This Ljubljana Guide will show you why you should visit the Slovenian Capital and reveal some valuable tips for traveling to this beautiful country. So, if you plan to visit Ljubljana, please stay with us.
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Why Visit Ljubljana
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s charming capital city, ideal for vacationers looking for a historical, scenic, and affordable getaway. The city has stunning architecture, expansive green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets. The Ljubljanica River flows through the Ljubljana Old Town area, where most free attractions, such as Dragon Bridge, Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Cathedral, and Prešeren Square, are located. So we recommend visiting the area.
You can also picnic by the river or nearby Lake Bled on the grounds of Ljubljana Castle or in lush Tivoli Park. Head to a Slovenian restaurant to taste traditional comfort food and order Idrijski žlikrofi or Kranjska klobasa. For art and nightlife scenes, visit Metelkova Mesto.
Ljubljana has a population of under 300,000, making it a relaxed and laid-back place to visit. With a young university crowd, outdoor cafes, and art galleries, it is quickly becoming one of the most fantastic cities in Europe. To make the most of your stay in this city, we suggest reading our additional guides to discover the best trips from Ljubljana and about Ljubljana’s most popular attractions.
How To Get To Ljubljana
Ljubljana is well-connected due to Slovenia’s central location in Europe. From Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU). It takes around 30 minutes to reach the city center via taxi or car. However, take an Alpetour bus for €4.10 for a cost-effective option. But if you’re traveling in a group, consider booking a shuttle bus. Ultimately, Ljubljana is easily accessible from neighboring European countries like Venice (3-hour drive) and Trieste (1 hour and 15 minutes drive). You can take a FlixBus for public transport and reach Zagreb (140 kilometers east), Graz, and Klagenfurt (Austrian cities) in a few hours.
Road tax vignettes
If you get to Ljubljana by car, road tax vignettes must be purchased using Slovenian motorways, including the Ljubljana bypass. The roads where the vignette is required are marked by unique vignette signs. Vignettes can be bought at petrol stations located in the border areas of Slovenia’s neighboring countries, at petrol stations, post offices, and most newspaper kiosks in Slovenia, and at branch offices of the Automobile Association of Slovenia (AMZS) and other automobile clubs.
Notification: If you want to get to Ljubljana by plane, we suggest clicking on the following Skyscanner link, and if you’d like to travel to Ljubljana by train or bus, we recommend visiting Omio here.
How To Get Around Ljubljana
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a small city with an excellent public transportation system consisting of buses and cabs. Bus tickets start from 1.20 EUR for a 90-minute trip. In comparison, cab fares are calculated by multiplying the distance in kilometers by 1.5 EUR and adding the boarding fee (usually 2 EUR). The city also has a funicular that takes you from Krek Square to the famous Ljubljana Castle, and you can buy a one-way ticket. If you’re traveling to neighboring countries, you can catch a train from Ljubljana railway station. You need an electronic Urbana card to pay for transportation services, which you can buy from specific machines or the station ticket office. The card can also be used to pay for the funicular and parking; however, If you plan to visit multiple attractions and use public transportation frequently. In this case, you can save money by purchasing a Ljubljana Card. This card offers discounted public transport fares and free internet; you can even use it to rent a bicycle.
Ljubljana Guide: The Best Time To Visit
Ljubljana is stunning year-round. However, avoid the crowds and save money by visiting in late January/February. For comfortable weather, visit in April, September, or October. Summer is busy, with highs of 27C. Visit in spring or autumn for fewer crowds. Winter offers sub-zero temperatures and great skiing.
How many days in the city, according to our Ljubljana Guide
We’d recommend at least two full days to dive deeply into the city. There is also a lot to see nearby, so you could consider staying longer and doing day trips.
Things To Do In Ljubljana
Travel tip
Consider getting the Ljubljana Card, which offers 24, 48, or 72-hour passes to the city’s main attractions. With the card, you can enjoy guided walking tours, boat cruises, 24-hour access to the city’s Wifi network, and unlimited free travel on city buses.
©Photo Dunja Wedam
Visit Ljubljana Charm in the Old Town
Like any visitor, the Old Town was at the top of the list to explore. Like most former medieval strongholds, it’s compact yet full of a long, historical timeline of architectural styles and charms. In Ljubljana, this means endless cobblestone conveyor belts of streets that present numerous bridges, intricate townhouse facades, palaces, fountains, statues, monuments, churches, and squares (of which Trg Republike next to the Slovenian parliament building is the largest).
