy as most things are within walking distance. Walking is also great as it’s free and is the perfect way to see any city.
If you plan on venturing further afield or just need transport around the town then there are several public transport options to choose from!
Bus
Buses run regularly around the city and to the surrounding areas. They are also fairly cheap and easy to navigate and for journeys outside of Ljubljana, head to the central bus station.
If you are planning to stay in the city for a while getting an Urbana card could be worthwhile. It can be used on all city buses, some bike hires, parking and also the funicular to the castle. Ljubljana is actually one of the first cities in Europe to introduce a uniform payment system for city services.
Electric Scooters
There are around 300 Bolt Electric Scooters available in the city and you can pick them up nearby most hotels and top sights. Not only are they sustainable transport but they are also budget friendly!
Rent a Bike
Bicikelj is a self service Bike Hire system and has over 80 terminals across the city where you can pick up a bike. It’s also a great eco-friendly option for travelling around the city. All you have to do is download the app to pay and release them from one of the terminals.
Kavalir
Ljubljana’s very own eco-friendly electric vehicles! Kavalirs (aka Gentle Helpers) are free for anyone to use around the pedestrianised areas of the city. Generally they are aimed at the elderly, mobility-impaired and visitors as they take you between the top attractions and sights of the city.
You can either call to book one or you can hail them in the street. There are only 4 of the vehicles in the fleet currently and 2 are summer only, details below:
Running times:
6:00–22:00 daily.
The two summer Kavalirs run from 1 April to 31 October, and the two winter Kavalir (glazed and heated during the cold months) throughout the year.
Telephone orders:
+386 (0)31 666 331
+386 (0)31 666 332
Walk
The city is fairly flat so is easy to explore on foot. Walking is a great way to see the city, discover quirky alleys and hidden sights along the way. If you’re fit and able, walking is a healthy and FREE option.
Things to do in Ljubljana: 14 Unmissable Sights and Experiences
1. Dragon Bridge
As the City of Dragons, Ljubljana’s most iconic sight is Dragon Bridge. If you don’t stop by this, did you even go to Ljubljana.
It’s Art Nouveau architecture and technical design, as one of the first reinforced concrete structures of its time which made it famous across Europe.
The bridge was constructed in 1901 and is home to four dragons, positioned on every corner. These symbolise strength and courage, the Ljubljana dragon is also part of the city’s coats of arms.
2. Ljubljana Castle
Perched 375m above the Capital, Ljubljana Castle can be seen from all over the city. It’s is located in the heart of the Old Town and the original Castle dates back to around the 11th century.
After a disastrous earthquake in the 16th century, many parts of the Castle were rebuilt and so, as a result there is a variety of architecture.
It’s FREE to walk around the Castle grounds but there is a fee to enter the towers, museum and time machine tour.
The Castle can be accessed via the funicular from the Old Town (return Adult €6), the hourly tourist train from the station or via one of the three walking routes. More details of how to get there can be found here.
During our visit in the summer of 2022, they had an outdoor cinema event on called ‘Film under the Stars‘ which only cost €6 per person and was a really unique experience. The showed a Slovenian film called Orkester, which had subtitles in English. It’s definitely worth checking out what’s on in the city before you visit, wouldn’t have found this otherwise!
After visiting the Castle for the cinema in the evening we didn’t return during day time due to time restrictions but it’s definitely worth a visit, even for just a quick walk around the grounds.
3. Prešeren Square
As the central square in Ljubljana, Prešeren Square is surrounded by some of the top sights in the city including Urbanc House.
It’s a common meeting spot for guided tours, cultural gatherings and festivals. The square was named after the 19th century Poet, France Prešeren.
Originally the location was the site of one of the gates to the city, but after the city walls were taken down, it became a medieval landmark and public square.
4. The Skyscraper
The Nebotičnik also known as The Skyscraper, is a 13 storey building located in the heart of the Capital. At the time of it opening in 1933 it was the tallest building in Yugoslavia and the 9th tallest in Europe.
The observation deck, café and restaurant on the top floor is the perfect place to relax and take in the sights. They also have some of the best iced tea in the city there! The panoramic views allow visitors to see the Castle, Old Town and Tivoli Park from one place!
5. Metelkova
Metelkova is an alternative creative area just a short distance from the Medieval Old Town, it’s known for it’s street art, history and underground music. The urban squat is located in the former Austro-Hungarian barracks building, which were built by the army in 1911.
After Slovenia gained independence in 1991, the site was abandoned and squatters moved in. It’s now one of the largest urban squats in Europe and was recognised as a National Cultural Heritage site in 2005.
After reading several reviews warning about discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia, we were unsure whether to visit, however we decided to give it a chance and it was a really interesting area with incredible street art, quirky sculptures and creations hanging from the buildings. Initially it may seem like an unkept and threatening area, however it has it’s own community that have created their own strange and unique world.
6. Triple Bridge
As the name suggests, the Triple Bridge is made up of three bridges. The first was built in 1842 and the other two built around the 1930’s. The two bridges on either side were designed to separate pedestrians from vehicles and carts. It’s a stunning and unique architectural design.
7. Museum of Contemporary History
The Slovenian National Museum of Contemporary History is dedicated to the country’s history from the beginning of the 20th century onwards. It covers the First and Second World Wars through to when Slovenia declared it’s independence in 1991.
This museum was so interesting and for the €5 admission it’s really worth it. There’s so many exhibits, it would be easy to spend all day reading everything.
8. Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park was designed in 1813 and is the city’s largest park and an oasis in the city centre. It covers 5km2 and the park is filled with hiking trails, bike routes, cafes, landscaped gardens, museums and more!
