7 Days & 10 TOP Spots for First-Timers

Hello traveler, headed to Slovenia? I’m so happy the road takes you here because Slovenia is one of my favorite countries in the world! I live nearby and have visited on numerous occasions, falling more and more in love each time. This means this Slovenia itinerary comes from a special place in my heart.  

In this guide, I share my tried-and-true itinerary from my 7-day stay when we rented a car and toured the country from East to West, North to South. I’ve got you covered with all the major (and some hidden) spots, best hotels, tips on car rentals, getting around the country, and so much more fun stuff!

Use this itinerary as a step-by-step guide or just for inspiration, it’s totally up to you! But remember to plan ahead and definitely book your tickets and hotels in advance to secure the best deals!

Days: 7
Cost: €700 if traveling on a tight budget, around €1000 for mid-range travelers, infinity and beyond if you are a luxury traveler
Transportation: car
Best luxury hotels in the itinerary: Ljubljana, Bled, Maribor
Best mid-range hotels: Ljubljana, Bled, Maribor
Best budget accommodation: Ljubljana, Bled, Maribor

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here’s a quick overview of all the stops in our 7-day Slovenia itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Ljubljana (optional day trips to Postojna Cave and Predjama)
• Day 3: Leave Ljubljana and explore Bled
• Day 4: Bled (with Bohinj & Vintgar Gorge)
• Day 5: Leave Bled for Maribor (pass by Celje)
• Day 6: Leave Maribor for Ljubljana (pass by Ptuj)
• Day 7: Departure from Ljubljana

NOTE: This is a car-first itinerary. If you’re doing the itinerary on public transport, base yourself in Ljubljana and Bled and take trains, buses, or tours to the other places on the list.

Day 1-2: Ljubljana

● Why visit: capital city, charming architecture
● Key activity: Ljubljana Castle, walking the Old Town
● Estimated daily budget: €150

We’re starting this Slovenia itinerary from the very heart and soul of the country – its capital! After all, it’s also where the main international airport is! I’m assuming you’ll land early in the morning or the night before, so on Day 1, we cover a whole day’s worth of activities.

By the way, if you still haven’t bought your plane tickets, you can find good deals on Skyscanner. Feel free to check it out!

Ljubljana is hands down one of the most charming capitals in Europe. It’s so tiny, well-up-kept, and comfortable to walk around. In short – it’s super inviting. At least this was my impression!

On your Day 1, you want to get to know as much of Ljubljana as possible! And honestly, Ljubljana is so small you can see all of it in 1 or 2 days max.

Ljubljana means “the loved one” in the Slovenian language! Indeed, the city is super lovable thanks to its amazing architecture, hospitable people, and delicious food!

The highlights are definitely the Old Town with its charming Prešeren Square (map). I say start your trip here! I visited Ljubljana on multiple occasions, but once it was for a polyglot conference, and this square was the main gathering point for when we would go on walks together.

There’s also the charming medieval Ljubljana Castle (map) located on a hill with the best panoramic views of Ljubljana, it’s definitely a must! They have film screenings, shows, and exhibitions going on in the castle daily, so it’s a nice experience to enjoy with the whole family! Entrance is €16 per person with a return funicular ride up and down the hill.

TIP: If you don’t want to enter the castle, you can just pay €3.30 for a one-way funicular ride, walk around the castle and admire the views, and descend on foot. Honestly, the best part of the castle is free anyway (walking on the ramparts).

We have a whole article on things to do in Ljubljana from a local’s perspective, so feel free to check it out for more details!

FUN FACT: While most cities have snack and water vending machines, Ljubljana is one of the few places in the world boasting raw milk vending machines! Yup, you can get yourself healthy, fresh milk (if there’s any left, they’re quick to sell) in machines like these.

In terms of hotels, I definitely recommend staying close to the Old Town. I myself once stayed in the very center, and once some 15 minutes on foot from the main square, and it worked great both times! You’ll find my list of best hotels for this itinerary below!

Day 1 in Ljubljana

• Have breakfast in My Dumplings of Slovenia (map)
• Explore the central market (map)
• Walk the streets and bridges of the old town (incl. Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge)
• (Optional) Join the iconic free tour of Ljubljana (map)
• Take the funicular to Ljubljana Castle (allow 3 hours for this)
• Have dinner in a restaurant of choice on Ciril Metodov Trg (map)
• Go wine tasting at Wine Bar Šuklje (map)

Day 2 in Ljubljana

For Day 2, I suggest a small day tour to local area highlights – Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle! There are half-day tours that last 6 hours (and a slightly shorter but much cheaper 5-hour version) so you’ll still have time to explore Ljubljana in the evening!

