If you have ever wondered, “Where is Ljubljana, how do I pronounce it, and are there any cool things to do in Ljubljana?”, let me add my enthusiastic two thumbs up to all who have already discovered the charm of Ljubljana. Its turquoise rivers and emerald green lakes, castles, mountains, and mountainsides dotted with steepled churches and villages rival the charming beauty of many European destinations.
Fun Fact. Ljubljana is derived from the adjective “ljubljena” which means “the beloved”. It may come as no surprise then, that Ljubljana is beloved by locals and visitors alike. And once you visit, you will be among those who love the charm of Ljubljana and will want to return.
How do You Actually Say Ljubljana?
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You might have wondered how you actually wrap your tongue around the word Ljubljana. It is important to remember that in Slovenian, the letter “j” is pronounced the same as “y” in English, and the combination of “lj” is much the same as the sound you make when pronouncing million. Some pronunciation guides suggest you could simply say, “Loo-blah-nuh”, but others say “Lyoo-BLYAH-nuh” is more accurate.
Where is Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia—as well as its economic, political, and cultural hub. The Ljubljanica River runs through the old town. Nestled within the peaks of the Julian Alps, the city is located in central Slovenia and is bordered by Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary.
Getting to Ljubljana?
In getting to Ljubljana, Chris and I traveled by bus from Zagreb, Croatia after exploring Rovinj, Croatia (the most charming place you’ve probably never heard of!), relaxing on the beaches of Rab Island in Croatia, and exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park. Slovenia was the perfect way to end our two weeks in Europe.
Depending on where you are coming from, you could fly to the Ljubljana Airport, take the train, travel by bus, or drive.
Slovenia Facts
- Official Language: Slovene or Slovenian
- Capital City: Ljubljana
- Population: 2.13 million
- Currency: Euro
- Power Outlet: Type C & Type F
Slovenia is often called the Green Country. In part, due to its sustainability practices and efforts to preserve natural resources. In fact, 60% of Slovenia is covered in forests and 40% of those forests are parks and natural reserves. Slovenia also encourages sustainable tourism which focuses on lessening the negative impacts of travel and fosters a respect for natural resources, the environment, and local communities.
20 Things to Do In Ljubljana
It has been suggested that “Slovenia is one of those all or nothing countries—you either know nothing about it and it’s not on your radar, or you’ve discovered its magic and you are head over heels in love.” Contiki
Chris and I would agree. We knew nothing about Ljubljana when we planned our European trip, yet Chris noted that it wasn’t too far from our vacation destinations in Croatia and seemed an easy add on. We loved the charming old town, the numerous bridges, and the beautiful landscape. Next time we will go back for more trips to the mountains, caves and natural wonders. You could do Ljubljana in a day, but there is so much to see and do in and around the city, that you’ll definitely want more days to explore
You might hear the name Jože Pučnik mentioned in relation to Ljubljana. Who is he? Jože is the architect who brought his style and designs to the city’s bridges (in particular the Triple Bridge), the central market area, and distinctive buildings. His influence can also be seen in Vienna and in the architecture of Prague.
1. Enjoy a Ljubljana FREE Walking Tour
One of our favorite ways to explore a new city is by joining a walking tour led by a local guide. The Ljubljana FREE walking tour is approximately two hours long, with no advanced reservation required. If you show up by the pink Franciscan church in Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) on any given day around 11 am (available at other times as well), you will be able to join the tour. Just look for the person with the yellow umbrella!
A few of the tour highlights include:
- Prešeren Square
- Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge , Butchers Bridge and Cobblers’ Bridge
- The Market
- Town Square
The tour is indeed free, but be kind to your guide. Giving a tip at the end of the tour is just good tourist karma.