Top Tip: Check out Café Čolnarna, a cute spot on a lake and perfect for a refreshing iced tea after looking around the gardens!
9. St Nicholas Cathedral
Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, St Nicholas’ Cathedral is a hidden gem in the City of Dragons. It was originally built in the 13th century and was later updated in 18th century. Whilst it’s classic and weathered exterior may not look like much, the inside is a masterpiece in itself, filled with pink marble and elaborate frescoes.
Two bronze doors were added to the southern side in 1996, complete with carvings commemorating a visit by Pope John Paul II, although these have since oxidised to a deep black. Another set, on the west side, celebrate 1250 years of Slovenian Christianity.
10. Try Horse
Why not try a local fast food delicacy, the infamous Horse Burger! Hot Horse Tivoli, has been serving the unusual meat since 1995. After marrying a horse butchers daughter, the owner joined the family business and began serving the meat as fast food to locals.
11. Central Market
Central Market lines the south bank of the Ljubljanica and is also known as Plečnik’s Market. It runs from Triple Bridge all the way to Dragon Bridge. During the summer season it’s open weekdays and saturdays.
Fresh fruit and veg along with home made products and hot food can all be found in the outdoor market. There are even more traders, as it spreads into the tunnel like covered market nearby, selling meat, fish, cheese and more!
12. Butchers Bridge
Butchers Bridge occupies the site of the former butchers booths and was built in 2010, making it one of the capitals newer bridges. It connects the Central Market area with the Café lined street on the opposite bank of the Ljubljanica. The bridge is embellished with unique and creepy statues by artist Jakov Brdar in reference the site’s history. In contrast to the bridges dark history, it is also known as Lovers Bridge and is adorned with thousands of locks from all over the world.
13. Republic Square
Republic Square (previously know as Revolution Square) was the site of Slovenia’s declaration of independence in 1991. It was designed in the mid 20th century and the square is lined with socialist modernist architecture and monuments
14. Town Hall
Ljubljana’s Town Hall was built in the 15th Century and merges Gothic with Venetian architecture. There are often free exhibitions inside the glass atrium and historical covered courtyard, so it’s worth having a look.
More Time?
If you have exhausted the list above and want EVEN MORE things to do in Ljubljana, we’ve listed below a few other things to add to your next Slovenian adventure!
FAQ's
Hopefully our top things to do in Ljubljana list has inspired you to visit this wonderful country! If you still have a few unanswered questions that’s ok, we’ve got you covered. Below we have answered some of the most common FAQ’s:
What is Slovenia best known for?
Slovenia is known for it’s stunning landscapes and an outdoor lovers paradise. It’s Instagram famous lakes, rugged mountains and spectacular scenery are all world renowned and therefore it’s no wonder it’s getting higher on everyone’s bucket lists!
Fun Fact: Slovenia is one of the most sustainable countries in the world! It was the first country in the world to have been declared a Green Destination of the World as a country.
Is Slovenia cheap to visit?
Slovenia is fairly cheap when compared with other European countries.
Public transport is budget friendly, compared to the UK, we paid around €2 for a bus from Lake Bohinj to Lake Bled which was around 30-40 minute journey.
A cup of coffee in a café costs around €1.50, although it would be a bit more in central Ljubljana or on the banks of Lake Bled.
How much money should I take to Slovenia?
How much spending money you need to bring to Slovenia will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Our recent trip to Slovenia came to approx €50-70 pp per day, which included travel, food, drinks and activities. Our accommodation came in around £100 per night in Bled and Ljubljana, however it was much cheaper when we stayed in Huts in Triglav National Park.
Remember to take into account how often you might want to eat and any attractions you plan to visit in addition to any souvenirs.
It’s best to budget somewhere between €60-110pp per day for two people for everything. Depending on accommodation costs, this should be sufficient for a hotel/hostel, food, drink and public transport, it may also cover attraction costs if you plan ahead and eat cheap. If you would like to buy souvenirs or gifts add this onto your daily budget.
Top Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle, it’s safe to drink the tap water in Slovenia and will save you some money as well as reduce plastic waste!
What's the best month to visit Slovenia?
Slovenia is beautiful year round, so depending on what activities you want to do will determine when is best to go.
Summer
This is the most popular and most expensive time of year to visit. However, it is also when the most attractions are open. Daily temperature highs average around 25-28C at this time of year. It’s also the best time of year if you plan to swim in the lakes or hike in the Julian Alps.
Autumn
At this time of year, it’s still a little busy but is much cheaper than peak summer and most attractions are still open. It’s the perfect time of year to capture the leaves changing colour, especially at Lake Bled. The daily temperature highs average around 15-20C. Mountain huts also remain open most of Autumn but remember to check as some may close late September if the weather turns.
Winter
Winter is a much quieter time of year to visit, however mountain huts and some attractions are closed. Temperature highs average between 5-8C whilst lows are of around -2C. Winter is a great opportunity to see the towns and lakes with a blanket of snow but not a great time for hikers as many areas of Triglav National Park are closed for public transport and accommodation.
Spring
At this time of year it’s still fairly quiet and things are beginning to open up, however some public transport and mountain huts will remain closed still. Temperature highs average between 13-20C.
If this has got you eager to delve into Slovenian culture and explore a new city, let us know in the comments below. We love to hear feedback and if you’re planning a trip to Slovenia let us know what you’re up to whilst you’re there! Thanks for reading and for the latest updates follow us on Instagram or just drop us a message to say hi!
Eve and Nick
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