A guide to visiting Ljubljana, Slovenia

I am so excited to share with my travel guide to visiting Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. My name is Emily and I have been solo travelling for the past six years. I love to share my tips and recommendations of the places I have explored with my handy travel guides.

I visited Ljubljana as part of a week long visit to Slovenia for my 37th birthday (it’s become a personal tradition to solo travel for my birthday ever since I turned 30) and I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed the Slovenian capital. With it’s thriving food culture, beautiful monuments, open green spaces and picturesque position on the River Ljubljanica, I feel that Ljubljana is an overlooked gem. This small and compact city has so much to offer and is very easy to explore and navigate. In fact it has to be the easiest city I’ve ever visited when it came to finding my way around, as everything is within walking distance from the city centre. Fun fact: Ljubljana’s city centre is car-free and has the largest pedestrian zone in Europe. It was refreshing to be in a city centre without the noise and rush of traffic all around. The city was also voted the third safest city in 2024 and I personally felt very at ease as a female solo traveller here. English is widely spoken and the city is affordable compared to other capitals and major cities in Europe. If you are looking for a European city to visit for a long weekend, Ljubljana should be top of the list. I also recommend Ljubljana as a destination for any first time solo travellers because of its size and overall relaxed atmosphere. Ljubljana is a great base should you wish to visit other parts of Slovenia on day trips, including popular places like Lake Bled and Piran.

So are you ready to discover what Ljubljana has to offer? This guide will take your through everything you need to know to help plan your very own trip to the city, including top attractions, how to get around, best places to eat and more.

GETTING AROUND Ljubljana

Ljubljana has one major airport called Jože Pučnik Airport which is situated 16km outside of the city. The best way to get to the city centre from the airport is by taxi (20 minute drive), catching a private shuttle bus with Nomago from €12 or by catching a bus (50 minute journey one way) which is a great budget-friendly option. 

TOP TIP: If you are looking to travel on a budget, I recommend getting the official Ljubljana card. I swear by tourism cards as they give you discounts or free entry to top attractions, free access to public transport and other benefits, all at one set price to make your trip more affordable. The Ljubljana card offers free entry to 30+ attractions, unlimited free city bus rides, a free river cruise and a free guided city tour. There are 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour cards available which can be purchased in advance online or at various locations across the city. The card is available in physical format or through an app available on both iOS and Android.

I spent two days in Ljubljana which was enough time to experience and enjoy the city. The majority of Ljubljana’s sites and attractions are within 15 minutes walking distance from the city centre, so the best way to get around is on foot or by renting a bicycle. Ljubljana in fact has great cycling initiatives including the BicikeLJ bicycle-sharing system offering hour-long hire rides for free and the Ljubljana Bike project aimed at tourists. TOP TIP: Get a FREE four-hour bicycle hire with an official Ljubljana card.

Another fun and environmentally friendly way to get around Ljubljana is by the Urban electric train which takes you on a circular tourist trail, taking in all the main city attractions. The ride lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes and starts from the Town Hall at a price of €12. The ticket is valid for one day, meaning you can hop on and off should you wish to stop and explore somewhere along the way.

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Where to stay in Ljubljana

Ljubljana offers a great selection of hotels and hostels suitable for any budget. I recommend staying in and around the city centre to be close to the main sites and attractions. However as it is easy to get in and around the city on foot or by bus, staying outside of the centre may offer you more affordable options. If you want to stay somewhere quirky, there is a hostel that was converted from a former prison! Hostel Celica used to serve as a military prison for more than 100 years but today each former cell is now a room filled with murals and artwork.

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What to see and do in Ljubljana

Visit Ljubljana castle

Positioned high up overlooking the city is one of Ljubljana’s the must see attractions - Ljubljana Castle. You can either walk up to the castle, which takes around 15 minutes, or take the Funicular for free with an official Ljubljana card. The history of the castle, which has been standing above the city for around 900 years, is quite a fascinating one. The site was used extensively as a military prison, including during World War One. Cells with graffiti from former prisoners can be found inside, along with artefacts uncovered on display in a history exhibition, as well as a puppet museum and a chapel. Ljubljana Castle's Tower offers the best views overlooking Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside. The castle also has a cafe on site if want to enjoy either a snack or a coffee, along with two restaurants, one of which is Michelin Star. Entry to the Castle costs €17.10 for adults or €20.70 with an audioguide. 