2. Explore the Old Town
Another favorite tourist draw for Chris and I in any European town or village is to explore the Old Town. Ljubljana’s old town is easily walkable, bike friendly, and car free. Starting at Prešeren Square, you can photograph the pink church, find Prešeren Monument (a depiction of the great poet France Prešeren), walk along the left or right bank of the Ljubljanica River, explore quaint shops, stop for lunch with friends, or find the dragons.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Eurostars UHotel. It was a short five-minute walk from there to Prešeren Square and about ten minutes in the other direction to the bus station in Ljubljana.
3. Discover the Bridges
You will find 47 bridges that span the Ljubljanica River within the city center. Each is a little different and unique. These are a few of the most prominent bridges:
Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) – Jože Pučnik designed the two side bridges of the Triple Bridge in 1930 to not only connect the historic old town of Ljubljana with the modern city center, but also to allow for greater pedestrian access.
Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most) – The Dragon Bridge, adorned with iconic dragon statues that watch over the bridge, dates back to 1901. The dragons represents the mythical belief that Jason and the Argonauts founded the city.
Cobblers’ Bridge (Šuštarski Most) – Today, Cobblers’ Bridge is a lively hub of the old town where you can find street performers and artists on any given day. It makes the perfect backdrop for Instagrammable pictures. What was once a simple wooden design was reimagined by Plečnik into a stone structure featuring pillars topped with lamps. It is called the Cobblers’ Bridge as shoemakers long ago set up shop lining the bridge to sell goods to passersby.
Butchers’ Bridge (Mesarski Most) – One of the newer bridges in the old town, it features a mix of glass and steel… and love locks. It is a popular area to enjoy an afternoon stop at a cafe where you can sit and people watch too!
4. Photograph the Pink Franciscan Church
Did you know that red is representative of the Franciscan monastic order? This order, founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, of the Catholic Church, is known for a commitment to service, humility, and poverty. The once vibrant red color of the church faded over time to a bright salmon pink that the locals chose to keep as a dominant symbol of the Old Town. Inside and outside of this church, you’ll find treasures and unique architectural features. Feel free to take a look around.
5. Enjoy Some Ice Cream and People Watch
As Chris and I explored the charm of Ljubljana this summer, it seemed as though there were ice cream shops regularly spaced along both sides of the Ljubljanica River as well as on the side streets radiating out from the oval-shaped Prešeren Square. Your hardest decision of the day might just be deciding which flavor to choose as you sit back and relax with a little people watching on the side!
6. Try Potica—Ljubljana’s Famous Dessert
If the ice cream isn’t enough to give you a sugar boost, try Ljubljana’s most famous dessert: potica (pronounced poh-TEET-sah). This pastry is made with paper thin layers of a yeast dough and traditionally filled with raisins and walnuts. You might also find it filled with cottage cheese, chocolate, poppy seeds, or tarragon.
7. Spot the Dragons
As a symbol of Ljubljana, dragons can be found on the city’s coat of arms, the Dragon Bridge, lamp posts, drain covers, street furniture, and a variety of mementos sold in tourist shops. In fact, LJubljana has its own mascot known as Zmajček (meaning “Little Dragon”)!
8. Take a Boat Tour
We had just enough time on our last day in Ljubljana before we needed to leave for the airport to enjoy a boat tour of the river. We made the decision on a whim, and unfortunately, when we arrived one large group had just purchased tickets and filled the entire boat. Get your tickets in advance.
9. Visit the Central Market
Ljubljana’s Central Market, located in the Vodnikov trg and Pogačarnev trg squares, is open Monday through Saturday. You could think of it as three shopping areas in one: the outdoor market, the indoor market, and a series of small food shops. You will find everything from locally grown fruits and vegetables, a fish market, flowers, cured meat products, home-baked breads and pastries, local cheeses, olive oil, dried fruit and nuts, and so much more.
Of course, you’ll also find tourist trinkets AND on Fridays (as weather permits) the Open Kitchen offers local chefs the opportunity to share their talents preparing dishes from around the world for you to try. Open Kitchen is held from the middle of March until the end of October.
