If you’re traveling to Ljubljana sometime soon and are wondering what to do in Ljubljana, look no further. Here’s a detailed guide to the best things to do in Ljubljana Slovenia for you to plan a memorable trip to Ljubljana.
Further Reading: Travel Guide to Visiting Ljubljana for the First Timers
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Fab Things to do in Ljubljana in Slovenia
Start at Prešeren Square
Named after the greatest Romantic Slovenian Poet, France Prešeren, Preseren Square is the main square in Ljubljana. It’s also a universal meeting point where almost all the major festivals, concerts, events, and protests take place.
A statue designed by Maks Fabiani and sculpted by Ivan Zajc in the center of the square depicts the poet and his muse holding bay laurel, a naked angel.
A yellow building just opposite the statue is where the poet’s unrequited love, Julija Primic used to live. It’s called Julija’s Palace. The exterior wall of the palace is where Julija has been immortalized as a statue.
The square is dominated by a bright pink 17th-century Baroque building, the Franciscan Church of Annunciation.
Legend has it that the priests of the Franciscan Church were angered by the nude angel so they planted birch trees to block the view from the church.
Triple Bridge connects Prešeren Square to Old Town.
Stroll the Colorful Streets of Ljubljana
I loved walking the cobbled streets of medieval Ljubljana.
Our favorite is Trubarjeva Cesta which starts at Prešeren Square and ends at Resljeva Cesta.
The colorful, lively, and bohemian Trubarjeva street is dotted with lovely cafes, restaurants, international stores, antique shops, and graffiti-painted walls.
Walk the Lovely Ljubljana Old Town (Stare Mesto)
Right below Castle Hill on the right (eastern) bank of the Ljubljanica River lies the prettiest part of the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana Old Town.
Yes, like most of the cities in Europe, Ljubljana has a charming Old Town, the historic core. And it’s pretty compact and walkable.
Strolling the historic core of Ljubljana is the best introduction to Slovenia.
The old city center spans three squares – Mestni trg, Stari trg, and Gornji trg.
You can spend hours and hours wandering through Cankarjevo nabrežje (waterfront pedestrian-only street) dotted with impressive architecture, lovely restaurants, cozy cafes, bars, and many top tourist attractions, and still not get bored or tired.
I just loved the relaxed and laid-back aura of the historical quarter. It looks enchanting at night all lit up.
Mestni Trg or Town Square is defined by the Town Hall (Magistrat or Mestna hiša), a 15th-century building that houses the government of Ljubljana. You can join an hour-long guided tour of Town Hall conducted every Saturday at about 1 pm.
The Francesco Robba’s Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers in front of the Town Hall graces the square.
Other attractions worth seeing at Mestni Trg include Gustav Mahler’s statue, Souvan House, Drofenig House, City Art Gallery, and Lichtenberg House.
Stari Trg with its Baroque buildings is the first settled part of old Ljubljana. Schweiger House and Hercules Fountain are worth-stopping attractions at Stari Trg.
Gornji trg or Upper Square, once a site of one of the medieval town gates is distinguished by the Church of St. Florian.
Other notable attractions in the Old Town are the Church of St. James and Gruber Palace or Mansion at Levstikov trg, Šentjakob Bridge (St. James Bridge), Saturday Art Market, and Zois Palace at Breg embankment, and Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts and National and University Library at Novi trg.
Read More: The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Slovenia
Relax at one of the Cafes at Ljubljanica River Embankments
The embankments on the left and right banks of the Ljubljanica are home to charming bars, cafés, and restaurants.
Petkovšek Embankment is the most notable of all riverside promenades.
Sit and relax with a cup of coffee or a pint of beer at one of the cafes or bars and enjoy the view + people watching.
Check Out Trg Francoske Revolucije and Vegova Ulica
Križanke Summer Theater, Auersperg Palace that houses the City Museum of Ljubljana, and the Illyrian pillar dominate the Trg francoske revolucije (French Revolution Square).
Vegova Ulica’s (Vega Street) strategic location at a point where the medieval town wall and town wall of the Roman city of Emona blend makes it historically and archeologically significant.
The street runs from Congress Square to the Roman Road junction and the French Revolution Square.
Indulge in Activities on the Ljubljanica River
You can cruise the Ljubljanica River and admire the city through its waters in the way you want to.
- On a guided or self-guided boat tour
- By renting a kayak
- By renting a paddleboard
Stroll Across All the Bridges of Ljubljana
Triple Bridge
A picturesque Ljubljanica River is adorned with a group of three bridges side by side called Triple Bridge or Tromostovje that connects the old town with the new town.
Dragon Bridge
The most famous and the most photographed of all of Ljubljana’s bridges, Dragon Bridge or Zmajski Most is embellished with four raging dragon statues.
Butcher’s Bridge
A not-so-famous of all Ljubljana’s bridges, Butcher’s Bridge.
