The 10 Best Things to do in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is an undiscovered gem. While people flock to Balkan cities like Sarajevo, Tirana and Dubrovnik (helped along by Game of Thrones), Slovenia, and its capital, Ljubljana, is often treated as a drive-through on the way to more popular destinations. This is a huge mistake, as Ljubljana is a wonderful city set in a beautiful country, with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or using the city as a base to explore Slovenia, here is my list of the best things to do in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana is criminally underrated. It boasts a fairytale castle perched on a hill, a charming old town filled with architecturally striking buildings, and a thriving food scene. It’s also so compact that it’s one of the best ‘walking’ capitals in Europe.
If you’re planning a visit and wondering how to make the most of your time, this guide to the best things to do in Ljubljana will help you discover the highlights, hidden corners and experiences that make this city so special.
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I recently spent 2 months travelling across the Balkans by train using an Interrail pass. A significant amount of that time spent in Slovenia and Ljubljana. These are the resources I used to plan my trip
Hotels – Booking.com
Tours and Activities – Get Your Guide
Train Bookings – Rail Europe
Amazon Links
Travel Guide – Lonely Planet – Western Balkans
Travel Guide – DK Slovenia (Travel Guide)
Great Places to Stay in Ljubljana
City Hotel – Highly rated and used as pickup spot for tours
Cha Cha Rooms – Great location and excellent value
Cozy Apartments – Popular apartments (2 night min. stay)
Grand Union Hotel Eurostars – High end hotel in historic building
Explore Ljubljana Castle
If you visit Ljubljana, you must see its castle. It’s stood on the rock above the city for over 900 years, and they’ve done a great job of loading it with diverse and interesting things to see and do.
Of course, you’ve got the usual things you’d expect from a historic monument, museums, weapons displays, stunning views from high towers, etc. But, Ljubljana Castle also boasts a puppet museum, an impressionist art gallery and even an endemic parsnip, which only grows on the castle hill.
If you feel the need for refreshments after all that, the castle also has a top-class restaurant, a wine bar and even a jazz club.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the meandering paths up the hill to the castle, or save your legs and take the funicular.
The castle is top of the list of the best things to do in Ljubljana!
Stroll Along the Ljubljanica River
One of the best things to do in Ljubljana is simply to wander along the picturesque banks of the River Ljubljanica. The river winds its way through the city and provides a lovely walking trail for visitors to the Slovenian capital.
Spanned by beautiful bridges such as the Dragon Bridge, Butchers’ Bridge and the iconic Triple Bridge, it makes for a scenic walk through the heart of this vibrant city.
During the day, the riverside is perfect for sipping coffee and people-watching. At night, the area transforms into a lively social hub where locals gather to eat, drink and chat.
Visit Tivoli Park
For a dose of greenery in the heart of the city, Tivoli Park is the place to go. This vast park covers more than five square kilometres and is filled with manicured lawns, fountains and walking trails.
It’s a favourite spot for joggers, families and anyone looking to escape the bustle of the city centre. Along the main promenade, you’ll often find outdoor art exhibitions, while Tivoli Mansion, set within the park, houses the International Centre of Graphic Arts.
In autumn, Tivoli’s tree-lined avenues are particularly stunning, bursting with golden and crimson leaves.
Take a Day Trip to See Slovenia
Ljubljana is wonderfully compact, but it’s also perfectly located for day trips. Within an hour you can reach Lake Bled, with its fairytale island church, or Lake Bohinj for hiking and kayaking. The Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are also must-sees. Another trip worth taking is to the Soča Valley, with its emerald-green waters and towering mountains.
If you have more time, consider heading to the Adriatic coast at Piran or to the wine regions of Goriška Brda.
Browse the Central Market
Ljubljana’s Central Market is both a shopping spot and a cultural experience. Designed by Jože Plečnik (who also designed the Triple Bridge), the market is partly open-air and partly housed under elegant colonnades along the river.
