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 and narrow pedestrian streets blend harmoniously with Baroque churches, bijou boutiques, and cafes. Together, they create a unique atmosphere of the South Slavic city.

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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.

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Ljubljana Map

How to Get to Ljubljana

By Plane

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Ljubljana is by air. Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport is the largest international airport in Slovenia, set 27 kilometers / 17 miles northwest of the city. From the airport, you can get to Ljubljana by bus, shuttle, or taxi.

By Train

Platform at Ljubljana Train Station

Trains connect the Ljubljana train station with not the country's other cities only. Every day direct trains to Belgrade (Serbia), Frankfurt and Munich (Germany), Praha (Czechia), Trieste (Italy), Zagreb (Croatia), and Zurich (Switzerland) depart from and head back to Slovenia's capital.

By Bus

You can also get to Ljubljana from neighboring countries by bus. A list of available international routes is showing on the Ljubljana Bus Station website.

Ljubljana Public Transportation

Public transportation in the city represents by buses and a funicular. Some trains can take you to the suburbs and neighboring towns. Residents and tourists can ride electric vehicles Cavalier for free or use the Urban train in the pedestrian area.

Renting a Car in Ljubljana

DiscoverCars.com – a leader in online car rental reservations – is the best site to book a car in Ljubljana. They compare car rental deals from many companies so you can choose what works best for you.

1. Ljubljana Castle

Southeastern view of Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle is an ancient castle with a 900-year history, located at the city's highest point. The fortified structure draws visitors to Croatia's capital with its medieval splendor, numerous museum exhibits, and various cultural programs.

There are several ways to get to Ljubljana Castle, and the most impressive is by funicular. Another way is on your foot or by taxi. The most extravagant option is by tourist train Urban which runs daily in Ljubljana.

Address: 
Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana

Public Transportation:
Bus (line 02): Lutkovno gl.
Castle Funicular

2. Triple Bridge

Triple Bridge, with Franciscan Church in the background

The Triple Bridge, connecting the new part of the city with its historical center, is the most famous bridge in Ljubljana and one of the most unusual bridges in Europe. The 20th-century structure represents three separate, fanning out from one point, bridges over the Ljubljanica River.

Public Transportation: 
Bus (lines 01B, 02, 03, 06, 06B, 09, 11, 14, 18, 18L, 19B, 19I, 27, N01, N03, N03B): Pošta

3. Dragon Bridge

The northern part of the bridge

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 the most recognizable sights of Ljubljana. It is the first Slovenian bridge paved with asphalt and the first reinforced concrete bridge in the city.

Public Transportation:
Bus (lines 13, 20, 20Z): Zmajski most

4. Ljubljana Cathedral

Baroque interior of the cathedral

Ljubljana Cathedral is the most important and beautiful church in the city, and its green dome and twin bell towers are the Slovenian capital's recognizable symbols. The church was built in the Baroque style at the start of the 18th century to a design by the Italian architect Andrea del Pozzo. It has the shape of a Latin cross.

On the walls and vault of the church, the frescoes of the 18–19th centuries, made by the Italian painter Giulio Quaglio and the Slovenian portrait painter Matej Langus, stand out.

Address: 
Dolničarjeva ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana

Public Transportation:
Bus (line 02): Lutkovno gl.

5. Metelkova Art Center

Artistic corner of Metelkova

Developed from a squat in a former Yugoslav National Army barracks, Metelkova is an alternative cultural center. Here live fantastic trash art: sculptures, mosaics, graffiti, endless small creative things, and a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of Christiania in Copenhagen (Denmark). The center became one of the best-known attractions of Ljubljana. If you are looking for some fun, hang out with your friends, or meet some new ones, Metelkova is the best place to do it in Ljubljana.

Address: 
Metelkova ulica 10, 1000 Ljubljana

Public Transportation:
Bus (lines 02, 09, 12, 12D, 25, 27, 27K): Friškovec

6. Roman Wall

Roman Wall

The Roman town Emona existed from the 1st to the early 6th century in this place. It had a wall with towers and four main gateways. The southern section of the structure preserves completely. Pillars, designed by the Slovene architect Joze Plecnik, are the main feature of the former main gate. Worth a look if you are touring the city.

Address: 
Mirje, 1000 Ljubljana

Public Transportation:
Bus (lines 01, 01B, 06, 06B, N01): Aškerčeva

7. Franciscan Church

Triple Bridge over the Ljubljanica, with the Franciscan Church in the background

The 17th-century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation is one of the most famous churches in Ljubljana. It is located on Prešerna Square, on the left bank of the Ljubljanica, next to the Triple Bridges. The church houses an imposing Baroque altarpiece by the Italian sculptor Francesco Robba (1698–1757) and beautiful frescoes by the Slovene Impressionist painter Matej Sternen (1870–1949).

