23 UNMISSABLE Things to Do in Ljubljana: Local’s Guide
The city of dragons, museums, galleries, and festivals – Ljubljana! The small Slovenian capital is a real hidden gem and offers plenty of things to make your stay memorable. So, if you’ve already decided to visit this lovely city and are looking for what to do, I will tell you about the 23 best things to do in Ljubljana.
I used to live in Ljubljana and have been back to visit a couple of times, and I can share my first-hand experience on what to do in the city. I’ve done all of the things on this list (and a lot more), and I guarantee that they’re the best way to spend your time in the city.
If you have the time, I highly recommend going through everything on this list, but if you don’t, you can choose the ones that appeal to you. And if you pick one of the paid activities, it’s a good idea to book it in advance to make sure you don’t miss out!
Let’s discover the top things to do in Ljubljana!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
You don’t want to miss out on the best (paid) experiences in Ljubljana, so booking ahead of time is the best option!
Here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: The Hotel Ljubljana, Hotel Slamič Ljubljana, AdHoc Hostel
1. Explore Ljubljana Old Town
The Old Town in Ljubljana is the most picturesque part of the city and the first thing you should see to get a feel of Ljubljana. The spot to start exploring is the Triple Bridge (map), or Tromostovje in Slovenian. This is Ljubljana’s most famous bridge – it connects the Old Town with the more modern city center, and it truly is the heart of the city.
From the Triple Bridge, head East towards the Town Hall (map) and venture either left or right – you won’t go wrong either way! While walking around the Old Town, you’ll see gorgeous architecture, many lovely restaurants, and gift shops where you can get a souvenir to remember your trip.
Take some time to stroll around the Old Town and really pay attention to your surroundings – I have walked here countless times, and each time I discovered something new.
PRO TIP: Don’t stick to the main street! Whenever you see an alleyway, go through! These places are the most picturesque and authentic spots in the Old Town – you’ll be happy you did it!
2. Go up to the Ljubljana Castle
One of the most prominent Ljubljana attractions is the Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hill above the city. This is an absolute must-visit in Ljubljana, as it offers the best views of the city and an insight into the country’s history.
When you arrive on the castle hill, start by exploring the castle and its many chambers. Then, go up on the clock tower for the best panoramic view of Ljubljana, and end your tour with a delicious meal at one of the 2 restaurants.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also check out Escape Castle – the castle’s own escape-room-style game. Although I haven’t personally done this (not a fan of escape rooms), my friends say it’s super fun! So, if you’re into escape rooms, I think you should definitely check it out.
PRICE: €16/ adults; €11.20/kids, students, seniors (castle ticket + funicular)
Getting there: You can opt for a guided city tour, including a funicular ride to the castle; you can walk up to the hill or buy a castle ticket that includes a funicular ride. The Ljubljana Castle Funicular departs from Krek Square (map), but be prepared to wait for 10-20 mins to board. Walking is another great way to reach the castle – I recommend taking Študentovska pot from Vodnik Square (map) – it’s the least challenging of the 4 routes up to the castle.
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3. Embark on a free walking tour of Ljubljana
One of the things that surprised me most about Ljubljana when I first moved there was how walkable it is! In fact, walking is the best way to explore the city, especially with a guide who can tell you about its history.
Lucky for you, there are a couple of free tours you can book! I recommend the Classic City Tour, which will take you across Old Town, as well as the newer parts of the city center. You can choose between 90-minute and 2-hour tours – personally, I’d go for the longer one!
Even though I lived there, I’ve been on this tour once, and it was an amazing experience. The guides are super knowledgeable, so you will learn plenty of cool facts. And even though the tour is completely free, I encourage you to leave a tip at the end as a small thank you!
4. Roam around Prešeren Square
If you need to meet someone in the Ljubljana city center, it’s more than likely you’ll do it in Prešeren Square. Named after the Slovenian national poet France Prešeren, this square is the focal point of the city.
Besides Prešeren’s statue, the square is most recognizable for the large pink building. This building is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (map), which, besides the colorful facade, has a very impressive interior. Best of all – entrance is free for all!
Another thing to check out at Prešeren Square is the Ljubljana miniature – a 3D bronze sculpture of the city.
Although all of these are great things that definitely deserve your attention, take some time to be present in the moment. This is THE place in the city for people-watching, and if you happen to visit during spring or summer, you’ll get to enjoy the performances of the many street musicians centered around the square.