One thing you can’t miss during your visit to Ljubljana is catching a sunset up at Ljubljana Castle. I recommend either watching from the outdoor terrace with a drink or enjoying a walk on Castle Hill to enjoy the sunset in the tranquility of this green open space.

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Visit St Nicholas Cathedral

The site of Ljubljana’s Cathedral dates back to 1262 and is situated in the heart of the historic centre. It’s not hard to miss with it’s bright yellow facade, green dome and imposing clock tower. Make sure you don’t miss the impressive bronze sculpture doors to the main entrance of the Cathedral, before stepping inside to enjoy the spectacular interior. I was truly blown away by the painted frescoes and baroque features, including the impressive organ and alter. The Cathedral is open daily from 8am to 7pm with an entry fee of €2.

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Stroll through Ljubljana Old Town

The historic old town of Ljubljana was by far my favourite area of the city. The old town offers the perfect blend of history and modern flair, with its colourful terraced house and cobblestone streets lined with independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s one of those places where you can put away the map and simply wander to see what you discover. I recommend starting at Prešernov trg Square at the centre of historic Ljubljana, as it acts as a great point of reference when exploring the city. At Prešernov trg Square you will find the famous pink fronted Franciscan church, along with the monument of national poet France Prešeren. From the square you can head in various directions; you can head towards Ljubljana Castle perched on a hilltop where nearby you will find Stari trg or the Old Square with Town hall and the Hercules Fountain. You can stroll either side of the Ljubljanica River along the embankment or head towards Trubarjeva Cesta, an alternative area with street art together with independent shops, bars and cafes. There a number of unique and hidden gems to uncover in the old town too, including Locksmith Street which has a gully in the middle covered in bronze faces and Križevniška Ulica which is one of Ljubljana’s prettiest streets.

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DISCOVER Ljubljana’s bridges and take a river cruise

Ljubljana is in fact home to 17 bridges which can be found by taking a stroll along the River Ljubljanica, but there are four main ones you can see one after the other. Start at the Dragon Bridge on the edge of the old town, where you will find a pair of large dragon shaped statues either side of the embankment. Dragons have become a symbol of the city, with many souvenirs shops selling anything and everything dragon themed. They say if you didn’t take a photo at the Dragon Bridge, were you ever truly in Ljubljana? The bridge dates back to 1900 and is in fact one the first bridges constructed from reinforced concrete in Europe. Moving along Petkovšek embankment and heading towards the Cathedral, you will find Butcher’s Bridge which has become a popular site to leave love locks and is home to a number of bronze sculptures. Continue to head towards Prešernov trg Square (the one with the pink church) and you will find the famous Triple Bridge. As the name suggests, there are three bridges running alongside one another, with original bridge in the middle dating back to 1842. The two outer pedestrian bridges were built later in 1932 to stop the original coming under strain due to the high volume of traffic that used to pass through. Finally as you continue along the embankment, you will soon find the Cobblers Bridge which you will see features towering stone pillars. You can enjoy passing under all these bridges from the water with a scenic cruise along the Ljubljanica River.  TOP TIP: Enjoy a free 45 minute river cruise with an official Ljubljana card. 

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SHOP AT Ljubljana’s OPEN AIR MARKET AND ‘OPEN KITCHEN’

One of the best ways to soak up the local atmosphere of Ljubljana is to visit its bustling open air market. Located in the old town close to the cathedral, the market mainly sells fresh seasonal produce including fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers, as well as dry-cured meat products. If you plan to stay in a self-catering apartment, then this is a great place to get all your fresh food. The open air market operates weekdays 6am to 6pm and Saturdays 6am to 4pm during the summer months, and from Monday to Saturday 6am to 4pm in the winter months.

