Ljubljana Travel Guide
Even in the high season, Ljubljana is quiet, cozy, and uncrowded: a great place to break out of the rhythm of life in megacities and relax. Its old narrow pedestrian streets blend harmoniously with Baroque churches, bijou boutiques, and cafes. Together, they create a unique atmosphere of the South Slavic city.
Ljubljana is the Slovenian heart and one of the smallest, greenest, and safest capitals in Europe. Surrounded by the Alps and the Karst, it lies on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. According to local legends, the hero of Greek myths, Argonaut Jason, who went north from Colchis, founded the city. Residents believe that Jason killed the dragon, depicted now on the city's coat of arms and flag, in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana was the first city I visited in Southern Europe. To my great surprise, it seemed to be more like an Eastern European city and reminded me a bit of Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. A week of my vacation in Ljubljana flew by, but I had enough time to get to know it thoroughly. I adore relief historical European cities with mountains and rivers. The Slovenian capital completely captivated me – it was fantastic to climb a hill in the center of Ljubljana and gaze out over the city from the top.
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Ljubljana Map
How to Get to Ljubljana
By Plane
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Ljubljana is by air. Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport is Slovenia's largest international airport, located 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of the city. You can take a bus, shuttle, or taxi from the airport to Ljubljana.
By Train
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| Platform at Ljubljana Train Station |
Trains connect the Ljubljana train station to other cities in Slovenia and Europe. Every day, direct trains depart and return to Slovenia's capital from Belgrade (Serbia), Frankfurt and Munich (Germany), Praha (Czech Republic), Trieste (Italy), Zagreb (Croatia), and Zurich (Switzerland).
By Bus
Buses from neighboring countries can also take you to Ljubljana. The Ljubljana Bus Station website provides a list of available international routes.
Ljubljana Public Transportation
Buses and a funicular serve as public transit in the city. Some trains will transport you to the suburbs and nearby towns. Residents and tourists can ride for free the Cavalier electric vehicles or take the Urban train in the pedestrian area.
Renting a Car in Ljubljana
DiscoverCars.com is the ideal place to hire a car in Ljubljana. They compare car rental prices from many providers so you can find the best deal for you.
Top 10 Attractions in Ljubljana
1. Ljubljana Castle
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| Southeastern view of Ljubljana Castle |
The 900-year-old Ljubljana Castle, which stands on Castle Hill, is a significant landmark in Slovenia's capital. It is home to three restaurants, a wine shop, the Puppet Museum, the Museum of Slovenian History, and various cultural events. The most impressive way to get to Ljubljana Castle is by funicular. Another option is to walk or take a cab. The most attractive option is to take the electric train Urban.
Address: Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Website: The Ljubljana Castle
2. Triple Bridge
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| Triple Bridge, with Franciscan Church in the background |
The Triple Bridge, which connects the new and old parts of the city, is the most famous bridge in Ljubljana and one of the most unusual bridges in Europe. The 20th-century structure consists of three separate bridges over the Ljubljanica River that radiate from a central point.
Address: Presernov trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
3. Dragon Bridge
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| The Dragon Bridge's northern part |
Built in 1901 and guarded by four dragon sculptures, the Dragon Bridge is a three-span arched road bridge across the Ljubljanica River. This Art Nouveau masterpiece is one of Ljubljana's most famous and recognizable landmarks. It is the city's first reinforced concrete bridge and the first asphalt-paved bridge in Slovenia.
Address: Resljeva cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
4. Ljubljana Cathedral
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| Ljubljana Cathedral's Baroque interior |
Ljubljana Cathedral is the city's most beautiful church, and its green dome and twin bell towers are recognizable symbols of the Slovenian capital. The church was built in the early 18th century in the Baroque style to a design by the Italian architect Andrea del Pozzo. It has the shape of a Latin cross.
The 18–19th-century frescoes by the Italian painter Giulio Quaglio and the Slovenian portrait painter Matej Langus stand out on the church's walls and vault.
Address: Dolničarjeva ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Website: Stolnica
5. Metelkova Art Center
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| Artistic corner of Metelkova |
Metelkova is an alternative cultural center that grew out of a squat located at the former barracks of the Yugoslav National Army. You can find fantastic trash art here, including sculptures, mosaics, graffiti, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Christiania in Copenhagen (Denmark). The center became one of Ljubljana's most well-known attractions. If you want to have some fun, hang out with your friends, or meet new people, Metelkova is a great place to go in Ljubljana.