5. Snap a photo of the Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge is one of the quintessential things to see in Ljubljana – and get a photo to prove it! The bridge (map) is guarded by 4 imposing dragon sculptures – the city’s protectors.
FUN FACT: According to legend, the Greek mythological hero Jason and his Argonauts sailed into Ljubljana on the Ljubljanica River and stopped near a lake where a dragon used to dwell. Jason fought and killed the dragon, saving the city from its wrath.
Even though the dragon used to be seen as a monster, today, it is the main symbol of Ljubljana. So, don’t forget to snap that photo of the Dragon Bridge, and maybe even get some dragon-themed souvenirs to remember your trip.
NOTE: Bridges are very prominent in Ljubljana. The city has as many as 17 bridges, and many of them are quite impressive! Besides the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge, you should also check out the Butcher’s Bridge (map) with its sculptures and ‘love padlocks’ and the Cobblers’ Bridge (map), featuring imposing columns and offering a nightly light show.
6. Visit the Ljubljana Cathedral
I know I already talked about exploring the Old Town, but there’s one specific building here you should pay attention to. The Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral (map) is a great example of Baroque architecture in Ljubljana, and its interior is much more impressive than the exterior.
What might surprise you is that the most noteworthy things about this cathedral are the doors! Both the main and the side doors feature sculptures; the side door showcases a portrait of bishops, while the main door depicts the history of Slovenia. Even if you decide against going inside, you must stop and admire the doors!
PRICE: €2/person
7. Enjoy a drink with a view at Nebotičnik
Who can say no to a drink with a view? Well, the best place for that in all of Ljubljana is Nebotičnik (map), i.e. Skyscraper. Head to the 12th floor, order your favorite drink and enjoy it on the rooftop terrace. The best time to do it is spring or fall – the terrace is closed during winter (you can still get a drink inside), and it can get too hot in summer.
FUN FACT: The Nebotičnik building was completed in 1933 and was the highest building in the Balkans until the end of WWII.
Even though the Nebotičnik cafe is THE place to enjoy the view, you can also check out the lounge on the 11th floor and make a reservation for a romantic dinner at the 10th-floor restaurant.
8. Spend a day in Tivoli Park
Ljubljana is a green city, and the largest green surface in the town is Tivoli Park (map). This is quite a large park, so I suggest taking a whole day (or at least most of it) to explore (and enjoy) it.
Pack a picnic and set out for Rožnik – take this trail to reach the Church of Virgin Mary’s Visitation (map), yet another pink church! The hike is not too challenging, and you’ll get to an amazing picnic spot.
If you don’t feel like hiking, you can hit the pool. The Tivoli swimming pool (map) is a great spot to escape the summer heat, and it’s popular among the locals, so you’ll get to feel like one of them.
Also, take some time to walk around the park – there are many walking paths, benches where you can sit down to rest, and some cool statues and fountains. And the final thing to do in Tivoli (and possibly the best) is visit the zoo! The Ljubljana Zoo is situated within the park and is home to more than 100 animal species.
NOTE: I do not recommend walking across the park to reach the zoo – it’s quite far and the walk can be tiring. More information on how to get there is provided below.
PRICE: Pool (per person): €7.5/weekdays, €8.5/weekends; Zoo (per person): €11.5/adults, €7.5/kids
Getting to the zoo: Catch bus No.18 from the Konzorcij bus stop (map) in the city center and get down at Živalski vrt stop (map). The zoo is just a 2-minute walk away from the bus stop.
9. Go shopping at CityPark
If you’re the type of person who likes to shop when traveling, then you’ll appreciate my advice on this. Like in any other major city, you can do some shopping in the city center, but it’s way better if you hit the city’s best shopping center – CityPark (map)!
CityPark offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes, so I’m sure you’ll be able to spend most of the day here. And if you’re wondering where to stop for a bite, you can’t go wrong with a Lars&Sven burger (map).
Getting there: Get on bus No.27 from the Pošta bus stop (map) and get down at BTC-uprava (map). Once you get down from the bus, you’ll see CityPark – it’s a few minutes away on foot.
10. Have a fun time at the House of Illusions
Wondering what to do in Ljubljana for fun? If so, head to the House of Illusions, an interactive museum where you’ll see many optical illusions and try many fun activities.
My favorites were the ‘upside-down room’ and the ‘Ames room.’ I didn’t enjoy the Vortex Tunnel – it was quite dizzying and confusing. If you struggle with vertigo, it’s better to avoid it, but you should have no problem with the rest of the museum.
