Ljubljana: the Best Things to Do in Slovenia’s Capital
Undeniably one of Europe’s most whimsical capital cities, Ljubljana is a town of castles, dragons, and romantic architecture straight out of a storybook.
With a city center condensed into just 5 square kilometers (1.9 square miles), the town is very walkable, and highlights are easily seen on foot.
This guide details what to do in Ljubljana over 1-3 days. For those with limited time, visitors can explore the top highlights with one day in Ljubljana. However, those lucky enough to have additional days in this enchanting city can enhance their itinerary with more hidden gems over two or more days.
Jump to:
- How to Pronounce Ljubljana?
- Getting to Ljubljana
- Getting Around Ljubljana
- How Many Days in Ljubljana?
- Top 5 Things to Do: 1 Day in Ljubljana
- Top 6 Things to Do: 2+ Days in Ljubljana
How to Pronounce “Ljubljana”?
Because it’s probably the most frequently asked question regarding Slovenia’s capital, it’s worth noting: it’s pronounced loo-blee-YA-nah.
Getting to Ljubljana
By Car
Slovenia’s highway system is easy to navigate, and make driving to Ljubljana a great option for those who want the flexibility of being on their own schedule.
Note: vehicles are prohibited in Ljubljana’s old town. The city center is limited to foot and bicycle traffic only. However, parking is easy to find, and you can leave your car along the outskirts of the pedestrian zone.
By Air
Jože Pučnik, Ljubljana’s international airport, is the largest in Slovenia, and services direct flights between all major European cities. To get from the airport to the city center, you can either rent a car, book a shuttle, catch a bus (at Terminal A), or grab a taxi.
By Bus
Ljubljana is well-serviced by bus. FlixBus is the dominant provider, with hundreds of routes to Ljubljana, but you can also find options via other regional carriers. The main bus station is just 800 meters from Prešeren Square, thus making bus transport a convenient option from most places in central Europe. Bus station directions here.
Getting Around Ljubljana
The heart of the city has gradually phased out vehicular traffic, making it bicycle- and pedestrian-only. But the old town is so compact, it’s easier to traverse on foot anyway. Simply park your car along the perimeter of the city center (either at a dedicated lot or street parking if you can find it) and set off to explore.
If you do require mobility assistance, you can also take advantage of the city’s free electric-powered Kavalir vehicles. They’re essentially clean-energy golf carts, that serve as public transportation within the pedestrian-only city center. You can either hail one on the street or by phone — learn more here.
How Many Days in Ljubljana?
As a smaller city, those with limited time can see the top highlights in a jam-packed day. However, we recommend taking at least two days minimum, to more adequately appreciate what Ljubljana has to offer.
Top 5 Things to Do: 1 Day in Ljubljana
If you only have one day in Ljubljana, the following list comprises the “must see” attractions that the city is most famous for. After experiencing these “top 5,” you’ll be able to depart feeling like you got a good flavor of Ljubljana.
Prešeren Square (or Prešernov in Slovenian)
This square is the iconic image you see on all the tourist brochures. Anchored by the cheerfully pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, Prešeren is alive with activity at nearly all hours of the day and night.
Start here when you arrive, as it’s a good spot to get your bearings before venturing deeper into Ljubljana’s old town. Be sure to snap some photos of the famous square, including the statue of France Prešeren, the Romantic poet and plaza namesake. You can also pop into the Franciscan Church for a beautiful example of baroque 17th century opulence.
Cross the Famous Bridges: Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge
In a town full of bridges, two of the river crossings are notable enough to warrant a stop. Branching off Prešeren Square is Triple Bridge and then, 400 meters down the road, stands Dragon Bridge.
Triple Bridge, or Tromostovje in Slovenian, is uniquely styled to be three bridges in one, all converging at Prešeren Square. Capturing a photo of Triple Bridge, with the Franciscan Church behind, is an iconic picture to get while in Ljubljana.
Continuing down the riverfront walk to the east, you’ll soon arrive at Dragon Bridge. Standing proudly in the heart of the old town, the bridge is adorned by ornate dragon statues who have stood sentry since the turn of the twentieth century. While originally made of sheet-copper, they are now oxidized into a crisp sea green patina.
The best photo of Dragon Bridge is looking from the northeast — if you style your shot upwards and at an angle, you can capture the dragon’s detail with Ljubljana Castle rising above the hill in the background.
Wander the Old Town
As previously noted, vehicles are prohibited in the old town. As a result, Ljubljana is one of the most serene capital cities you’ll ever experience. You can pass an enchanting afternoon strolling the old town and admiring the fairytale-like architecture. Some points of interest include:
- Mestni trg: a small square anchored by the 15th century town hall. You’ll find plenty of boutiques and small galleries within a short radius.