It’s called Butcher’s Bridge as it stands on the former butcher’s booth site. Jakov Brdar’s (Slovenian sculptor) creepy sculptures on and around the bridge narrate the story of the past.
It, Ironically is also called Ljubljana’s Lover’s Bridge. Lovers have attached love padlocks etched with their names along the parapet. Conflicting?
Cobbler’s Bridge
Cobbler’s Bridge at the point where Mestni trg and Stari trg blends, was designed by Jože Plečnik. It has been named after cobblers’ workshops that occupied the bridge in the past.
Hradecky Bridge
Located where the Gradaščica channel drains into the Ljubljanica River, this bridge is special with quite a dynamic history.
Constructed in 1867, Hradecky was originally located where the Cobbler’s Bridge is located now.
It’s one of the very first hinged bridges in the world. Also, it’s the first and only preserved cast-iron bridge in Slovenia.
Trnovo Bridge
This 17th-century bridge connects the oldest Ljubljana suburbs of Trnovo and Krakovo and was built as a part of Jože Plečnik’s Gradaščica channel embankment renovation project.
Admire the Ljubljana’s Art Nouveau Architecture
Vurnik House or Cooperative Business Bank (Vurnikova hiša) at Miklošičeva cesta, Urbanc House (Urbančeva hiša), Hauptman House (Hauptmanova hiša) at the Preseren Square are some of the finest Art Noveau buildings in Ljubljana.
Related Read: 7-Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary
Stroll the Republic Square
The largest square in Ljubljana, Trg Republika Square features important buildings – Slovenian Parliament, Monument of Revolution, Cankarjev dom (Congress Center), Ljubljanska Bank, and TR3 Business Tower.
Its huge central area holds mass gatherings. It’s where the Independence of Slovenia was declared in the year 1991.
Congress Square
We started our Ljubljana exploration from Kongresni Trg Square after parking our car at Congress Garage.
The square is colossal with a beautiful park, Zvezda where stands the replica of Emonian, a gilded bronze Roman statue excavated during the construction of Kazina, a neoclassical building.
Congress Square also boasts exceptional examples of Baroque architecture; Ursulina’s Monastery and Church of the Holy Trinity.
The other distinguished buildings that call the square their home are the University of Ljubljana, the Slovenian Philharmonic, and the Slovenian National Drama Theatre of Ljubljana.
Explore Ljubljana Castle
Perched on a hill above the city, Ljubljana Castle is Ljubljana’s most distinguished landmark. It adds oomph to the city’s skyline.
The castle’s Outlook Tower (Watch Tower) offers stunning views over Ljubljana.
The permanent exhibitions; Slovenian History (showcases the history of Slovenia) and the Puppet Museum (tells the history and techniques of puppeteering) are worth a stop.
You can take one of the walking paths leading to the castle if walking is what you love! Or can take a quick funicular ride to the castle. You can choose to take a guided or non-guided tour.
Kids don’t like touring the castle with an audio guide? I know. Escape Castle is for those little curious darlings.
It’s a thrilling adventure where kids can learn history with fun. They have to solve five knight riddles placed at different locations inside the castle walls in an hour and save the dragon.
Opening Hours:
Ljubljana Castle and Funicular are open daily.
- January, February, March, and November: 10 am – 8 pm
- April, May, and October: 9 am – 9 pm
- June to September: 9 am – 11 pm
- December: 10 am – 10 pm
Entry Fees:
- €10 per adult (castle only); €13 per adult (castle and funicular)
- €7 per child aged 7 to 18 years, students and senior citizens(castle only); €9 per child aged 7 to 18 years, students and senior citizens (castle and funicular)
- €24 (castle only); €31 (castle and funicular) per family (2 adults + one child)
- €4 funicular round trip
Read More: Vintgar Gorge – A Natural Wonder in Slovenia
Climb the Nebotičnik – Skyscraper
Nebotični Skyscraper’s rooftop terrace affords beautiful views over Ljubljana.
You can climb it for free to enjoy the views or can also enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks with the panoramic views at Nebotičnik Cafe.
Visit the Central Market
Located between the squares of Vodnikov trg and Pogačarnev Trg is the Central Market of Ljubljana which includes an open-air market and indoor market aka Plečnik’s Covered Market.
The open-air market has stalls that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and a covered market along the river is lined with small food shops selling Slovenian specialties.
Admire the Cathedral of St. Nicholas
One side of the Outdoor Central market area at Dolničarjeva ulica is bordered by the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, a Baroque church with charming frescoes adorning its interiors.
The Cathedral’s main entrance door sculptural relief narrates the history of Christianity in Slovenia and the side entrance door relief depicts the 20th-century Bishops of Ljubliana.
You Might Like: A Hidden Gem in Slovenia – Kranj
Visit Seminary Palace and Library
Just next to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas is the very first public library in Slovenia. It’s a treasure for books and library lovers.