Address: 
Prešernov trg 4, 1000 Ljubljana

Public Transportation: 
Bus (lines 01B, 02, 03, 06, 06B, 09, 11, 14, 18, 18L, 19B, 19I, 27, N01, N03, N03B): Pošta

8. University of Ljubljana

The main building of the Ljubljana University

Since 1919, the beautiful Neo-Renaissance Mansion on Kongresni trg Square has housed the Seat of the University of Ljubljana. It was built between 1899 and 1902 to a design by the Czech architect Jan Vladimir Hrasky. The Carniolan Provincial Assembly held the first session in the new Carniolan Provincial Mansion in 1903.

Fourteen medallions depicting the coats of arms of the Carniola cities adorn the exterior. A spacious inner courtyard, a small park with a fountain, and a clock turret surmounting the facade facing Vegova Street are other remarkable features of the building – an important cultural monument of the first category in Slovenia. 

Address: 
Kongresni trg 12, 1000 Ljubljana

Public Transportation:
Bus (lines 01, 01B, 02, 03, 03B, 06, 06B, 09, 11, 11B, 19B, 19I, 27, N01, N03, N03B): Drama

9. Slovenian Philharmonic Building

The building of the Slovenian Philharmonic

The 18th-century Slovenian Philharmonic building is an architectural beauty in a city full of fetching architecture. It is worth a quick look when the entrance is open, but the best thing is to listen to one of the concerts in an impressive concert hall. The building stands on the Kongresni trg square, close to the University of Ljubljana, and after the live music performance, you can stroll down and up the Ljubljanica, which is only 100 steps away.

Address: 
Kongresni trg 10, 1000 Ljubljana

Public Transportation:
Bus (lines 01, 01B, 02, 03, 03B, 06, 06B, 09, 11, 11B, 19B, 19I, 27, N01, N03, N03B): Drama

10. Tivoli Park

The mansion, housing the International Centre of Graphic Arts, at Tivoli Park

Located among Ljubljana outskirts hills, Tivoli Park is one of the largest parks in Slovenia. It covers an area of 5 sq km (1235 ac). This beautiful, cozy place with green lawns, clean air, and rich history is perfect for pleasant walks and picnics.

Public Transportation:
Bus (lines 14, 18, 18L): Cankarjev dom

The 6 Most Adventurous Experiences in Ljubljana

Due beautiful nature and varied terrain surrounding the city, Ljubljana offers many outdoor activities. You might want to explore Ljubljana and Slovenia by choosing one or more of the recommended activities listed below. Enjoy!

Currency

Slovenia joined the Eurozone by adopting the euro in 2007, so visiting Ljubljana and traveling around Slovenia and two nearby countries – Austria and Italy – will be truly convenient for you.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Ljubljana offers a varied range of accommodation options. Most of the hotels are within walking distance of the historic center. You only need to decide how much money you want to spend and whether you prefer Ljubljana hotels or Ljubljana hostels.

On Booking.com, you can book almost 500 homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay in Ljubljana. 

According to this online travel agency for lodging reservations, Urban Boutique Hotel Center, Hotel Nox, and Ahotel Ljubljana are some of the most favorite hotels in Slovenia's capital.

What to Buy in Ljubljana

Bovec Cheese. Locally known as Bovški, the Bovec cheese is a traditional Slovenian cheese. It is made out of raw sheep's milk and classified as full-fat hard cheese.

Chocolate Gorenjka. Offering chocolates of different sizes and flavors, Gorenjka – the most recognized chocolate brand in Slovenia – has been satisfying lovers of this snack since 1958. 

Dragon Souvenir. The dragon is one of the famous symbols of Ljubljana. You will see its figures wherever you go in the city.

Piran Salt. This salt is formed on the surface of Salinas Basin in the southwestern part of Slovenia and is gently harvested by hand, using the same salt panning methods and tools that have been in use for over the last 700 years. It is mild in flavor and varies in subtle undertones of a distinct sea aroma. 

Pumpkin Seed Oil. Well known for its intense nutty taste, Slovenian pumpkin oil is produced only from handpicked pumpkin seeds of the highest quality; it is all-natural and rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory agents along with linoleic and oleic acids.

Rogaška Crystal. With a tradition of 350 years, Rogaška Glassworks fosters and continues the crystal ware-making art in Slovenia. The brand's premium home and lifestyle products in a high-quality crystal have been successfully exporting from the very beginning.

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