Ljubljana Travel Guide
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is the greatest European city you’ve never heard of. classic european charm? check. A vibrant creative spirit? Check. A youthful atmosphere? check. Castles and dragons? check and check. Add in its affordability and it’s hard not to love it.
While most opt to visit in its sunnier seasons, I explored the city when it was under a blanket of snow. Taking a solo road trip in the dead of winter through Slovenia - a place I could not pin on a map a week prior to buying a flight there - was perhaps the most liberating travel experience I’ve had to date. I attribute this mainly to my severe lack of Slovenia knowledge and thus a lack of expectations; I had no idea if it would be the grandest destination or the weirdest (plot twist: it’s both) or if I would enjoy what it offered (spoiler: I loved every bit of it). I didn’t even know how to pronounce the first city I’d visit, Ljubljana, which is pronounced “loo-blay-ana” not “la-jub-la-jana,” if you’re wondering.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the in’s and out’s of visiting this underrated European gem for yourself. If Ljubljana is not on your radar yet, brace yourself, it is sure about to be.
Table of contents
Location
Slovenia, Europe
Language
Slovene (English, Italian and Hungarian)
Population
295,000
Why visit?
Cheap prices, few crowds, many nearby day trips
How long to stay
2-3 days
1 day
Spend the day exploring the main sights in Old Town.
Head to the quirky Metelkova Art Center for drinks that night.
2 days (recommended)
In addition to the 1 Day itinerary, throw in a stop at Tivoli Park and/or a tour of Plečnik’s home.
Enjoy the cozy cafes along the riverside for morning coffee and midday snacks.
3+ days
Add in a day trip!
Try Logar Valley (1.5 hours away), the sleepy town of Skofja Loka (30 mins) or lovely Lake Bled (45 mins).
Preseren Square
Dominated by the Franciscan Church of Annunciation - the unmissable pink church, and surrounded by three bridges, Prešeren Square is the heart of the city. The cobblestone and accordion street music tickled my heartstrings to no end.
Metelkova Art Center
This barracks-turned-urban-art-complex is a place for alternative expression and inclusivity. By day, it is a colorful playground of imaginative artwork. By night, it is an upbeat party with a medley of small bars tucked into its corners. In summertime, there are frequent outdoor concerts.
Ljubljana Castle
This iconic sight is a mere 10 minute (uphill) walk from the central market - or a quick ride up the funicular. It has a few exhibits inside but the main draw is its exteriors and the view it offers of the city below.
Cost: €10/adult for castle ticket, €13/adult for castle+funicular
PLECNIK'S LJUBLJANA
Visit the home of Slovenia’s most prominent architect, Jože Plečnik, who designed the urban landscape of Ljubljana. Not only is it a beautiful complex of buildings but it also offers an interesting history of modern architecture in Central Europe
COST: €6/ADULT, GUIDED TOURS ONLY
Central Market
what better way to feel like a local than strolling through its market, I say. It is open every day except Sunday. I particularly enjoyed snagging a pile of fresh fruit for a midday snack.
Dragon Bridge
The name doesn’t hide anything here - it is a bridge with dragon statues. Dragons are plentiful in Slovene folklore and protect the bridges in the city.
Wander to find quirky art
It won’t take long to stumble on an interesting statue, I promise.
Kangaroo playing bongo?
Dog scratching ear?
A forever trail of horse poop?
walk the riverside
A narrow river, lined by colorful baroque and art nouveau architecture, runs through the city. Stop and take in the scenery from one of the many cafes along the river.
Tivoli Park
Located just outside the city center, this park offers trees and greenery galore. Or, in my case, a whole lotta snow.
No matter the time of year, expect to eat and imbibe al fresco. In wintertime, tall heaters and under-the-table heaters (brilliant!) keep patios warm. They are also outfitted with blankets and furs to cater to all your cozy needs. Ljubljana isn’t well known for its nightlife so don’t expect too many bars. To make up for it, they have you covered for coffee.
Coffee
Try Crno Zrno for handcrafted coffee made with love, Cacao for amazing hot chocolate with a view and Cafetino for a jolt of caffeine in a cozy spot.
Food
For a charming and low-key brunch try Le Petit Cafe. To fulfill all your truffle and pasta dreams head to Julja. Vander Haus Restaurant offers a swanky and bright ambiance for lunch and dinner while TOZD Bar is all about the moody, cozy vibe. If you need a midday snack, pop over to the Central Market for something quick.
Bars
Klub Dakarti feels less like a k/club and more like an intimate underground bookshop, while Metelkova is an alternative art scene turned bar complex.
shoulder season | mar-apr, sep-oct
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps, lower rates - what’s not to love about traveling in shoulder season?
Average Temps: 55°-65° F
Low Season | nov-feb
With the exception of the holidays in December/January, winter in Ljubljana is quiet and sees few tourist. You will likely see it covered in snow at this time.
Average Temps: 35°-45° F
high season | May-Aug
Summer is the busiest season. Accommodation prices will be slightly higher and but it is a warmer time (relatively) to explore.
Average Temps: 60°-80°+ F
Getting There
FLIGHT | Arrive at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) and transfer by bus or taxi to the city center. By bus, it is a 50-minute ride to Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana, the station a few blocks from the city center ($4/person; trains depart on the hour from 5am-8pm). By car, it is a 30-minute drive ($30-$35/ride).
TRAIN | If traveling from nearby European cities, the train may be most convenient. Arrive at Train Station Ljubljana, a few blocks from the city center.
Getting Around
WALK | The city center is small - and nearly car-free! - making it incredibly walkable.
CAR | To venture outside the city, renting a car with Europcar is convenient and affordable ($15-20/day).
Budget
Hostel
There are a number of hostels in the city but for its convenient location in Old Town and affordable rates, the lovely Tresor Hostel stands out (double private: $32/night; dorm bed: $16/night).
Mid-range
airbnb
To feel like a local, this is a fantastic way to stay in the city! Try a modern loft in the Old Tobacco Factory ($108/night), a cute apartment on the river ($115/night) or a two bedroom right in the middle of town ($115/night).
Upscale
Hotel
Stella Sky: Luxury apartments complete with rooftop pool ($85/night)
Lesar Hotel Angel: A small boutique hotel wiith the occasional animal pillow thrown in ($145/night)
Grand Union Hotel: Popular upscale hotel ($165/night).
01. For a souvenir that’s not kitschy - or in my case for funky socks - check out GUD Shop and Babushka Boutique in Old Town.
02. English is wildly spoken but a (butchered) attempt at Slovene never hurts to earn brownie points.
Hello > Živjo (zee-vyoh)
Please > Prosim (pro-sihm)
Thank you > Hvala (hvah-lah)
Yes > da or ja
No > ne
03. Carve out time to just wander. It is a city with surprises around the corner, down the alley and through the neighborhood.
Lake Bled
You’ve probably seen a picture of Lake Bled and didn’t even know you were gazing at Slovenia. It is here that you will find the classic scene of the island in the middle of the lake surrounded by trees with the Alps as a backdrop. Yes, Lake Bled is a dream. To get there, drive 45 minutes northwest of Ljubljana.
Predjama Castle
50 minutes southwest of the capital is this interesting castle-built-in-a-rock. On the way, stop at one of Slovenia’s many caves (they have the most in Europe, in fact). Postojna and Skocjan are the most popular but there is also Dimnice, Nadjena and Weaver Caves.
Logar Valley
Drive an hour and a half northeast to reach this picturesque alpine valley of greenery (or snow). It is a great place to unwind and relax, or take off on a hiking adventure.