You can book a private guided tour by emailing the tourist center in advance like a day or two before the visit. It’s not open to the public to walk in without the tourist center’s permission.
Entrance Fee: €2
Experience the Green Ljubljana
You can’t leave the European Green Capital before you see its green soul. Can you?
Tivoli Park is the largest and most beautiful open green space right in the city center!
You can walk Tivoli’s Jakopič Promenade and many beautiful paths and recreational trails along the length of Tivoli Park to reach Rožnik Hill.
Ljubljana Botanic Garden, one of the oldest still active botanic gardens in Europe contains over 4,500 vegetal species.
Check Out the Best Street Art at Metelkova Mesto
Former abandoned army barracks restored by volunteers, Metelkova has developed into an alternative art and culture center where you can see Ljubljana’s best graffiti art.
It’s just a 10-minute walk across the river from the old town.
Museum Quartier on Metelkova Street houses The Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Museum of Slovenia-Metelkova, and The Slovenian Ethnographic Museum.
Its many nightclubs and bars make it a great place for college students and artists.
But for me, as we strolled through the graffiti-painted streets, I was reminded of Copenhagen’s Freetown Christiana. I experienced the same creepy feeling.
Indulge in Museum-Hopping
Museums are a great way to learn while having fun. Plus, they offer a great respite from the summer sun and chilly winter.
Ljubljana has a good number of national, historical, and art museums.
The Slovenian Museum of Natural History, House of Experiments, and City Museum of Ljubljana (MGLM) are the best museums in Ljubljana to visit with kids.
If you’re an art connoisseur like me, you’d appreciate the National Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, and the International Centre of Graphic Arts.
Soak in the Union Beer Experience
The tour of Pivovarna Union Brewery includes a visit to the brewery’s production line and the Brewery Museum and a beer tasting.
Entry Fees:
€14 per adult and €7 per child aged 6 to 18 years
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday at 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm
Saturdays at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm
Sundays and holidays closed
Note: The tours start at Union Pub and Bar run by Pivovarna Union Brewery.
Must Read: 23 Best Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia
Walk Krakovo and Trnovo Suburbs
Ljubljana’s oldest suburbs – Krakovo, and Trnovo outside the old town attract travelers for their rustic charm.
You can see the remains of the Roman city of Emona (Roman Wall and the Emona House of Archeological Park), Trnovo Church, Trnovo Bridge, and Plečnik House while strolling the suburbs.
Or can just take a relaxing walk along the beautiful Krakovski nasip and Trnovski Priston promenades.
Shop at Matija Čop’s street (Čopova ulica)
One of the most famous and busiest streets in Ljubljana, Copova is brimming with beautiful cafes, restaurants, hostels, hotels, high-end shops, shopping centers, and chocolate shops.
You’ll find a number of street artists displaying their art as you stroll along the length of Copova Street.
And if you have time, you can add some wonderful day trips from Ljubljana. There are some beautiful destinations around Ljubljana that can be easily explored in a day.
This brings us to the end of our guide to the best places to visit in Ljubljana. Which Ljubljana attractions would you like to add to your Ljubljana itinerary? We’d love to hear from you.
Also, we’d be obliged if you could take five minutes of your time to share this post with the world if it helped you in any way.
Slovenia Travel Essentials
Here are the essential resources I personally use and recommend for planning a trip to Slovenia.
Visa for Slovenia: iVisa works great for applying for a fast e-visa online. Also, OneWayFly is great if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservation. You might need a Schengen Visa for Slovenia. Read our complete guide to applying for Schengen Visa.
For travel insurance: Heymondo. It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. You get 5% off if you use my link.
For Connectivity: Airalo. It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling.
For booking flights: Skyscanner and WayAway. They are the best search/comparison flight booking sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the WayAway membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES” a 10% discount is activated.
International money transfer & currency exchange: Wise. With competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, and a 9.1/10 rating on TrustPilot, it’s the only service you should use every time you transfer and exchange internationally.
For finding accommodations: Booking.com and Agoda. They are the pioneers among hotel booking websites that give you a lot of choices with their huge selection of properties reviewed by travelers.
For rental car: Discover Cars. It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs.
For ground transport: Omio, RailEurope, and Bookaway. Best sites for booking bus and train tickets in Slovenia.
For tours & day trips: Viator, Get Your Guide, and Klook. They offer the best city tours and day excursions in Slovenia.
For guidance on the go: A Lonely Planet Guidebook for Slovenia comes in handy here for the most relevant and up-to-date recommendations on what to do and what not. Lonely Planet Guidebooks have been our trusted travel friend for years now.
Recommended Reading:
Renting a Car in Europe
Schengen Visa for Europe
How to Plan a Trip to Europe
Best Things to do in Slovenia
Magical Places to Visit in Slovenia
7 Days in Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary
A First Timer’s Guide to Ljubljana
Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Kranj, Slovenia
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