But don’t worry – if you’re not interested in this type of experience, there will still be things to do in Ljubljana on Day 2:

• Join a local Slovenian cuisine walking tour in Ljubljana
• Explore the local hip and art scene at AKC Metelkova mesto (map)
• Walk the gardens and paths of Tivoli Park, Ljubljana’s largest park (map)
• Enjoy craft beer at Pub Lajbah (map)

P.S. You can still combine these activities, especially the visit to the Tivoli Park and AKC Metelkova mesto after your Postojna Cave tour!

Where to stay in Ljubljana

As I previously mentioned, Ljubljana’s compact size makes it really convenient to explore on foot. But the closer you stay to the Old Town, the better!

I’ve chosen the 3 top-rated options for you below, but you can also get a better insight into Ljubljana’s touristy neighborhoods in our separate area guide available here!

• AS Boutique Hotel ($$$) – The absolute gem of Ljubljana, this boutique hotel is located right next to the main square. It has charming rooms ideal for couples, exceptional service, and the most beautiful design!
• Bloom Hotel ($$) – This 3-star hotel is also located in the very center, has a delicious free breakfast, freshly renovated rooms, and a super personal feel due to the small size.
• Center Ljubljana ($) – I stayed here during my last visit to Ljubljana and absolutely loved it. The rooms were clean and comfortable, we were just a short walk from the city center, and there was a really nice breakfast.

BONUS: I wanted to give a special mention to the C Punkt Hostel in Ljubljana. I stayed here on my first visit to Ljubljana and had a really nice time. The staff was more than welcoming (they spoke Serbian, which is my native language, and English, and we could communicate with ease). The location was just walking distance from the center, and we had a nice and clean twin double room.

Day 3: Leave Ljubljana and head to Bled (Julian Alps)

● Time: 45 min by car, 1 hour by bus
● Distance: 55 km (34 mi)
● How to get there: car is €25, bus is from €5
● Why visit: breathtaking nature
● Key activity: walking along the Bled Lake
● Estimated daily budget: €180

On Day 3 in Ljubljana, take your time to wake up, have breakfast, and maybe do some more sightseeing. Then, by noon, head to Bled, the ultimate picture-perfect destination of Slovenia! I’m sure you’ve seen pictures from the island cathedral above, maybe not even knowing it’s from here!

Now for a 7-day itinerary across Slovenia like this one, I suggest car hire. We rented a car for this itinerary (it was with Sixt) and found it super convenient. There are plenty of quick stops on the way between major attractions and a car makes them much more accessible.

For example, on our way to Bled, we made a quick stop at the picturesque town of Kranj (map), and I fell in love with the place! Colorful gardens, beautiful homes, cobblestone streets, mountain landscapes, and delicious food all in a super small, compact medieval town. I don’t remember a more iconic skyline of a medieval town in this part of Europe, and it’s just a 30-minute ride from Ljubljana, halfway to Bled.

FUN FACT: Kranj was the first capital of the Slovenes and the oldest settlement in the country with more than 6,000 years of history!

Now you can also take a bus and train to Bled, which, if you’re short on budget or time, is a more cost-efficient option than renting a car. Flixbus and some local bus companies take you directly to Bled, so I recommend this option as it takes just 1 hour and it’s cheaper (from €5). For the train, you’d have to take the Ljubljana-Lesce train and then take a bus to Bled, with the journey taking 1 hour 30 minutes and often at a higher price.

Bled is part of the Julian Alps region in Slovenia that also houses Mt. Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain peak, and Bohinj, another picturesque lake! This area is so stunning (it literally feels like Switzerland) and has so many wonderful hiking trails that you can easily spend days here.

Bled is one of the most romantic places I’ve been to in my life, and the 2 days we spent here after the active sightseeing in Ljubljana were amazing. So I recommend you take the 2 days to recharge your batteries in the lush surroundings of the Julian Alps!

Eat the most delicious local dessert, blejska kremna rezina (Bled cream cake, they sell it everywhere), and definitely bring some warm clothes as it gets chilly here even during summer nights!

By the way, I know you must be wondering how to get to that cathedral on the island in the middle of the lake!

There are traditional boats on the shore that’ll take you there on a tour! We visited on a rainy day, but it was still well worth it. There’s a nice café by the cathedral and a souvenir shop, too! The ride is around 20 minutes and it costs around €12 for a round trip. The boat usually waits for 30 minutes before it goes back to Bled. You can also rent your own boat (map) and go there yourself!

INSIDER TIP: Have seafood risotto in Oštarija Peglez’n (map)! This was the best meal I had in years, and on my second trip to Bled I came here specifically to have that risotto again.

INSIDER TIP 2: There are TONS of great spots to take pictures of the lake with the cathedral on the island. I recommend this one as well as the spots you’ll see when you start to climb to Blejski grad (map) from the lake, so definitely go there on foot! It’s a short 15-minute walk but a really steep one, so those breaks for photo shooting will be more than welcome.

