In this Maribor Guide, we will give you some tips and advice on what to do, where to stay, and where to go to his emerging tourist meta in Slovenia. So, if you are traveling to this below-radar country and want to visit this city, please stay with us to find out more.
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Intorduction to Maribor Guide
Maribor is the second-largest city in Slovenia, with a population of 114,000. Beautiful wine-growing hills surround the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain and lie beside the Drava River. Maribor’s stunning architecture, cafes, and picturesque location make it a charming place to visit. With vineyards and plenty of activities, it is an excellent stop between Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Vienna.
Where is Maribor
Maribor lies in the northwest part of the country, close to the borders of Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is approximately 130 km away, while the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is around 120 km away. Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is 60 km away from Maribor.
Why visit Maribor, Slovenia
Most importantly, it is a beautiful city in Central Europe, with stunning architecture and numerous vineyards within walking distance from the center. Secondly, it has a laid-back atmosphere with many bars and cafes. What’s more, Maribor has been awarded third place in the Best European Destination 2023 competition and named Europe’s Best Culinary Destination, beating popular tourist destinations like Vienna, London, Copenhagen, and Prague and culinary destinations like Rome, Porto, and Paris.
©Igor Unuk
A Brief History of Maribor
The city was first mentioned in 1147. It developed near the river and became influential in the Middle Ages when a fortress was built to protect it. However, it became a significant trading center only under Habsburg’s rule. Unfortunately, during World War II, over half the town was destroyed. Still, it has since become a trans-regional financial, educational, trade, and cultural center. It is a relatively small city that attracts tourists with its rich wine culture, cultural activities, and recreational opportunities. More importantly, in 1975, the University of Maribor was founded, which has helped the city become an increasingly more attractive and vibrant student city.
How to get there
Getting to Maribor is easy. The city has daily train connections to Ljubljana, Zagreb, Graz, and Vienna. Furthermore, the main motorways in Slovenia intersect near Maribor, so it is convenient to travel by car. If you are coming by plane, Graz Airport in Austria is the closest airport, and from there, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Maribor. Buses from Ljubljana or Zagreb and international buses from Vienna and Munich run directly to Maribor. And lastly, the city has suitable train connections with the capital and Graz.
Note: If you are flying to Maribor, we suggest using Sky Scanner for the best deals. However, if you are arriving by car or train, we recommend using Omio.
How to get around Maribor
The city is small enough to be easily navigated on foot, including areas outside the center like Piramida and Pekarna.
Where to stay in Maribor
Make your stay in Maribor comfortable, affordable, and full of experiences. Diverse accommodations cater to family vacations, active weekends, romantic getaways, or business visits. Luxury hotels, youth hostels, accommodations at Pohorje, the city surroundings, and tourist farms offer excellent starting points for activity trips. For more information on accommodation, we recommend visiting Booking.com.
Things to do in Maribor
Firstly, Maribor has several great attractions to enjoy daily. Grajski Trg is one of the liveliest parts of the city and home to Maribor Castle, built in the 15th century, and the statue of St. Florian. You can also relax in one of the many cafes here. On Trg Svobode, next to the castle, you can see the Maribor Liberation Monument, which locals call “Kojak.”
©arz.hr
See beautiful Glavni Trg
The Main Square, or Glavni Trg, is Maribor’s largest and most beautiful square. You can find impressive buildings here, such as the Town Hall, the first brewery in Maribor, and the former casino. The Town Hall was built in Gothic style in the early 16th century and rebuilt in Renaissance style around 1565 with beautiful decorations. In the middle of the square stands the 17th-century Plague Column, a famous monument in many Central European cities.
The huge Vinag Wine Cellars
Located at Trg svobode 3, the Vinag Wine Cellars are situated nearby and are open to the public for wine tasting. These impressive cellars are among the biggest in Central Europe, with approximately 2.5km (1.5 miles) of tunnels that store 5.5 million liters (1.2 million gallons) of white wine. The esteemed Plenina Royal, a sparkling wine made using traditional champagne, is also held here.