- Stari trg: flowing effortlessly from Mestni trg, you won’t notice you’ve technically crossed a delineation as you walk the streets. Stari trg has more of the same quaint shops and boutiques that fill the old town. You’ll particularly find clothing, jewelry, and small gifts here. The buildings are newer (dating to the 19th century), but all maintain the dreamy pastels of the Austro-Hungarian style.
- Gornji trg: as you continue walking due south through the old town, the road eventually begins a moderate uphill grade, angled slightly from your previous direction. This denotes Gornji trg, where the city’s oldest homes are. Houses here can date back to medieval times (although facades are often baroque). Within the older neighborhood are numerous small churches to explore if you’re so inclined, including the Church of St. Florian, Church of St. James, and Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, all of which date back to the 1600s.
- Cankerjevo Quay: this riverfront promenade has the largest concentration of cafes and restaurants, with al fresco bistro chairs lining the walkways. Whether you’re craving a full meal or just a cup of coffee, it’s a treat to settle in here and watch the world go by.
Vodnik Square and the Central Market
Situated at the base of Castle Hill amongst the old town, this 19th century square has a bustling market that’s open every Monday through Saturday.
Local vendors offer everything from seasonal produce and fresh meats, to desserts, home goods, and souvenirs. Food trucks also frequent the square, serving up both regional and international fare.
Locals and tourists co-mingle freely as they grab a bite to eat or shop for groceries, with plenty of tables and chairs for those who want to consume their purchases on the spot. On a warm day, the Central Market makes an excellent lunch spot.
Ljubljana Castle
Presiding over the town below since the 11th century, Ljubljana Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. You can either drive, walk, or take the funicular up the hill to the castle walls. If you walk, the hike is about 15 minutes from the old town, along a clearly-marked forested footpath.
While not large (you can comfortably tour the castle in an hour or two), its authenticity makes it a top destination for visitors. Feeling little changed over the centuries, you can twist through narrow medieval passageways up to the various towers, explore the harsh confines of the fortress prison, and climb the castle walls for sweeping views of Ljubljana below.
Check out the castle website for rotating exhibits and events.
Top 6 Things to Do: 2+ Days in Ljubljana
Those with two or more days in Ljubljana will appreciate the slower pace that comes with additional time in the city, as well as the ability to explore more hidden gems and attractions beyond the old town.
The following list serves up some inspiration of how to spend extra days in Ljubljana.
Paddle Board the Ljubljanica River
During the warmer months, paddle boarding the Ljubljanica River is a blissful excursion. There are multiple tour operators available, all of whom will guide you on a 2-hour adventure through the heart of the old town, passing under the city’s famous bridges and landmarks before reaching the forested outskirts of the city center.
With calm currents, the river adventure is fun for both beginner and intermediate paddlers alike. SUP Ljubljana, Bananaway, and SUP Klub are a few of the outfitters available.
Seminary Library
This small baroque library, established in 1701, is a hidden gem that should be on the list of any visiting bibliophile. The dark wood-paneled bookshelves give way to a soaring, elaborately painted ceiling with cherubs and angels, all of which create a dreamy setting for book lovers.
Advance reservations are required, which can be done via email: [email protected].
Križanke Summer Theatre
As the name suggests, this venue is only open during the warmer months. But if you happen to visit Ljubljana between March — September, it’s definitely worth an outing. Formerly a 13th century monastery, Križanke was converted into an outdoor concert venue that boasts a packed calendar of events each year.
Visit the theatre website to see the full list of concerts and buy tickets.
National Gallery of Slovenia
Housed in an ornate 1890s hall, the National Gallery has numerous permanent and rotating exhibits spanning both Slovenian art history as well as the larger European continent.
You can view the current exhibitions and upcoming events at the museum website.
Union Brewery Museum
For what the Seminary Library is to book lovers, then the Union Brewery Museum is to beer aficionados. This historic brewery, housed in an expansive 150-year-old brew hall, leads educational tours on the history of Slovenia’s local brew scene.
For those who want to cut straight to the sampling, there is an on-site pub that also hosts weekly pub trivia nights and beer pong tournaments, among other events.
Visit the museum website for more info.
Stroll through Tivoli Park
If you want to escape the bustle of denser urban life, Ljubljana’s Tivoli Park is a tranquil oasis that feels much further removed from the city center than it is (just over a 1 kilometer walk from Prešeren Square).
Besides the acres of green space and gardens, you can explore Tivoli Castle (more of a large manor house), the Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia, and Tivoli Hall, a large indoor sports complex that hosts basketball and ice hockey games, among others. The park also has a peaceful little pond with a tropical greenhouse, as well as a sizable playground for children.
Have more time to spend in Slovenia? Check out our guides to Lake Bled, Piran, and the Istrian peninsula.
Feature image courtesy of ecstk22.