PRICE: €11/person
11. Embark on a cruise on the Ljubljanica River
I’ve already mentioned the Ljubljanica River a few times, and I couldn’t talk about Ljubljana and things to do without recommending a river cruise. The cruise lasts for 45 mins – that’s plenty of time to go up and down the river and see some of the major attractions but from a different perspective.
The Ljubljana tourist boat operates throughout the year, except when it’s raining heavily. Otherwise, it’s heated in winter, so you can still have a very pleasant cruise. Tickets are available here.
PRICE: €14/adults, €7/kids
12. Sip some coffee and enjoy the view at Park Špica
Whenever I’m visiting a new city, I like to discover cool coffee spots. And I had plenty of time in Ljubljana to discover plenty of cool places, but nothing beats Park Špica (map). It’s an amazing park on the riverfront with a very relaxing atmosphere.
You can bring your own coffee and sit by the river – keep your eyes peeled for the otters swimming in the river – or you can choose to order a drink from the coffee shop.
Getting there: Start from Tromostovje and walk South along the river for 1.5 km (1 mile). Follow this map, and you’ll be there in just 20 minutes.
13. Enjoy a ride on the Urban train
If you’ve been in Ljubljana for a day or 2, you’ve probably seen a green train driving along the city streets. That’s the Urban train and it’s one the ultimate ways to do some sightseeing, especially if you’re a bit tired of walking.
The train ride lasts between 1h 15 mins to 1h 30 mins, depending on the traffic, and it will take you across the city and stop at several important landmarks. At each stop, you can get off the train and briefly explore your surroundings. The train will deliver you back to the starting point, in front of Ljubljana’s Town Hall (map).
PRICE: €10/adults per ride, €6/kids per ride
14. Walk around the Central Market
The Ljubljana Central Market (map) is equally beloved by tourists and locals alike. This indoor/outdoor market offers a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, and fresh pastries.
If you’re going on any day of the week, get yourself some delicious fruit and a pastry and chat with some of the vendors – they are super friendly and eager to share more about their products. And if you happen to visit on a Friday afternoon between March and October, you’ll get to attend the Odprta kuhna (Open Kitchen) event and get some tasty street food.
15. Try traditional Slovenian food at Slovenska Hiša
Trying traditional food in the country you’re visiting is one of the best experiences – at least, that’s the case for me. However, choosing a restaurant to try traditional dishes can be a bit of a challenge.
I’ve been to a few places serving Slovenian food, and I can tell you that Slovenska Hiša (map) is one of the best restaurants in Ljubljana. Some of the things you should definitely try are the Carniolan sausage, Karst prosciutto, and fresh ‘štruklji’ – Slovenia’s take on dumplings.
NOTE: Slovenska Hiša is also available at another location (map), but I haven’t been there myself. However, if this is more convenient for you, I say go for it – one of my friends was really impressed with their service, and they have great online reviews.
16. Admire the graffiti art at Metelkova Mesto
There’s no better place to see street art in Ljubljana than Metelkova Mesto (map), an autonomous culture zone near the city center. Formerly an army headquarters, the space has been transformed into an artistic space, where each building is covered with graffiti.
The best way to experience the art is to visit during the day because, at night, Metelkova is the main party hub in the city. Needless to say, there will be plenty of people and you won’t be able to see the art.
If you like partying, you can have a fun night out in Metelkova. To be honest, the party scene there was a bit too intense for me – too many people (a lot of them drunk), excessively loud music, and even some drugs. You will be in no danger if you’re just exercising regular precautions, and if you’re a party animal, I’m sure you’ll have a blast!
17. Sign up for the Union Experience Tour
Union is Ljubljana’s beer, and if you ask any local, they will tell you it’s the best beer the country has to offer. I have to agree with this – it’s an amazing beer, and it will taste even better after you go on the Union Experience Tour.
FUN FACT: Union and Laško are the 2 most popular beer brands in Slovenia, and there’s a sort of rivalry between the two. There’s the never-ending question – ‘which is the better beer’ – that no one has been able to answer yet.
The tour takes about 2 hours, during which a guide will tell you about the history of Union beer, share some cool details about the production process, and, of course, you can sample some of the brewery’s finest beers.
PRICE: €15.5
18. Check out some museums and art galleries
Ljubljana has plenty of museums and galleries, and I’ve been to all of them – except one. I couldn’t bring myself to choose just one to recommend, so I decided to recommend a few.
