Where to Stay in Ljubljana → 5 TOP Tourist Areas

Ever heard of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, with its dragon symbols (and legends), stunning nature, and rich history? If you have, chances are that you have already started planning your visit and if so, you’ve probably been wondering where to stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Well, you ended up in the right place! I lived in Ljubljana for nearly 3 years, and in that time, I learned all the ins and outs of the city, so now I can tell you about the best areas to stay in Ljubljana, the top spots to visit, and the ultimate things to try. 

The best place to stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia, especially for first-time visitors, is Ljubljana Old Town, with its charming architecture, amazing restaurants, and cute shops. Besides Old Town, I also chose 4 other areas that are great options for your Ljubljana stay. So you can take your pick. 

But that’s not all! I also handpicked the very best hotels for each recommended area and in every price category, so whatever type of traveler you are, you’ll find something that works for you. Just keep in mind that hotels in Ljubljana sell out super quickly, so you’ll need to book in advance! 

Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Want to book your Ljubljana hotel right away? Check out the best hotels in Ljubljana Old Town: 

Here’s a map to help you visualize all the Ljubljana areas I will be talking about in the post:

1. Old Town – where to stay in Ljubljana for the first time

With a central location and a charming atmosphere, the Ljubljana Old Town is undoubtedly one of the top spots to stay in the capital city! 

Situated on the right bank of the Ljubljanica River and nestled just below Castle Hill, the Old Town is the best area to stay in Ljubljana for first-time visitors to the city. 

The first thing you should know about Ljubljana’s Old Town is that it’s a pedestrian zone – no cars or buses are allowed! The best way to explore this part of the city is on foot, but if you don’t feel like walking, you can rent one of the city bikes! The BicikeLJ service has bike-renting stations, and a weekly subscription is just €1 (US$1.07). 

PRO TIP: if you have difficulty getting around the city, you can always hail the Kavalir – the small green buggies you’ll certainly see around the city. The Kavalir operates every day between 6.00 a.m. and 10 p.m., and it’s completely free of charge! But if you can walk, leave your spot for the older generation and people with mobility issues. 

As soon as you arrive in Old Town, you’ll want to start exploring, so let me give you a few pointers on where to start and what to see! Embark from Tromostovje (map), Ljubljana’s famed Triple Bridge, and head East towards Mestni trg (map), where you’ll see the Ljubljana Town Hall and a replica of an 18th-century fountain. 

From Mestni Trg (or City Square), head North to Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral (map), known for its intricately designed doors and baroque interior. Take some time to admire the doors of the cathedral – they are adorned with sculptures that showcase Slovenian history – it’s extremely cool! 

The next stop on your itinerary should be the Central Market (map), where you’ll find both an indoor and an outdoor market, as well as vendors selling delicious street food. And if you happen to be there on a Friday afternoon between mid-March and late October, stick around for the Open Kitchen (Odprta kuhna) event, where you can try a variety of dishes from around the world – be sure to bring an appetite! 

The Central Market is also a great starting point for exploring one of the city’s main landmarks – the Ljubljana Castle (map). There are a couple of ways to get to the castle – you can take the Ljubljana Castle Funicular from Krek Square (map) or take one of the walking trails up to the castle. 

NOTE: I personally prefer taking Študentovska pot from Vodnik Square (map) – it has safety fencing, and the climb up is not too steep. 

I could go on and on about the Ljubljana Old Town, but my best advice is to just roam around the streets of the Old Town, explore the side alleyways, and do some souvenir shopping in one of the many shops. Looking to relax with a drink? Head to Pritličje (map) at Mestni trg – it’s my favorite place to grab a drink in Old Town. 

And finally, I couldn’t end this section without talking about Romeo and Juliet, or, more precisely, Cafe Romeo (map) and Julija (map), 2 amazing restaurants named after the ill-fated lovers from Verona, situated opposite each other. 

TIP: if in Cafe Romeo, order one of the crepes – it’s the house specialty, and one of the best crepes you’ll ever try in your life! 