Address: Metelkova ulica 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Website: AKC MetelkovaMesto
6. Roman Town Wall
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| Jože Plečnik's Piramid |
Emona, a Roman town, existed on the current French Revolution Square from the 1st to the early 6th centuries. It had a wall with 26 towers and four main entrances. Some Roman components you can still find here today. Although Slovene architect Jože Plečnik's redesign of a section of the Roman town wall is not entirely authentic, it does serve as an impressive memorial to the Romans' earlier presence.
Address: Mirje, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
7. Franciscan Church
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| With the Franciscan Church in the background, the Triple Bridge crosses the Ljubljanica |
The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, built in the 17th century, is one of Ljubljana's most famous churches. It is located on Prešerna Square, on the Ljubljanica's left bank, next to the Triple Bridges. The church is home to an imposing Baroque altarpiece by the Italian sculptor Francesco Robba (1698–1757) and gorgeous frescoes by the Slovene Impressionist painter Matej Sternen (1870–1949).
Address: Prešernov trg 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Website: Župnija Marijino oznanjenje
8. University of Ljubljana Building
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| The University of Ljubljana's main building |
The stunning building – a first-class cultural monument in Slovenia – built between 1899 and 1902 and housed the Seat of the University of Ljubljana since 1919, has four distinct façades designed in the German Renaissance style with neo-Gothic elements. The architect Jan Hrasky created the design, later revised by Josef Hudetz. Vegova Street is in front of the building, which has a large interior courtyard, a small park with a fountain, and a clock tower.
Address: Kongresni trg 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Website: University of Ljubljana
9. Slovenian Philharmonic Building
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| The Slovenian Philharmonic building |
The Slovenian Philharmonic building, built in the 18th century, is a work of art. If the entrance is open, a quick look is worthwhile, but the best thing to do would be to attend one of the concerts in the impressive music hall. The building stands in Congress Square, close to the University of Ljubljana. After the live music performance, you can take a stroll along the Ljubljanica River, which is only 100 steps away.
Address: Kongresni trg 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Website: Slovenska filharmonija
10. Tivoli Park
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| 17th-century Tivoli Castle – the venue for the International Centre of Graphic Arts |
Designed in 1813 by the French engineer Jean Blanchard combining the parks that had surrounded the Podturn and Cekin mansions, Tivoli Park is the largest and most beautiful park in Ljubljana, stretching right into the city center. This beautiful, cozy spot with green lawns, clean air, and rich history is ideal for strolls and picnics.
Best Ljubljana Tours
Learn about the city's history and culture from a qualified local guide, and afterward, cook a complete dinner with a local chef. Enjoy!
Slovenian Currency
Slovenia joined the Eurozone in 2007, so visiting Ljubljana and traveling around Slovenia and two neighboring countries – Austria and Italy – will be highly convenient for you.
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
Ljubljana has a wide range of lodging options. The majority of hotels are within walking distance of the historic center. There are nearly 500 hotels and places to stay in the city that you can book on Booking.com.
Booking.comAccording to this online travel agency for lodging reservations, Urban Boutique Hotel Center, Hotel Nox, and Ahotel Ljubljana are some of the favorite hotels in Slovenia's capital.
What to Buy in Ljubljana
Bovec cheese. The Bovec cheese, also known as Bovški in Slovenia, is a traditional Slovenian cheese. It is a full-fat hard cheese made from raw sheep's milk.
Chocolate Gorenjka. Gorenjka – Slovenia's most recognized chocolate brand – has been satisfying chocolate lovers since 1958, offering chocolates in various sizes and flavors.
Dragon souvenir. The dragon is one of the famous symbols of Ljubljana. You can see its figures wherever you go in the city.
Piran salt. This salt, which forms on the surface of the Salinas Basin in southwestern Slovenia, is harvested by hand using the same salt panning methods that have for over 700 years. It has a moderate flavor with subtle undertones of a distinct sea aroma.
Pumpkin seed oil. Well known for its intense nutty flavor, Slovenian pumpkin oil is produced only from handpicked pumpkin seeds of the highest quality; it is all-natural and high in vitamins, anti-inflammatory agents, linoleic and oleic acids.
Rogaška crystal. With a tradition of 350 years, Rogaška Glassworks fosters and continues the crystal ware-making art in Slovenia. Since its inception, the company has been exporting premium home and lifestyle products made of high-quality crystals.
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