Day 3 in Bled

• Relax from the trip by having the Bled cream cake in Kavarna Park (map)
• Walk along the shores of Lake Bled
• Take a traditional boat or rent one to get to the Bled Island cathedral (map)
• Visit the Bled Castle (map) for amazing insights into its medieval history (plan 2 hours)
• Have dinner in the legendary Oštarija Peglez’n

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Day 4: Bled and Bohinj

On Day 4, you’ll get to explore another iconic lake just a short drive from Bled! You can still do this part of the itinerary by public transport (but a car is recommended, of course), as there are buses between the 2 lakes that run every hour.

INSIDER TIP: Parking is available for free all along the road at Bohinj Lake, but it comes as first-come, first-served, so try to arrive as early as possible.

Day 4 in Bled and Bohinj

• Drive to the spectacular Vintgar Gorge (map)
• Head straight from Vintgar to Bohinj, arrive by the Church of St. John the Baptist (map)
• Spend a few hours swimming at Goldenhorn Beach (map)
• Explore the area some more and head back to Bled
• Have dinner with wine pairing in Old Cellar Bled (map)

Optional extras

The Julian Alps is a true paradise for nature lovers. If you’d rather spend more time here instead of going to another city (Maribor), you can use an extra day or 2 to explore more of its highlights:

• Go for a drive along the scenic Vršič Pass (map)
• Visit the Skofja Loka Castle and Museum (map)
• Be in awe of the beauty of Triglav National Park (map)
• Try some of the most popular hiking trails of Julian Alps
• Go rafting in the Soca River Valley (map)

Where to stay in Bled

Since Bled is our base for the stay in the Julian Alps, I cherry-picked some amazing spots you can stay here:

• Grand Hotel Toplice ($$$) – The perfect setting for Lake Bled, this old-world luxury hotel takes you back in time and is a treat for all the senses. The aesthetics, on-site spa, pool, and restaurant are all fabulous. Plus, the location is right by the lake!
• Hotel Park ($$) – One of the most iconic hotels in Bled (ask any local) with a lovely resort and a pool overlooking the lake. This is an affordable luxury option and a great alternative to Grand Hotel if that one’s too expensive for you.
• Old Bled House ($) – We stayed in this hotel and it was one of the greatest experiences ever! Romantic, walking distance to the lake and restaurants, and beyond beautiful.

BONUS: Special shoutout to Ribno Alpine Hotel and Penzion Pibernik. They’re a bit farther from the lake but are absolutely amazing and provide a more secluded, authentic experience.

Day 5: Leave Bled for Maribor

● Time: 2 hours
● Distance: 179 km (111 mi)
● How to get there: car is €30
● Why visit: authenticity, wine tasting
● Key activity: Visit Maribor Castle, go wine tasting
● Estimated daily budget: €150

Take your time on Day 5 to wake up, go for another stroll by the Bled lake, and (why not) have another blejska rezina! Then, hit the road for Maribor.

The ride from Bled to Maribor is just a bit over 2 hours, and the road takes you back to Ljubljana. From there, it’s a highway to Maribor and a very smooth ride.

If you’re traveling on public transport, you’ll have to take the bus back to Ljubljana and then take another one to Maribor. The ride takes around 4-5 hours total and I don’t recommend it. Instead, just stay in Ljubljana again and do the rest of the itinerary as day trips (or choose from other day trip ideas in the “Itinerary Customization” section below).

On Days 5 and 6, you’ll get to experience a more raw, natural Slovenia a bit off the main tourist path.

Maribor per se is not that much of an attraction. It’s the 2nd largest city in Slovenia and certainly has its charm, but it’s still small and you can basically see everything in 3 or 4 hours. What makes this trip special are the stops to the nearby towns and villages.

Plan to leave Bled around noon, and then make your way towards Maribor. I recommend getting off the highway at Celje and touring the town as it’s so picturesque! Then the scenic route from Celje to Maribor will blow you away as well!

Spend an hour or 2 exploring Celje, and definitely try to squeeze in the visit to Celje Castle (map). When we arrived here it was already too late to enter, but just look at how beautiful this fortification is!

Plan to arrive in Maribor in the early evening just so you can check in to your accommodation, relax a bit, and start exploring. First, head to the main square where all of the action takes place! Also, feel free to descend by the river and admire the sights as they’re beautiful! We spent a nice part of the afternoon here and it was truly romantic, with all the swans swimming in the Drava river during sunset.

Now as I said, Maribor is not a huge attraction, and it has a much calmer vibe from Ljubljana (and even Bled), but one thing that it’s known for by everyone is wine!

Maribor claims to have the oldest grape vine in the world that dates back to some 400 years ago! You can see it for free right on the street here!

