Hello! Welcome to the beautiful capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana! If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Ljubljana, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled along the banks of the serene Ljubljanica River, this enchanting city is a true gem of Europe, where medieval charm meets vibrant modernity. No matter if you’re into history, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Ljubljana has something for everyone. In today’s blog, we’ll uncover the 15 Best things to do in Ljubljana, so you can make the most of your visit to this captivating destination.
Ljubljana, often described as Europe’s green capital, boasts an eco-friendly spirit that you’ll notice as you explore its lush parks and car-free city center. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, taste the local delicacies at the Central Market, or explore the Ljubljana Castle, perched on the top of a hill. This city is full of experiences for every taste. So, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the 15 best things to do in Ljubljana and discover why this charming Slovenian capital is a must-visit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LJUBLJANA
- Ljubljana, the dragon city. Did you know that the dragon is the symbol of the capital of Slovenia? The dragon is very present all over the city and it is considered to be a protector of the city.
- Ljubljana is also known as the green city. In 2016, Ljubljana won the title of European Green Capital and it remains since then a leading city in terms of environmental good practices.
- Did you know that Ljubljana means “beloved” in Slovenian?
- Ljubljana has many fountains around the city. However, during the winter months, these are covered in protective wrapping to prevent the damage of the harsh weather.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SLOVENIA
- Book your flights with WayAway.com
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- Find the best activities to do like with Get Your Guide.
- Don’t forget to pack your Airtag to always help you locate your checked-in baggage.
- Remember to bring with you your portable battery and Insta360 Flow to capture the best photos and videos.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO VISIT LJUBLJANA?
How much time do you need to visit Ljubljana? Well, Ljubljana city center is quite small and walking friendly If you just want to visit the main tourist sites then a day or a day and a half is enough to get a good feeling of the city. This makes Ljubljana the perfect destination for a weekend trip!
However, if you have one or two additional days, there are many places nearby as day trips such as the super popular Lake Bled or the less visited Lake Bohijn.
THE 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LJUBLJANA
Before I begin with the best things to do in Ljubljana, I want to clarify two things:
- The things that I will list in this blog are in no particular order. The first one is not particularly better than the last one, so if you can’t do them all, feel free to choose the ones that interest you the most.
- At the end of this blog, I have compiled a map to help you locate all the places mentioned in this post.
1. Go for a stroll along the Ljubljanica River
Ljubljanica River runs along the center and old town of Ljubljana and is one of Ljubljana’s most notable landmarks. Walking along the riverbanks is the perfect way to get first contact with the chilled and relaxed ambiance the city of Ljubljana has to offer.
Picture this: It’s a warm summer day and you’re enjoying a pleasurable walk next to the river under the shadow of the trees. As you walk, you will notice charming and particular bridges and quaint riverside cafés and restaurants. Sound interesting, right? I promise you, it will not disappoint. Walking along the river was one of my favorite things to do in Ljubljana!
2. Discover the peculiar bridges in Ljubljana
While you’re walking along the riverbanks, make sure to stop at the different bridges that cross the Ljubljanica and admire them. These bridges are all a bit peculiar but full of charm. The most famous ones are:
- Triple Bridge: The Triple Bridge, as its name clearly shows are 3 bridges very close to one another. Originally, only the central bridge stood there. Later between 1929 and 1932, the side bridges were added by the architect Joze Plecnik for the pedestrians.
- Cobblers’ Bridge: This bridge was originally occupied by cobblers’ shops which gave it its name. The bridge was also designed by the architect Plecnik and is famous for having many pillars along its sides.
- Dragon Bridge: Dragon Bridge is another famous symbol of Ljubljana. This bridge has 4 dragon statues on its ends, looking a bit scary! It is said that if you haven’t taken a photo next to one of the dragons you haven’t been to Ljubljana so here’s my photo!
3. See Ljubljana from the river - Join a Stand Up Paddle Tour
If you don’t feel like walking but still want to get a feel of the city from the water, then I suggest you go for a boat ride along the Ljubljanica River! There are many options to choose from next to the river and this will allow you to not only learn about the city but also get a different view of its main landmarks!
And if you’re looking for a more unique experience, then why not join a Stand-Up Paddle Tour along the river? This activity will be so much fun and you will create memories for a lifetime!
Book your Stand-Up Paddle Tour here: Ljubljana Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour
4. Delicious Food and Drinks Next to the River
The last activity that is next to the river, I promise! But Ljubljanica River truly is the heart of the city! At the map at the end of this blog, I have pinned several restaurant and bar recommendations next to the river.
During your visit, make sure to at least sit in one of the many cafés and restaurants to enjoy some delicious drinks and food. No matter the time of the day, this is a must-do activity. The ambiance in this area is top-notch!
Tip: If you want to have dinner next to the river, make sure to make a reservation. On our first night in Ljubljana, we went there without making a reservation, and we really struggled to find a place to eat.
5. Enjoy the man-made rain station at Preseren Square
Preseren Square gets its name from the most famous Slovenian poet France Preseren so of course, here you will find a statue of him.
But this is not the only thing you can do in this square! Here you will also find a man-made rain station! Yes, you’ve heard it right! Even on a warm sunny day like the one we were in Ljubljana, there was a small part of the square in which it was raining!
6. See the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
While at Preseren Square, you have to visit the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. This slightly pinkish/reddish baroque church was built in the 16th Century and these days it is used as a monastery. The color of the building is due to red being the representative color of the Franciscan Order.
This church is free to visit and it is open daily. However, if you want to walk around the church and admire it, please make sure you don’t visit during service hours out of respect for the people attending mass.
