Are you planning to spend one day in Ljubljana and wondering how to make the most of your time? You’re in the right place.

This thoughtfully curated Ljubljana itinerary blends iconic sights with useful tips to help you experience the best of this underrated European capital in just one day.

Ljubljana is unlike any other city I’ve visited: compact yet rich in history, effortlessly green, and full of life without the usual crowds.

It’s a place where dragons guard bridges, locals sip coffee by the river, and creativity pulses through every corner. I genuinely loved my time here and was surprised by how quickly the city stole my heart.

In this guide, you’ll discover exactly what to visit in Ljubljana, from hilltop castles and Art Nouveau architecture to local markets and peaceful parks.

If you’re still wondering what to do in Ljubljana in one day, keep reading—this itinerary covers all the highlights.

And if you’re exploring more of the country, don’t miss my full Slovenia itinerary for a deeper dive into one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations.

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.

Getting to Ljubljana by air

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is the main international airport, located about 25 km from the city center.

It offers regular flights from major European hubs. From the airport, you can reach the city by shuttle, taxi, or public bus in around 30–45 minutes.

Getting to Ljubljana by train

Ljubljana has strong rail connections with neighboring countries including Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary. The central train station is just a short walk from the old town, making train travel a scenic and convenient option.

Getting to Ljubljana by car

If you’re doing a road trip through Slovenia or Central Europe, Ljubljana is easily accessible via well-maintained highways. Driving is a great option if you’re piecing together a broader itinerary and only have 1 day in Ljubljana.

If you’re looking for a rental, I highly recommend checking out Discover Cars. It’s a reliable platform that compares top providers and often offers the best rates for travelers.

The centre of Ljubljana is relatively small and easily covered on foot. Also, the list of things to do in Ljubljana is not that big. So 24 hours in Ljubljana is a good starting point for those who want to get to know it for the first time!

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The first and most straightforward option to reach central Ljubljana is by taxi. The journey takes about 30 minutes and typically costs around 30€. It’s fast and convenient, especially if you’re carrying luggage or arriving late.

If you’re looking for a more personalized and stress-free experience, consider booking a transfer with Welcome Pickups. It’s a trusted service that offers pre-booked rides with professional drivers who meet you directly at the arrivals hall. Prices are fixed, the vehicles are comfortable, and you’ll avoid any surprises.

I had the opportunity to stay at two different accommodations in Ljubljana—both among the most affordable options and conveniently located close to the city center:

• B&B Vila Teslova: A simple yet comfortable choice, ideal if you’re staying just a few days and have a rental car. Since most parking in Ljubljana is paid, this spot is a great find—free street parking is usually available nearby. The accommodation also includes breakfast, which is basic but a nice way to start your day without extra hassle.
• Galeria Rooms: Spacious, well-maintained rooms just a short walk from the heart of the city. Just a heads-up: they do charge a fee for late check-ins, so make sure to plan your arrival accordingly.

However, there are many other options available for all price ranges. Whichever you choose, staying centrally is ideal if you’re planning to explore Ljubljana in a day.

Here are a few of those available options:

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To help you navigate the city with ease, I’ve put together a handy map highlighting all the key stops from this Ljubljana 1 day itinerary.

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.  

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). 

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.

Another must-visit spot in Ljubljana is Prešeren Square, one of the city’s most photogenic locations. The square itself is lively and scenic, perfect for capturing a few memorable shots.

But what truly steals the show is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. This is the striking red building that adds a pop of color to every photo and stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

🎫 Want a quick, fun intro to the city? This 2.5-hour walking tour hits Ljubljana’s top sights with a local guide—perfect if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss a thing.

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).

This Ljubljana itinerary 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 😍.

One of the most iconic places to visit in Ljubljana is the city’s 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 peek – the visit is free!

Continue walking towards Ljubljana Castle.

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 🤩.

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 was 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.

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.

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 its quaint local shops and quieter vibe, this part of the city is well worth exploring. When I visited, the street was unfortunately under heavy construction, so I didn’t get to see it in all its glory.

Still, it’s a lovely area to wander through—and a perfect spot to pause at one of the many inviting cafés lining the street.

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.

Ljubljana may be small, but its food scene is full of flavor.

From traditional Slovenian dishes to trendy spots with international flair, here are some great restaurants in Ljubljana to enjoy during your visit:

• Pivnica Union (€€): A great spot for beer lovers (and don’t miss the nearby Slovenian Brewery Union!), this relaxed eatery serves hearty meat dishes and sharing boards in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
• Slovenska Hisa – Figovec (€€): This cozy restaurant offers a lovely setting to try authentic Slovenian cuisine
• Open Kitchen Food Market (€): If you’re in Ljubljana on a Friday, make sure to check out this vibrant open-air market. With food stalls from around the world, it’s a budget-friendly way to sample a wide variety of flavors

Spending one day in Ljubljana is more than enough to fall in love with this incredible capital.

With the right Ljubljana itinerary, you can soak up the city’s atmosphere, explore its rich history, and still find time to relax by the river with a coffee or gelato in hand.

From iconic landmarks like Ljubljana Castle and the Triple Bridge to quiet corners and local cafés, the city offers a perfect mix of coolness and authenticity.

Have you visited Ljubljana or are you planning a trip soon? I’d love to hear about your experience or answer any questions you might have.