Every Friday from mid-March until the end of October, Pogačarjev trg square hosts the ‘Open Kitchen’ where chefs of Slovenian restaurants prepare various dishes from all over the world. You will also find several Craft Beer stalls. I highly recommend visiting the ‘Open Kitchen’ in the evening, where there is music and a lively atmosphere as locals come together to socialise and enjoy great food.

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Stroll through tivoli park and the BOTANICAL GARDENS

If you fancy a break from the bustle of the city centre in the tranquility of green open space, make sure to visit Tivoli Park. Located a short stroll from the city centre and covering 250 hectares, there are a number of places you can enjoy visiting within the park including:

• Tivoli Park Glasshouse which is home to a permanent collection of tropical plants.

• Tivoli Mansion which houses the International Centre of Graphic Arts with a €5 entry fee.

• Cekin Mansion which houses to the Museum of Contemporary History with a €6 entry fee.

On the edge of Tivoli Park I recommend stepping inside Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church. It may look unassuming from the outside, but the interior will take your breath away.

The Botanical Gardens are another a tranquil oasis located a short walk from the city centre where the River Ljubljanica divides near the Špica Caffe. Though small, the gardens boast an impressive collection of exotic plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world, along with a beautiful Japanese garden.

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best places to eat and drink in Ljubljana

I was surprised by how much Ljubljana turned out to be quite the culinary hotspot. With a vast array of cafes, street food stands and even a thriving craft beer scene, Ljubljana is a great city for food and drink lovers. There is a wide selection of eateries where you can try traditional Slovenian dishes, together with international dishes and places that serve vegan and vegetarian options. I didn’t have a bad meal in Ljubljana and I’m going to share with you some of my favourite places I’d recommend:

• Cacao Lounge is a great breakfast sport where you can sit along the embankment between the Triple Bridge and Butcher’s Bridge.

• Gostilna Sokol is a great place to try local traditional Slovenian cuisine. Located in the old town close to the Hercules Fountain, I recommend trying dumplings or goulash served in a break bowl.

• Julija Restaurant is a great spot for lunch or dinner located along Stari trg, serving seafood, pasta and meat dishes. I recommend booking in advance for dinner due to its popularity.

• Črno Zrno Specialty Coffee is a great place if you are a coffee lover located Gornji trg.

• Špica Caffe is a charming cafe located where the Ljubljanica River splits. In summer they have deck chairs along the embankment and it is a quite place to relax with a drink and snack.

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BEST DAY TRIPS FROM Ljubljana

Ljubljana is in a central location in Slovenia, meaning it offers a great selection of day trips if you wish to see other parts of the country during your visit.

• Lake Bled is probably Slovenia’s most famous location and rightfully so. You can catch a direct train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled (which takes approximately one hour) or you can go as part of a guided tour with GetYourGuide with transport and pick up included. 

• Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are located less than an hour from Ljubljana and can be seen as part of a combined guided tour through GetYourGuide. Postojna Cave is one of Europe’s largest cave systems and what makes this location extra special is that you need to access it by an underground train. Predjama Castle is one of the most extraordinary castles you will find in the world as it is built in the mouth of a cave complex.

• Piran is a beautiful coastal town well worth a visit if you fancy some time by the sea. With plenty of historic sites, great restaurants and pretty cobbled stone streets, I fell in love with the charm of Piran. You can catch a bus from Ljubljana (which takes around 2 hours) or enjoy a guided tour with GetYourGuide with transport and pick up included.

• Soča Valley and Triglav National Park is a must visit for nature lovers. Situated in the north east of Slovenia is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from emerald lakes, impressive waterfalls, vibrant blue rivers to stunning mountain ranges. I enjoyed an incredible day out seeing this region with a day trip from Ljubljana with GetYourGuide.

• Slovenia is known for its wine, so why not enjoy a tour of the Vipava Valley with its rich winemaking tradition?

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Thank you so much for reading my guide to visiting the city of Ljubljana. I hope this has given you ideas and inspiration to help plan your own trip to the Slovenian capital. I’d love for you to share your comments or questions here.

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