As a courisity, we did visit this church on Sunday and it did coincide with the mass service. I was surprised to see that there were three priests there, giving the service in English, French and Spanish.
7. Visit Ljubljana's Town Hall
On the other side of the Triple Bridge, opposite to Preseren Square, you will find the town square and the town hall. The Ljubljana Town Hall was built during the 15th century and it hosts the seat of the city administration.
It is possible to visit some exhibitions inside the different Atriums of the Town Hall.
In front of the Town Hall, there is a famous baroque fountain made by Francesco Robba. But this one is just a replica, the original one is located in the National Gallery.
8. Buy local products at the Ljubljana Central Market
During weekdays and Saturdays, there is an open-air market taking place at Vodnikov trg and Pogacarnev trg squares. In this market, you will be able to find plenty of local products and delicacies to buy and eat.
The market is open between 6:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and between 6:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays. During the winter months, it is open only until 16:00.
Unfortunately, I was in Ljubljana on a Sunday so I didn’t get to enjoy the market. It would have been nice to buy some local products and taste them.
9. Visit the Ljubljana Cathedral (Church of St. Nicholas)
Right next to the Central Market, you will find the Church of St. Nicholas or Ljubljana Cathedral. This building was originally built in the Gothic style but was later replaced by a Baroque-style church.
While visiting the cathedral, don’t forget to check out the beautiful bronze doors on the western and southern sides of the building. These doors date from 1996 and were commissioned to celebrate the visit of the late Pope John Paul II’s visit.
The cathedral is open daily between 11:00 and 18:00.
10. Visit the Ljubljana Castle
Once you’re satisfied with your visit to the Old Town, it is time to visit the Ljubljana Castle. Perched on top of a hill, this medieval fortress overlooking the city will make you feel like you have stepped into a living history book.
To make your way up to the castle you can opt between taking a scenic walk through the castle’s park or, riding the funicular. Personally, I recommend going up with the funicular and walking back down through the park on your way back to the city. This is what I did and it was the perfect option for us.
Once you’re inside the castle, you can visit several exhibitions with archeological and historical artifacts from Slovenia, and visit its panoramic tower, the castle prison, and the chapel.
Practical information:
- The castle is open between 9:00 and 19:00 during the winter months and between 9:00 and 22:00 during the summer months.
- Book your ticket for the Ljubljana Castlen and Funicular Ride here.
11. Admire the view from the Castle Panoramic Tower
Visiting Ljubljana Castle will help you learn a lot about Slovenia, which is very interesting. But for me, the highlight was the beautiful 360-degree views you get from the Castle Panoramic Tower. To enjoy these amazing views, you will have to walk up a few steps. It is not too many, I promise! And once you’re up there, you will see that it is totally worth it!
12. Get the best views of Ljubljana Castle from the Neboticnik Skyscraper
The views from Ljubljana Castle Tower are amazing. However, from there you will not be able to get the views of the most famous landmark of Ljubljana, the castle itself!
If you want to get Instagram worth-it views of the Ljubljana Castle, the city, and the Julian Alps, then you have to visit the Neboticnik Skyscraper. The Neboticnik building, with its 70 meters of height, was the highest building in the Balkans and the ninth tallest building in Europe at the time of its construction.
Important: The observation terrace on top of the building is only accessible to customers of the cafe located there. However, prices are not that expensive so you can enjoy a drink while you admire the views! We ordered some iced lattes and where able to enjoy these amazing views!
13. Explore Tivoli Park
If you need a little break from the city, then you have to visit Tivoli Park! This is Ljubljana’s largest green area. With over 5 square kilometers of park, it connects the city center with the forests of Roznik Hill. It is where Ljubljana citizens go to relax during the weekends!
The highlight of the park is the main promenade, designed by Slovenia’s most famous architect Pleznik. The promenade leads to Tivoli Castle which is now the International Center of Graphic Arts. In the park, you can also find the Ljubljana Zoo and the Museum of Modern History.
14. Visit the Church of Virgin Mary's Visitation at Roznik Hill
Once you’re at Tivoli Park, if you’re not too tired of walking, you can go for a short hike (30 minutes walking) up to Roznik Hill to visit the church of the Virgin Mary’s Visitation.
Roznik is a 391-metre-high wooded hill that is accessible by several trails from Ljubljana’s Tivoli Park. This little church is a favorite spot for local walkers to visit during the weekend but in the past, it was used as a place to seek refuge from epidemic diseases.
15. Relax and enjoy the views at Roznik Hill
Right next to Roznik Church and during the summer months, you will find a small food truck offering drinks and snacks with some garden chairs next to it. This is the perfect place to relax and cool down after your walk.
We got some drinks and spent the rest of our afternoon here. It was the perfect way to end our visit to Ljubljana!
Bonus: Go on a day trip to beautiful Lake Bled
Have some extra days in Ljubljana and need more things to do? Then you have to do a day trip to the super famous Lake Bled! Lake Bled is without a doubt the most famous place in Slovenia and it is for a good reason! It doesn’t matter how many photos or videos you’ve seen of this lake, it is a place you have to visit at least once in your life.
Lake Bled is only 50km away from Ljubljana which makes it the perfect destination for a day trip. And it gets better, if you don’t feel like renting a car and driving there, you can join one of the many organized tours that go there from Ljubljana.
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
And that’s it for my blog about the 15 Best Things to Do in Ljubljana. I hope you liked it and it encouraged you to visit Europe’s most green and eco-friendly city. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy travels!
DISCLAIMER: Did you know? This blog uses affiliate partnerships. When you click and book or make a purchase through one of my blog posts, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting The Travelling Hiker!
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT SLOVENIA
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