Here, you can shop for fresh produce, local cheeses, honey, flowers and traditional Slovenian snacks. Saturdays are particularly lively, with farmers from across the region selling their goods. If you’re a foodie, this is one of the best things to do in Ljubljana to get a taste of local life.
Take a River Cruise
A river cruise along the Ljubljanica offers a different perspective on the city. You’ll glide under Ljubljana’s famous bridges, including the Dragon Bridge and Butchers’ Bridge, while passing riverside cafes and historic buildings.
The boats are like mini versions of the Parisian Bateau Mouche, holding around 30 passengers. They depart from the Ribji Trg pier, and the cruise lasts around 45 minutes. It costs €15 for adults and €8 for children under 12, but if you buy the Ljubljana Tourist Card, you can ride for free!
Cruises are available year-round, with cosy covered (and heated) boats in winter and open-air decks in summer. Some even offer wine tastings, making this one of the most relaxing activities in Ljubljana.
Marvel at Ljubljana’s Bridges
Ljubljana has some fabulous bridges. The Triple Bridge, designed by Slovenia’s greatest architect, Jože Plečnik, is one of the most unusual in the world and an icon of the city.
Close behind is the Dragon Bridge. Ljubljana is often called the “City of Dragons”, and nowhere is this more apparent than here. Built in 1901, the bridge is guarded by four imposing dragon statues.
Legend has it that Jason (of Argonaut fame) fought a dragon here, giving rise to the myth. Today, taking a photo with the dragons is a must for any visitor.
Finally, check out Butchers’ Bridge. A relatively new addition, opened in 2010, it’s Ljubljana’s love bridge, where couples from all over the world attach a padlock and throw the key into the river as a symbol of their love. It also features sculptures by Slovenian artist Jakov Brdar.
Wander Ljubljana’s Old Town
Ljubljana’s Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, pastel-coloured façades and charming courtyards. It’s car-free, which makes strolling around particularly pleasant.
Even though wandering aimlessly has its own rewards, there are some highlights you’ll want to look out for. Mestni Trg (Town Square) features the baroque-style Robba Fountain depicting three Carniolan rivers, while Stari Trg (Old Square) marks the site of the city’s original market.
Another Old Town highlight is Ljubljana Cathedral. There has been a church on the site since the 13th century, with the current incarnation dating from the early 18th century. The cathedral’s interior is exceptional, but the highlight for most visitors is the stunning Papal bronze door.
Simply wandering without an agenda is one of the best things to do in Ljubljana, as you’ll stumble upon hidden alleys, quirky art installations and lively street performers.
Top Tip – Why not book a walking tour with a local guide to make sure you get the most out of your visit?
Sample Slovenia’s Cuisine
No travel experience is complete without food, and Ljubljana doesn’t disappoint. Traditional Slovenian cuisine blends influences from Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans.
Must-try dishes include:
- Štruklji (rolled dumplings filled with cheese, walnuts or tarragon)
- Carniolan sausage (a hearty local favourite)
- Prekmurska gibanica (a layered dessert with poppy seeds, apples, walnuts and cottage cheese)
For a memorable dining experience, try Gostilna Na Gradu inside Ljubljana Castle, or Baščaršija, a restaurant near the Dragon Bridge. It’s so good you’ll probably need to queue for a table, but it’s worth the wait!
Enjoy Ljubljana’s Festivals
If you time your visit right, you can enjoy one of the city’s many festivals. Summer brings the Ljubljana Festival, with open-air concerts, opera and ballet. In December, the Christmas markets light up the Old Town with fairy lights and mulled wine.
For something quirkier, check out the Ana Desetnica street theatre festival or the Ljubljana Jazz Festival. You might even be fortunate enough to visit during one of the two puppetry festivals held biennially. Zlata paličica (Golden Stick) and Lutke (Puppets) are organised by the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre.
Attending a festival is one of the best ways to experience the city’s vibrant spirit.