Other accommodation options in Old Town

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Since the Old Town is the most popular place to stay in Ljubljana, I decided to give you a few more recommendations for your stay – just in case everything else is booked for your dates. But keep in mind that the following hotels are suited to luxury travelers, as there aren’t too many mid-range and budget options in Ljubljana’s historic center.

• The Hotel Ljubljana – a 4-star hotel offering à la carte breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. 
• Allegro Hotel – situated in a historic building, this hotel boasts rooms with elegant furnishings, a bar, and a garden. 
• Vander Urbani Resort – this upscale hotel features a rooftop terrace, a seasonal outdoor pool, a library, and much more. 

Things to do in Old Town

• Wander around Mestni Trg and admire the architecture
• Admire the famous doors of the Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral
• Explore the stalls at the Central Market
• Go up to Ljubljana Castle
• Enjoy a delicious cocktail at Pritličje
• Have an early dinner at Julija and grab dessert at Cafe Romeo

2. City Center – best place to stay in Ljubljana for luxury

Situated right across the Old Town, on the other bank of the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana’s City Center has a vibrant atmosphere and is perfect for those who want to stay in upscale hotels, enjoy fine dining, and shop. 

The city center’s focal point is Prešern Square (map). This popular meeting point for locals provides easy access to all the top spots in the city center. The Old Town is just across the Triple Bridge from Prešern Square, so you have plenty of opportunities to explore. 

At Prešern Square, you can also see The City Model of Ljubljana, a miniature model of the city, the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (map), recognizable for its pink facade, and, of course, a monument to France Prešeren, Slovenia’s national poet. 

While staying in the city center, you’ll never be in want of things to do! Whether you decide to catch an event at Kongresni Trg (map) – there’s always something going on during the summer months – enjoy a drink with a view at Nebotičnik – Skyscraper (map), or explore the National Museum of Slovenia, you’ll definitely be entertained! 

As far as museums go, my personal favorite is the Natural History Museum of Slovenia! It has a huge collection of fossils and plants, and you get to learn a lot about the natural world! If you have to pick only one museum to visit in the city center, this is the one you should visit. 

PRO TIP: The entrance to all of the city’s museums is free on the first Sunday of the month (as well as on some holidays). If you happen to be visiting during the beginning of the month, wait until Sunday for your museum visit. 

The Ljubljana city center also provides easy access to the city’s largest green surface – Tivoli Park (map). The park is a must-visit when in Ljubljana, especially if you’re traveling with kids; the little ones will have plenty of fun in the park, especially if you take them to the zoo. 

NOTE: the Ljubljana Zoo is a bit further inside the park, and if you’re going with kids, I suggest taking the bus instead of walking. Hop on bus No.18 from the Konzorcij bus stop (map) and get down at Živalski vrt – the zoo is just a 2-minute walk away from the bus stop. More info on Ljubljana buses is available here. 

If you’re an art buff, you should make a stop before you enter Tivoli Park! Right before the entrance to the park, you’ll find the National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art Ljubljana. I personally prefer the Museum of Modern Art (it has a very nice cafe, too!), but both are worth a visit if you have the time! 

As I mentioned, the city center is Ljubljana’s main hub for dining and shopping, so if you’re looking for recommendations on that front, I’ll direct you to the Kavarna Zvezda at Hotel Slon (map) – the ideal spot for cake and coffee. For shopping, explore the shops along Čopova Ulica (map) and Wolfova Ulica (map)

Other accommodation options in City Center

Things to do in City Center

• Check out all the landmarks at Prešern Square
• Attend an event at Kongresni Trg
• Spend a fun day at the House of Illusions Museum
• Have coffee and enjoy the views from Nebotičnik – Skyscraper
• Learn new things at the National Museum of Slovenia
• Enjoy some outdoor time at Tivoli Park
• Do some shopping along Čopova Ulica and Wolfova Ulica
• Sample some cakes at Kavarna Zvezda at Hotel Slon

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3. Poljane – the best place to stay in Ljubljana on a budget

Do you want to be close to all the action but not pay a fortune for accommodation? Then I recommend finding accommodation in Poljane, a neighborhood located just East of Old Town! This is primarily a residential neighborhood, but all the attractions of the Old Town and the city center are just a short walk away! 