Lent Maribor with the Drava River in front and the oldest grapevine in the world.
© Matej Vranic
Explore Lent
Lent, the oldest part of Maribor, is located on the bank of the Drava River, a short walk from the Old Town. It features cobblestone streets and tourist attractions like the Judgement Tower, Water Tower, and medieval city walls. It is also home to Maribor’s Synagogue, the Old Vine House, the Drava River, and the Maribor Market. Remember to visit this charming area during your trip to Maribor!
Maribor celebrates its unique cultural heritage with the annual Lent Festival, the largest outdoor festival in Slovenia, held in the last days of June and the beginning of July. It features Slovenian and foreign musical performances, workshops, traditional folklore, and theatre.
Find the oldest grapevine in the world.
Maribor is a central region in Slovenia that produces excellent wines. The oldest grapevine in the world grows in the Lent district of Maribor. At 400 years old, it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest noble vine in the world that still bears grapes. The Old Vine House in Maribor is a museum dedicated to the wine culture of the Styrian region of Slovenia. Visitors can explore an unparalleled collection of Styrian wines and take guided tours here. It is also the starting point for various wine roads and hosts a festival every October.
©visitmaribor.si
Enjoy Mestni Park
Mestni Park, or City Park, is a large green area outside the city center. The park dates back to the late 19th century and is an ideal spot to unwind, stroll, and enjoy a peaceful time. It offers beautiful scenery, including three ponds, an aquarium, and numerous winding paths to explore.
If you plan to visit Piramida Hill, Mestni Park can be a great place to stop by.
©Alamy
Visit beautiful churches
Maribor has beautiful churches and significant buildings. The impressive Franciscan Church is a brick basilica built in the 19th century on the site of the 12th-century monastery. The Maribor Cathedral is also worth a visit. You can climb up to the bell tower to enjoy the view.
Famous Heart Shaped Wine road in the village Svecina near Maribor
©Marko Knehtl, Anže Vrab
Go for day trips from Maribor.
The city is a perfect base to explore the nearby attractions like the Pohorje mountains, Špičnik village, and the oldest town in Slovenia, Ptuj. Also, Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is just an hour away from Maribor and worth visiting. You can also see two capitals, just an hour and a half drive from the city. The first is the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and the second is the Croatian capital, Zagreb.
The most important monument of Jewish culture in Slovenia
The restored synagogue in Maribor is one of Europe’s oldest and most well-preserved synagogues. It is a significant monument of Jewish culture in Slovenia. The 700-year-old building now serves as a cultural institution that hosts numerous events. Maribor was home to a Jewish community during the Middle Ages, but they were expelled in 1497. The synagogue is in Židovski trg.
Pohorski pisker
©oblizniprste.si
For all that love good food
Maribor offers a variety of culinary options that you must try. Traditional dishes like Pohorski Pisker and Pohorski žganci and sweet treats from Ilich, Pohorska Kavarna, and Teta Frida are a must. You can also visit modern restaurants like Mak or House Denk to try unique dishes. Coffee lovers can enjoy the best coffee at HI KO FI, Rooster Coffee, or Urban Garden. Pushing culinary boundaries, Mak restaurant is a slow food gem headed by chef David Vracko. This menu-less spot blends unexpected flavors inspired by local cuisine.
Helpful information and safety guidelines
Maribor is a city that offers something for everyone. To support sustainable development, try the local cuisine, purchase local goods, limit water and electricity consumption, and use eco-friendly transportation. You can also participate in workshops and indulge in local delicacies. However, you must be aware of potential hazards in some areas before you travel. Therefore, we suggest that you follow public announcements and tourist advisories. Enjoy your time in Maribor!
Final thoughts on visiting Maribor
Maribor offers a perfect combination of Central Europe and the Balkans, with plenty of things to do that will keep you occupied for hours. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
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Feature photo Credits: arz.hr