The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is smaller than most European capitals, but not less special. Because of its small size, we can easily visit its main points of interest in one day. So I leave you my suggestion of what to visit in beautiful Ljubljana.
What is the best time of the year to visit Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is a cold city in winter and warmer in summer. For example, I visited the city in early March and still needed a very warm jacket, beanie and gloves. So I easily recommend visiting Ljubljana during the summer months to ensure the weather is more favourable! However, I remind you that these can also be the most expensive months!
Ideally, I would recommend visiting Ljubljana from May to October, when the temperatures are milder. However, I would say do not rule out visiting the city in the other months of the year as it can be just as interesting.
How to get to Ljubljana?
There are a few European cities with direct flights to/from Ljubljana, such as:
- United Kingdom (London)
- France (Paris)
- Netherlands (Amsterdam)
- Belgium (Brussels)
- Germany (Frankfurt, Munich)
- Switzerland (Zurich)
How many days do you need to visit Ljubljana?
The centre of Ljubljana is relatively small and easily covered on foot. Also, the list of points of interest to visit in Ljubljana is not that big. So 1 day in the city is a good starting point for those who want to get to know it quite well!
However, if you can, I’d say extend your visit to 2 days, as it will certainly allow you to enjoy everything at a slower pace (and Ljubljana is a city full of life… perfect for sitting on a terrace drinking a coffee 🥰).
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How to get from Ljubljana airport to the city centre?
The first option to reach the centre of Ljubljana is by taxi. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the price is around 30€.
However, there is a cheaper option (and this is the one I used!) – the Alpetour bus nº 28. The trip takes a little longer (about 50 minutes), but costs only 4.1€. The bus leaves every 30 minutes from the airport and runs every day of the week, but on weekends there is a reduced timetable. You can find all the most up-to-date information here.
Accommodation in Ljubljana
I had the chance to try two different accommodations in Ljubljana. They were both one of the cheapest options and fairly central:
- B&B Vila Teslova: a basic but perfect accommodation for those who will be in Ljubljana just a few days and have rented a car. Most of the parking in the city is paid for and in this accommodation you will have the possibility to park in the surroundings for free. In addition, the accommodation offers breakfast which, although quite simple, works perfectly to start the day.
- Galeria Rooms: large rooms and in good condition near the city centre. However, beware that they charge you if you check-in later than the normal hours
However, there are many other options available for all price ranges. Here are a few of those available options:
What to visit in Ljublajana?
Even though it’s a small city, it still has some points of interest, so, I leave you here a map version of my Ljubljana itinerary.
» Tivoli Park
With an extensive area, this is the largest park in the city. Here you can take a beautiful walk while enjoying some of the beautiful trees that live there. There is also a lake, where you can find the Ribe sculpture in the centre, and also a greenhouse with exotic plants.
» Congress Square
This visit to Ljubljana continues with a visit to one of its famous squares – Congress Square (Kongresni trg). It is worth stopping here to explore the small square and admire the external beauty of many of the buildings that exist there (many of them governmental).
From this point, it is also possible to observe the Castle of Ljubljana – but we will come to that later.
» Vurnik House
Also, take the opportunity to visit the outside of the Vurnik House. The photo angle is not the best, but it is worth enjoying the exterior of this building. It is certainly one of the quirkiest buildings in Ljubljana.
💡 EXTRA TIP: If you want to enjoy some great views of the city, take the chance to go up to the Skyscraper.
» Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg)
Another must-visit place in Ljubljana is Prešeren Square which is very pretty to take some photos. The square is beautiful, but what really stands out is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation – the fantastic red building in the images.
» Triple Bridge (Tromostovje)
From Prešeren square, you can walk across to the other side of the city. The Triple Bridge connects this newer part of Ljubljana (Prešeren Square) to the historic centre of the city (Mestni Trg).
It is probably one of the best-known images of the city and, as the name suggests, it is in fact a set of three pedestrian bridges. In the bridges, you will also find some stairs that allow you to go down to the banks of the Ljubljanica river, where there are some restaurants and bars.