Starting with art galleries, I recommend a visit to both the Museum of Modern Art Ljubljana and the National Gallery. They’re right across the road from each other, so you can easily do both of them in the span of a few hours.
As for museums, I really enjoyed the National Museum of Slovenia, and I’ve been back to the City Museum of Ljubljana numerous times – they always have some new (and cool) exhibitions. It also helps that the coffee shop at the City Museum serves possibly the best coffee in Ljubljana!
PRO TIP: On the first Sunday of each month, entrance to nearly all museums and art galleries in Ljubljana is free for everyone. If you happen to be there at the start of the month, make sure to make the most of it.
19. Rent a bike and ride around the city
Yet another thing that surprised me about Ljubljana is the sheer number of people on bikes. Everywhere you look, someone is riding a bike – even when the weather’s not that great. I didn’t see what’s so great about it until I started doing it myself – and it’s amazing!
As a tourist, you (most likely) won’t have a bicycle with you, but the city has thought of that. The BicikeLJ service operates on a subscription basis – you pay a weekly (or a yearly) fee, and you get access to the city’s bicycles.
Once you get a bike from one of the designated stations, you need to dock it at any other BicikeLJ station within 60 minutes – otherwise, you’ll be charged an additional fee. No worries – there are plenty of stations around the city, and you can get almost anywhere within the hour.
Get the app (available both for Android and iOS) to find the locations of all docking stations and learn how to rent and return your bike.
PRICE: €1/week
20. Stop for a rest at Congress Square
After walking around the city for a long time, you’ll want a rest. My favorite place to stop for a rest was Kongresni Trg (map), i.e., Congress Square. There is a small but super cozy park at the square where you can sit in the shade, do some people-watching, and admire the surrounding buildings.
Lining the square, you’ll see the University of Ljubljana building and the Slovenian Philharmonic Building – both very impressive buildings. During summer, there are many events at Congress Square, so you might even get to see a play or a musical performance.
21. Take a guided tour to Lake Bled
There are plenty more things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia, but I recommend getting away from the city for a day and taking a guided tour of Lake Bled. This is one of Slovenia’s must-visit spots and it’s super close to Ljubljana, so you can easily do it in a single day.
The ride to Bled takes a little over an hour, and once you get there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, take a boat ride to a small island in the lake, and visit a cool castle.
You should definitely do all of these things while in Bled, but there’s another thing you absolutely have to try – Bled cream cake! This is, IMO, the best dessert Slovenia has to offer and it’s best enjoyed in Bled, the point of origin for this delicious cake.
PRICE: €70
22. Try laser tag at Woop Ljubljana
Before I wrap up, I wanted to recommend something extra fun. And what’s more fun than games? Well, not much, especially if you go with Woop Ljubljana. This is an activity organizer that offers a variety of cool things at 9 different locations in the city.
My favorite Woop activity was laser tag – it was super fun. However, this is a group activity, so if you’re traveling solo (after all, Slovenia is one the best countries for female solo travel) or as a couple, you might want to try karting or bowling – both super fun!
PRICE: €39/game for 4-6 players
23. Plan a fun day trip from Ljubljana
Last, and maybe a bit unusual, I want to recommend taking at least 1 day trip from Ljubljana. The city is ideally located for exploring the rest of the country, as well as some neighboring countries. I’ve done a few day trips from Ljubljana, so I can tell you about my favorite ones.
First up, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle; for this, I recommend booking a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets because the lines can get super long and exhaust you at the very start. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Then, I recommend visiting either Zagreb or Trieste – or both. I took Flixbus to Zagreb, and the trip took around 3 hours with a couple of stops (border crossing, a break). For Trieste, I recommend renting a car and driving there. It takes just over an hour, and it’s more convenient than a bus or a train.
Where to stay in Ljubljana
Whenever you’re visiting a new place, you’ll need a place to stay. We do have a dedicated post on the best places to stay in Ljubljana, but if you need to book quickly, here are the best hotels in each price category.
Luxury (€230 and up)
- The Hotel Ljubljana – this 4-star hotel is situated in the center of Ljubljana and offers air-conditioned rooms, a garden, and access to a shared lounge. An à la carte breakfast is served daily, and parking is available at an extra charge.
- InterContinental – Ljubljana – a 5-star hotel with a spa and wellness center that boasts panoramic views of the city, and a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy local and international cuisine.
Mid-range (€100 – €230)
- Hotel Slamič Ljubljana – this historic B&B is situated in a townhouse in a central location, has elegant interiors, and features marble floors and wooden furniture. Complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast are available at the hotel.