©o-city.webs.upv.es
Jože Plečnik’s architecture
Jože Plečnik, a famous Slovenian architect and urban designer, transformed his hometown of Ljubljana between the two world wars, an era referred to as ‘Plečnik’s Ljubljana.’ His constructions here are considered some of the most prominent works of European art of the 20th Century, including The Cobbler’s Bridge, The Triple Bridge, The Butcher’s Bridge, The Žale Cemetery, the promenade in Tivoli Park, and the National and University Library. You can grab a map of Plečnik’s 39 works in Ljubljana from the Tourism Information Centre and go on a self-guided walk.
Visit Metelkova – Ljubljana’s Hypster area
Metelkova is a popular neighborhood in Ljubljana, known for its alternative and hipster vibe. During the day, you can explore the many graffiti and street art displays, but the area may seem quiet. However, it’s best to visit in the evening when the bars and clubs open up and the nightlife comes alive. Metelkova hosts regular events, so check out their event agenda to stay current. You can also enjoy drinks on the premises or head to one of the smaller bars or clubs, including Channel Zero, Jalla Jalla, and Klub Gromka.
©aparl/Trip Advisor
Relax in Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park is a tranquil getaway located in the center of the city. It is a lush green space with cycling paths, well-maintained lawns, and designated areas for picnics, slacklining, and outdoor exercise. The International Centre of Graphic Arts is also near the park’s entrance inside a former 17th-century castle. This center is renowned for hosting the world’s oldest contemporary graphic arts exhibition, which dates back to 1955.
Explore by bike
With a cycling network that spans over 200 km, Ljubljana is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. More importantly, the capital has four self-guided routes, one exploring the forested trails of Tivoli Park and another following a Plečnik-themed route through the city’s Old Town. You can rent bikes from Ljubljana’s self-service system, BicikeLJ.
Day Trips From Ljubljana
Slovenia is a small country that offers several day trip options from Ljubljana. Firstly, the most popular is a visit to Lake Bled, only 50 km away. The Bled Castle, situated on a cliff at the island’s center, can be reached by traditional boats. Furthermore, one can indulge in kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. Several city tours and day excursions are available, including culinary and cultural walks, beer and bicycle tours, and day trips to other parts of Slovenia and neighboring countries like Italy. Most importantly, Slovenia is a tiny country, and exploring any point of interest takes a day. So, if you want to learn more about the best day trips from Ljubljana, we recommend reading our related article.
Note: We recommend clicking here if you’d like to book a specific tour.
Our Ljubljana guide recommends a day trip to Bled; however, not during the peak summer season.
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What To Eat In Ljubljana
Slovenian Food
Tiny Slovenia has a rich culinary culture. So, try authentic local local food for Julija, Špajza, Klobasarna, and Gostilna Sokol in Ljubljana. Secondly, meat and cheese platters are famous. So, don’t miss the traditional cream cake, kremšnita. Prekmurska gibanica and idrijski žlikrofi are popular desserts for vegetarians. Meat lovers can enjoy kranjska sausage.
Balkan Food
Both Slovenia and Ljubljana were once part of Yugoslavia. Due to an economic crisis, many people moved to Slovenia, increasing the popularity of Balkan cuisine and music. That’s why you will find many restaurants here offering Balkan food. It’s good, believe us. You should try it. While Ćevapčići and bureks are popular, many other dishes exist, including meze, stuffed vegetables, and salads. Don’t miss the sweet baklava and doughy desserts, usually served with rakija.
Where To Stay In Ljubljana
If you plan to visit Ljubljana, finding Ljubljana accommodation is the first step in business; check out our guide on where to stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Fortunately, Ljubljana is a relatively small city. It is very walkable, so you can easily reach the city center no matter where you stay.
Helpful tip: When looking for an apartment to rent, it’s essential to consider more than just the price. You should also consider its location. Is it far from the city center? Is it close to public transportation? Is it situated in a safe and calm area? These are all crucial factors to consider when deciding where to stay.
Note: Find suitable accommodations in or around Ljubljana.
Safety Tips
Did you know Slovenia is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking among the top ten? However, like in any other place, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid becoming a victim of theft. Always watch your bags and purses closely, and store valuables and essential documents in a safe and secure location, such as your car. If you rent a bicycle, check that it is not stolen. Slovenes are known to be warm and welcoming towards tourists from the CIS.
The conclusion of the Ljubljana Guide
We hope you liked our Ljubljana Guide and found some valuable information here. However, if you still need clarification, please ask us in the comments below.
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Feature photo credits: slovenia-convention.com