» Town Square + Robba Fountain
The walk continues very smoothly through the various streets, which are also very photogenic. This was, for sure, one of my favourite parts to visit in Ljubljana. Each step I took, I just wanted to take one more photo 😍.
Then we arrive at the Robba fountain (Robbov vodnjak), also known as the Three Carniolan Rivers Fountain. Located in Ljubljana town square (Mestni Trg), this fountain is also one of the most emblematic sights of the city.
» Ljubljana Cathedral
The Ljubljana itinerary continues in its cathedral, also known as the Church of Saint Nicholas. Initially a Gothic-style church and converted to the baroque style in the 18th century, the Cathedral stands out as we stroll through the city’s historic centre. Take the opportunity to take a peak – the visit is free!
💡 EXTRA TIP: If you are near and if it’s Friday, don’t miss the Open Kitchen Food Market. This open-air market takes place on Fridays and offers worldwide dishes and many of them delicious. Enjoy a lunch slightly different than usual. It is also an excellent way to save some money.
» Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski Grad)
As you would expect, the castle is situated on a hill and for this reason, it is one of the best places to get excellent views of the city. If I could only recommend one place to visit in Ljubljana, it would certainly be this one!!! The views are unbelievable 🤩.
To go up the castle, take advantage of the funicular. It is an excellent option to make this trip much more pleasant. The visit to the castle including the funicular trip costs 13€ per adult. It is also possible to buy the funicular trip separately as the castle courtyard can be visited for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
The castle also has a pleasant restaurant, although the prices are a little higher.
» Butchers’ Bridge (Mesarski most)
Follow the path to the Butchers’ Bridge – a bridge that differs from others in this city. More modern, this bridge will offer you beautiful views over the river Ljubljanica. This is also considered Ljubljana’s “love bridge” – this is where couples place their locks before throwing the keys into the river. The bridge was built in 2010 and designed over 100 years ago by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. On the bridge, you will also find several sculptures and statues of sculptor Jakov Brdar.
In the vicinity of the bridge, also take the opportunity to roam the Central Market (Glavna trznica). This market has three distinct parts: an open-air market where you can buy fresh produce or flowers, an indoor market where they sell regional produce, and an arcade adjacent to the market with some cafés.
» Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most)
Finally, before leaving behind the historical centre of Ljubljana, visit the Dragon Bridge. Built at the beginning of the 20th century over the Ljubljanica river, the bridge has 4 statues of dragons. Besides this bridge, there are several dragons scattered around the city – after all this is the symbol of the city of Ljubljana.
» Trubarjeva Street
Crossing the Dragon Bridge, you can follow the path to Trubarjeva street, where you will find a very different style from the one existing in the historical centre of Ljubljana. With much smaller local commerce, it is worth exploring this part of the city. Unfortunately, when I was here, the street was totally under construction and therefore not entirely in its splendour. Even so, take the opportunity to stop at one of the various cafés along the street.
» Metelkova Mesto
And to mix things up a bit, why not visit Metelkova Mesto? This space is different from anything you can find in the rest of the city.
Former army barracks, this place is now a cultural and social centre. The history of this space began in 1991 with the end of Yugoslavia. At that time, a number of organisations asked the city of Ljubljana for permission to use the space for creative purposes.
Despite some controversies associated with the occupation of this place over the years, it is currently occupied by activists, students, and artists, …
Restaurants in Ljubljana
- Pivnica Union (€€): a perfect place for beer lovers (you can also visit the Slovenian brewery Union), here you can eat some meat dishes and boards in a more informal environment
- Slovenska Hisa – Figovec (€€): a very nice restaurant, here you can try some of the traditional Slovenian dishes
- Open Kitchen Food Market (€): if you visit the city on a Friday, take the opportunity to explore this outdoor worldwide food market. Apart from lots of options, the price is much lower!
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