- Hotel Mrak Superior – a pet-friendly hotel provides accommodation in rooms with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available daily for an extra fee.
Budget (up to €100)
- AdHoc Hostel – with private rooms and dormitory beds, this hostel is in a central location in the Old Town, provides access to shared bathroom facilities, and arranges airport transfers.
- Ljubljana Capsule Hostel – this capsule hotel offers express check-in and check-out, a shared bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. This is a great choice if you’re traveling on a budget and want some privacy.
Practical Information
In the following section, I’ll give you some practical info that’ll come useful when you visit Ljubljana.
How to get around
Public Transport
The only mode of public transportation in Ljubljana is the bus service. Luckily, they’re very punctual and provide great connectivity.
The only way to use the buses is with the Urbana card – this is a contactless prepaid card that you’ll use to pay the bus fare. A single ride costs €1.30, and it’s valid for 90 minutes, regardless of how many times you switch buses.
The Urbana card is available for purchase in nearly all kiosks, supermarkets, and tobacco shops. You can also get the Urbana mobile app and use that instead of a physical card. You can use a single card to pay for multiple rides at once – you just need to tell the driver you’ll be paying for 2 or 3 people.
Some bus lines operate later into the night, so you can even catch a ride after a night out. They always stop at all designated stops on their route, so you don’t have to worry about missing the bus. More info on bus schedules is available on the LPP website.
Taxis
A great alternative to public transport in Ljubljana are taxis. They’re quite safe and reliable, and compared to other European capitals, inexpensive. Depending on the company you choose, the starting fee ranges from €0.80 to €1.50, and the cost per km is between €0.70 to €1.70.
However, it’s always better to order a taxi instead of just flagging down one on the street. The price can double if you just flag a taxi, especially on the weekends or at night. While I lived in Ljubljana, I always used Taxi Laguna and never had an issue with it. Plus, you can order a car through their website – no need to call!
All about SIM cards
Staying connected while abroad is extremely important, so Internet access is a must! To get Internet access, you either need to get an eSIM for international travel or a physical SIM card from a local provider.
Here are some of the providers I’ve used in the past:
- Airalo – an eSIM provider
- Telemach – a SIM card with local calls and data at affordable prices
- A1 Slovenija – calls, high-speed data, and data transfers within the EU
If you want to get an eSIM, Airalo is the best option on the market. But in case your phone doesn’t support the technology, I recommend Telemach as they’re affordable and have great customer service.
FAQs about the best things to do in Ljubljana
💯 Is Ljubljana worth visiting?
Yes! Ljubljana doesn’t get the recognition it deserves and it absolutely warrants a visit. It has plenty to offer in terms of attractions and activities, accommodation, dining, and nightlife, and I’m quite sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this city.
📅 How long do you need in Ljubljana?
Even though you can explore Ljubljana for a month and still discover new things, 5 to 7 days is the ideal amount of time to see the top attractions, try some local food, and take at least one day trip.
🌃 Is Ljubljana safe at night?
Yes, Ljubljana is one of the safest cities in Europe, even at night. I have walked home alone at night countless times and have never had something unpleasant happen to me, which is why I always recommend it to solo female travelers.
💶 Is Ljubljana an expensive city?
Ljubljana is not as expensive as some other cities in Europe, but it’s also not cheap. Accommodation and dining in the city center can get quite pricey, and these costs have been steadily increasing in recent years.
🚶🏽 Is Ljubljana a walkable city?
Ljubljana is a very walkable city – you can easily get to all the main attractions on foot, even hike up to the castle. However, if you don’t feel like walking, the bus network is really great and very easy to figure out.
Final words on the best things to do in Ljubljana
We’ve reached the end of this guide on the best things to do in Ljubljana. I hope that you found quite a few things to add to your itinerary and you’ve already booked some of them.
In case you only have a limited time in Ljubljana and need to choose just a couple of activities, these are my 2 favorites:
- Classic City Tour – this free walking tour will take you through the most important points in the city and teach you a bit about their history.
- A tour of Lake Bled – even though not in Ljubljana, this is the best day trip you can take from the city
Hurry up and book your spot on these tours! Ljubljana is teeming with tourists, especially during the summer months, and you don’t want to miss a chance to experience these tours.
If you have any questions on what to do in Ljubljana, or where to stay, or what to eat, drop them in the comment section. I’m more than happy to answer all of your questions and help you fall in love with this city the same way I did.
Enjoy Ljubljana,
Hristina
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