Wherever I’m in this part of the city, I like to take a relaxing walk along Poljanski Nasip; I start off at Dragon Bridge (map), Ljubljana’s most famous bridge, and walk along the riverside promenade all the way to Ljubljanica Sluice Gate (map). 

The walk is very picturesque, and you probably won’t meet too many people along the way. Before you head back, stop for a rest at Ambrožev trg (map) and enjoy the surrounding nature. 

As I already mentioned, this is a residential area, so there aren’t too many notable attractions, which is perfect for people looking for a quiet stay, as well as for couples looking for a secluded spot for a romantic getaway. But don’t worry – the city center, the castle, and the Old Town are no more than a 10 to 15-minute walk away! 

Since you won’t find too many tourist activities in the neighborhood, Poljane is the ideal place to take some day trips while in Ljubljana. Plus, the main bus/train station is a 15-minute walk away, so organizing the trip is simple, too. 

One of the best spots for a day trip from Ljubljana is Lake Bled, with its stunning castle and rich history. You can hop on the bus and be there in just over an hour. Other great spots for a day trip are Lake Bohinj, the seaside towns of Koper and Izola, and, if you’re up for a bigger adventure, catch the train to Trieste. 

NOTE: the Ljubljana Bus Station has a very good website where you can get all the necessary info about schedules and tickets. You can purchase tickets directly on the website, and if possible, I recommend taking a day trip during the weekend (Saturday, Sunday) – bus tickets are significantly cheaper on weekends! 

Other accommodation options in Poljane

Things to do in Poljane

• Enjoy the river views in Ambrožev trg
• Have a relaxing along Poljanski Nasip
• Visit the art gallery Cukrarna
• Take a day trip to Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj
• Explore the nearby neighborhood of Prule and stop for coffee at Park Špica (map)

4. Metelkova – where to stay in Ljubljana for nightlife

Are you looking for a super artsy area to stay in Ljubljana? I have the perfect one! Metelkova is located 2 km (1 mile) away from the Old Town, and it attracts people from the art scene in Slovenia and other European countries. Besides being proclaimed as an autonomous culture zone, Metelkova is also the main hub of Ljubljana nightlife. 

This is the coolest neighborhood, and it has a fascinating history, underground clubs, art galleries, and interesting museums! Metelkova Art Center, the main attraction here, used to be the headquarters of the Army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Yugoslav National Army. How the times have changed!

Now you’ll find around 7 buildings, all covered in graffiti that look as if someone took them from a movie scene! It’s not just street art. You’ll also find exhibitions here and many other incredible things to see.

There are a couple of museums here that are definitely worth your time! The Slovene Ethnographic Museum shows exhibitions on Slovenian culture, but also many other cultures, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova always has something new to surprise you – it’s one of my favorite museums in Ljubljana. 

The train station is also super close to the area, only a 10 minute walk away. So if you want to take any day trips, you know where to go, Metelkova is another great spot to make your base. 

NOTE: there are no luxury hotels in this area, but if you want to be extra comfortable during your trip, the InterContinental – Ljubljana and the Grand Plaza Hotel are some of the most luxurious hotels in the city and just a 10-minute walk from Metelkova. 

Other accommodation options in Metelkova

Things to do in Metelkova

• Admire the art at Metelkova Art Center
• Catch an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova
• Party the night away at Menza pri koritu club (map)
• Learn new things at the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum
• Relax in Tabor Park (map)

5. Trnovo – where to stay in Ljubljana for a local experience

If you want to stay close to the Old Town or Ljubljana’s City Center, but you’re not really a big fan of crowds and that non-stop city noise, you might consider a closer alternative! Trnovo is a laid-back district situated just a short walk (10 minutes) South of the City Centre and the Old Town! It’s the perfect fit for people who want to experience the local atmosphere that tourists often miss out on!

Are you a big fan of these types of areas? I sure am!