Maribor is located in Slovenia’s most successful wine region, Podravje, and you can actually see vineyards basically everywhere you go! The hills everywhere in combination with the good quality soil are the perfect environment for grapes and winemaking! I definitely recommend a wine tour for those who are interested so you can get familiar with the wine of the region!

INSIDER TIP: Vodni Stolp (map) is the most scenic location in town to go wine tasting in the evening! Just make sure to have a nice dinner beforehand, and for this, try the iconic Restaurant Ancora (map).

Day 5 in Maribor

• Visit Celje Castle on your way to Maribor
• Start exploring Maribor from the central square (map)
• Descend by the river to make friends with local swans
• See the oldest vine tree in the world
• Have dinner in Restaurant Ancora

Where to stay in Maribor

These are the nicest hotels to stay in Maribor for one night:

• Habakuk Wellness & Event Hotel ($$$) – This hotel is a bit outside the city center, but it’s the closest it gets to luxury in Maribor (especially their Presidential Suite). They feature an indoor pool, and a fitness center, offer various hiking opportunities, and serve a really nice breakfast.
• Hotel City Maribor ($$) – Definitely the most popular hotel in Maribor with a central location, stylish rooms, a gym, and on-site parking. Their breakfast is delicious, and you can enjoy the nicest views of Drava river from your room!
• Fani&Rozi B&B ($) – Another top-rated property that’s super popular among travelers with a free breakfast and Wi-Fi. The rooms are freshly renovated, and the location is ideal, right on the riverwalk!

Day 6: Leave Maribor for Ljubljana (via Ptuj)

On the morning of Day 6, head to another one of Maribor’s attractions: Maribor Castle (map). The castle is just a short walk from the main square, and it’s surprisingly one of the best-organized places to learn about local history!

Then, I recommend heading back to Ljubljana, but with one very scenic stop to Ptuj.

Ptuj is the oldest city in Slovenia and one of Europe’s oldest gems as well! Its origins trace back to Roman times, and there’s a nice renovated castle here (map) as a testimony to the town’s rich past.

We walked here for about one hour and then went for lunch to the nearby Gostilna Rozika (map). They have a really nice terrace where you can try some local foods without the crowds.

Day 6

• Explore Maribor Castle
• Go back to Ljubljana via Ptuj
• Walk around Ptuj Castle and Old Town
• Free time in Ljubljana

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Day 7: Departure

That’s it! Your Slovenia itinerary ends in Ljubljana, where it started! Depending on your flight time, spend some more time exploring Ljubljana and then head for the airport at least 4 hours before your flight.

It’ll take you 30 minutes to drive to the airport, and then up to 20-30 minutes to return the car, leaving 2 and a half hours for check-in and border control, which will be just enough.

For us, the car rental return was seamless. We arrived at the outdoor parking, found the small stand where the guy from the rental company was, he checked the vehicle quickly and we were on our way to the terminal in no time. The process literally took less than 5 minutes, but always give yourself more time just in case. Luckily, we had a smooth ride and nothing to report or complain about.

If you’re traveling on public transport, bus line 28 departs hourly from the main bus station (map). However, I recommend pre-booking a private transfer as it’s faster and more convenient (unless you’re on a budget, of course).

Customizing the itinerary

Have more or less time for Slovenia? Say no more! My handy itinerary customizations below will help you make the most of your stay.

10-day itinerary

If you have 10 days to spare in Slovenia, you can manage to visit the Adriatic coast and some more really nice towns and natural attractions closer to Ljubljana.

You can choose whether you’d like to stay overnight on the coast overnight on Day 7 or head back to Ljubljana. I recommend sleeping in Koper or Portoroz and then heading back to Ljubljana on Day 8 just so the itinerary is more relaxed.

For the remainder of the days, definitely do day trips from Ljubljana.

• Tour the Adriatic coastline on Day 7, visit Koper, Izola, and Portoroz
• Head back to Ljubljana via Škofja Loka (map)
• Day trip to Soča Valley and Kranjska Gora on Day 9

4-day itinerary

If you have just 4 days in Slovenia, you can still see the absolute highlights!

TIP: On my first visit to Slovenia, I also stayed for 4 days, and my itinerary included Ljubljana, Trieste, and Venice in Italy! These cities are all nearby and there are frequent bus connections between them. Here’s an idea of how you can customize your itinerary to add more countries to the list!

FAQs about the Slovenia itinerary

Final thoughts

Our virtual Slovenia itinerary has come to an end! Hopefully, you found tons of useful information for your upcoming trip! Ideally, plan at least 7 days if you want to see the highlights from across Slovenia, but know that even 4 or 5 days will do!

I absolutely loved my time in Slovenia and can’t wait to go back, and I hope you make the same wonderful memories as I did!

Would you like to know something more about Slovenia or share your impressions of the read? Drop me a comment below!

Safe travels,

Darija

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