When I decided I would be visiting Ljubljana I came into it with no expectations. I did some general research on the country but not much on its capital city of Ljubljana. My boyfriend had visited a couple years before during the winter and told me the city was small so I expected a day to be enough. I had not expected the city to be so beautiful and for there to be quite a few things to do in Ljubljana.
From nature to a castle to street art to beautiful buildings, this city really does have it all. There’s even a spot with its own weather! Believe me when I say you won’t want to miss visiting Ljubljana on your trip to Slovenia. Here we’ll go over all the best things to do in Ljubljana as well as other places to visit around the country.
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Things to do in Ljubljana
Ljubljana Castle
As with many European capitals and cities in general, Ljubljana has a castle that is worth checking out. Even if you don’t go into the castle you can still wander around the grounds and courtyard for free and get amazing views of the city from its high point.
Funicular up to the castle
The fastest way to get to the top of the mountain is by using the funicular. It’s a quick few minute ride and you’ll be able to enjoy a great view and enter the castle. Take a guided walk and funicular ride up to Ljubljana castle.
Price:
- 3,30€ one way for adults
- 6€ round trip for adults
Prešeren Square
This is the main square of Ljubljana where many streets start and end. It’s also where Ljubljana’s own weather is! Right in the center of the square it is always raining so you’ll see signs around the center circle mentioning the rain. The square is north of both the Ljubljanica River and the Triple Bridge.
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (Pink Church)
On the north end of the Prešeren Square is the Franciscan Church of Annunciation, also known as the Pink Church. This is a 17th century church with ceiling frescoes inside. It’s definitely a beautiful landmark to visit right in the center of the city.
Visiting hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:45 – 3:45pm and 4:45pm-6pm
- Saturday: 10:45-6pm
- Sunday: 12:30 – 3:30pm and 5-6pm
Entry: free
Triple Bridge
The triple bridge is south of Prešeren Square and goes over the Ljubljanica river. The main bridge in the center is a 19th century one that is wide enough to drive over. The two adjacent bridges are from the 20th century and are just used as footbridges.
Walk along the Ljubljanica River
There’s lots of restaurants and shops along the Ljubljanica river that it deserves a stroll. You will find four cute bridges to walk across from side to side, but in total 6 bridges including ones that can be driven over.
Vurnik’s house (Pink building)
Vurnki’s house isn’t a building you can go in as it actually holds notary offices. The exterior is very nice though and has the colors of the Slovenian flag. It’s located only a couple blocks north of Prešeren Square. It’s a great photo spot!
Boat ride on the river
There are boats that go along the Ljubljanica river that you can ride too! It’s a great way to enjoy the views from a unique perspective. You’ll be able to pass under Ljubljana’s many bridges and admire the architecture from below.
Price: 14 euros most hours, but 16 euros at 11am and 6pm because there is a tour guide that accompanies the riders on the boat to give information on the city.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, do this boat and craft beer tasting tour!
Photo walk with a local
For 90 minutes you’ll walk around Ljubljana with a local who will show you the best photo spots around the city. This truly immersive experience combines picturesque highlights with authentic cultural insights. Book this experience now!
Dragon bridge
Ljubljana has lots of bridges, each pretty unique, but none as unique as the Dragon Bridge. It gets its name because at each corner there is a statue of a dragon. It’s a small bridge but if you’re coming from the direction of the bus/train station then you’ll get a view of a dragon statue with the castle in the background. It makes for a perfect photo op!
Metelkova street art
Right near the bus and train station is an urban culture center featuring lots of street art. This is a popular spot with underground music, arts events, bars, and nightlife. I only had the chance to visit during the day so all establishments were closed, but you can walk around and take photos. Although it’s a bit from the center, it’s definitely worth checking it out.
Central Market
On the south side of the Ljubljanica river, you can find the Central Market. There’s both an inside and outside part, but if the weather is nice then I recommend walking the many booths on the outside. You’ll see stalls for fruit, vegetables, clothes, prepared food, coffee, and so much more. It’s a nice place to observe everyday life in Ljubljana as many locals frequent many stalls.
Tivoli Park
On the west end of the city is Tivoli Park and it is huge. Most travelers visit the part closer to the city part which is what I only had time to visit too. Within the park is the International Graphic Art Center that’s in the Tivoli Mansion. The park itself is really nice to walk around where you can find a fountain, flowers, and a pond with geese and swans. Near the art center is a restaurant, Bistro Švicarija, with Slovenian food.
International Graphic Art Center
Opening times:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm
- Monday: Closed
Price: Adults – 6€, Ages 12-18 – 3,50€, Students & Retirees – 2,50€
Roman Wall
Slovenia is next to Italy, so it makes sense that there would be a Roman Wall here. In a way I didn’t fully expect it though. This large pyramid looking gate blew me away and I’m so glad I went out of my way to go see it. It’s well preserved and used daily by locals walking around.
Eat Burek
A typical food you’ll see in Ljubljana, but also other cities in Slovenia, is the burek. It’s kind of like a sandwich but shaped like a pizza. There are different options for what you want inside. I opted to go to the Burek Olimpija which claims to have the original burek and was founded in 1979.
During my first visit I got the minced meat and pizza ones. I wasn’t sure how big or small they would be and since each is 3 euros, I thought why not. They were wrapped in paper so I didn’t know which I would be trying first. It ended up being the pizza one and it was good, just a little salty. When I tried the minced meat one later, I definitely found that one to be too salty for my taste.
I would recommend trying these to decide which you prefer but keep in mind some may be a bit salty. The Burek Olimpija also has spinach, cheese, eggplant, and apple options! I had wanted to try the apply one as it was the only dessert like option they had, but both times I went they didn’t have any. If you go and try it, let me know how it is!
Sunset from the castle
If you didn’t go up to visit the castle during its opening hours, then I definitely recommend going up to watch the sunset. It had rained a bit the day I was there to do this, but the colors were still pretty and I’m glad I went. Depending on the time you decide to head up, you can take the funicular one way, which is what I did, and then walk down.
Wonderland Ljubljana
This cute cafe/restaurant just outside of the city center is a great brunch/lunch spot to go with girlfriends! The whole place is colorful and makes for a great photo op location. I didn’t have a chance to try a full meal as I had eaten before and this was my last stop before leaving Slovenia. Instead I opted for a coffee which was good and a Slovenian dessert which was simple but delicious!
I hope this list has convinced you that Ljubljana is a city that needs to be added to your travel plans! It’s a great city for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Related Posts
- Cities in Slovenia to Visit
- Visit Bratislava, Slovakia
- Places to Visit in Hungary
- Activities to do in Budapest, Hungary
- Day Trips from Budapest
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