As soon as you venture into Trnovo, you’ll get to explore one of the most picturesque parts of the district – the smaller neighborhood of Krakovo! This is one of the oldest suburbs in the city, and once upon a time, it was a fishing village! People call it the Montmartre of Ljubljana, as it has the most charming architecture and cute cottages!

Krakovo is situated along the River, so you can get some pretty iconic views from here! In terms of attractions, you’ve got some nice ones, like the Hradecky Bridge (map). This is one of the first hinged bridges in the world and the first and only preserved cast-iron bridge in Slovenia!

Once you’re done exploring Krakovo – it’s quite small, so you’ll be done soon – you can move on to exploring the rest of the Trnovo district. One of the main landmarks in the area is the Parish church of John the Baptist (map), which boasts impressive architecture and some beautiful frescoes. 

FUN FACT: the Slovenian national poet, France Prešeren, has a muse by the name of Julija Primic, to whom he dedicated many of his sonnets. According to legend, the poet first met and fell in love with Julija in this very church! 

During your stay in Trnovo, I also recommend you visit Plečnik House, the former home of Ljubljana’s most famous architect, which has now been transformed into a museum. If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, go for a walk in Park Gradaščica (map), a lovely green surface along the banks of the small River Gradaščica that flows through the neighborhood. 

I couldn’t end this section without talking about one of my favorite things to do in this neighborhood – grabbing a drink! The Apotheka cocktail bar (map) is my go-to spot; it has a very chill vibe and delicious drinks at more affordable prices. So, if you want to have a night out without dealing with crowds in Old Town, Trnovo is the spot to be. 

Other accommodation options in Trnovo

Things to do in Trnovo

• Admire the river views from the Hradecky Bridge and snap some photos
• Visit the Parish church of John the Baptist
• Learn more about Ljubljana’s architectural history at the Plečnik House
• Take a relaxing stroll in Park Gradaščica
• Grab a drink at Apotheka cocktail bar
• Check out the Roman Wall (map) in the nearby Mirje neighborhood

FAQs about where to stay in Ljubljana

📍 Where to stay in Ljubljana for the first time?

The best place to stay in Ljubljana for the first time is Old Town, with its gorgeous architecture and vicinity to the Ljubljana Castle. The top hotels for a stay in Old Town are the Lesar Hotel Angel and Bloom Hotel. 

📅 How many days do you need in Ljubljana?

If you stay in Ljubljana for 3 – 4 days you will have plenty of time to explore all the attractions and even to take some day trips to places like Lake Bled. 

🚶Is Ljubljana walkable?

Yes, Ljubljana is a very walkable city! If you stay in any of the areas recommended in this article, you can easily walk almost everywhere, and if you don’t feel like walking, you can always rely on public transportation – it’s super reliable! 

🌃 Is it safe to walk around Ljubljana at night?

Yes, it’s quite safe to walk around Ljubljana at night. In all my time living there, I never had any trouble walking at night as a solo female. However, you should still exercise caution and stay on well-lit streets. 

🚌 How do you travel around Ljubljana?

You can get around Ljubljana on foot, but you can also use public transportation, rent one of the city bikes, and call a taxi. 

💶 Is Ljubljana an expensive city?

Ljubljana is a moderately expensive city; it’s much more affordable than some Western European capitals, but it’s one of the most expensive cities in Southern and Eastern Europe. 

🌃 Which are the best hotels in Ljubljana?

🚌 Can you do a day trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana?

Yes, you can easily do a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. The bus ride takes a little over an hour, but you can also rent a car and drive there yourself. 

Final words on the best places to stay in Ljubljana

What a stunning city! I hope this post inspired you to plan a trip to the city and helped you decide where to stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and which hotel to pick.

That might be hard, though, since most of them are so incredibly beautiful! So here are my top 2 Ljubljana hotels, both located in the Old Town:

• Lesar Hotel Angel – an elegant hotel in a prime location with a bar and a garden
• Bloom Hotel – a boutique hotel with a terrace offering an amazing breakfast

Trust me when I say that these hotels will sell out so fast. Booking in advance will save you a lot of money and save time that you’ll end up spending looking for another great place.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below, and I’ll answer them as quickly as possible!

Safe travels,

Hristina

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