10. Get a Massage
One of the treats Chris and I love to experience while traveling is a massage. We lucked out as there was a Thai massage storefront right around the corner from our hotel. Work out the knots and aches from miles of walking, hiking up to the castle, carrying a backpack, and sleeping in unfamiliar beds!
11. Hike to the Castle
Not sure I was quite prepared for the intensity of the hike up to the castle. I read someone say, “It is a pleasant ten-minute walk…” Lies!!! It is uphill and challenging. From the Central Market, follow Študentovska pot up to Castle Hill. Once you have arrived at the castle, and you have caught your breath, then you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and Old Town below.
12. Explore the Castle
Perched on the aptly named Castle Hill overlooking the city, Ljubljana Castle stands as a prominent landmark and a popular tourist attraction. You may find it filled with school groups and tourists, but take some time to explore the castle’s nooks and crannies.
Beyond the tourist shop, the castle also features a viewing tower, museums, two restaurants, a cafe, and a wine bar and shop.
Castle ticket prices (for adults):
- Castle ticket with funicular: 19 €
- Castle ticket without funicular: 15 €
- Castle ticket with funicular and audio guide: 23 €
We never tried “Escape Castle“, but I read in other reviews that it is also a fun way to explore the castle.
13. Take the Funicular Up or Down from the Castle
Of course, you could take the funicular up to the castle (check ticket prices here). If we had been thinking, we would have ridden the funicular up to the castle instead of riding it back down after hiking up. But hey, we all need a good bit of exercise right? The cost to ride the funicular for an adult is 3,30 € one way/6 € round trip.
14. Leave Your Love Lock on Butchers’ Bridge
Three years ago, I bought a love lock for our 25th anniversary to leave in Paris, France. Due to unfortunate circumstances, that love lock didn’t get placed anywhere in Paris. Instead, Chris and I brought that love lock to Ljubljana to celebrate 28 years together. We added our lock to the hundreds of other locks on Butchers’ Bridge.
15. Enjoy the Lively Night Scene
The promenades along either side of Ljubljanica River are the perfect spot if you are craving a lively and vibrant night scene. The walkways are filled with people out for an evening stroll, meeting up with friends at the restaurants (Hint * get your reservation in advance), or photographing the bridges.
16. Dine at an Outdoor Cafe
Just as popular in the daytime as in the evening, open-air cafes and restaurants line the boulevards on either side of the river. Chris and I stopped at Pop’s Pizza and Sports for a tasty lunch. I would highly recommend the fresh burrata and Margarita pizza.
17. Relax at Tivoli Park (Mestni park Tivoli)
Slovenia doesn’t earn the title of “Green Country” without having some beautiful green spaces. Ljubljana’s Tivoli Park is a prime example. And you may or may not be surprised that Jože Pučnik had a hand in designing sections of this park as well. The park is easy to reach on foot from the Old Town and features tree-lined paths that elegantly lead you to the fish pond, children’s playground, a bird nesting site, botanical gardens, and the popular café Čolnarna.
18. Appreciate the Free WC
If you have ever fumbled for coins to enter a WC while in Europe or passed one by because you didn’t have any change, not to worry in Ljubljana. There are a number of FREE public restrooms in Ljubljana’s city center:
- Plecnik Underpass
- Under the Bridges: Triple Bridge, Butchers’ Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Prule Bridge
- Congress Square (SW and E side)
- Tivoli Park at the pond
- Gruber Embankment – Spica Cafe
Day Trips from Ljubljana
19. Lake Bled
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia is Lake Bled. It is a 45 minute drive by car if you happen to have a rental or just under 1.5 hours by bus. We took the bus and both of us were able to enjoy the scenery along the way.
What makes this glacial lake so blue nestled in the Julian Alps? Much like Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, the stunning blue color of Lake Bled can be attributed to glacier waters that are full of “rock flour“. This rock flour is made up of fine particles of rock that refract the light. You will also love walking around the lake, taking a boat ride, biking, swimming, exploring the island, and hiking to and exploring Bled Castle.
20. Vintgar Gorge
Yes, the water in Vintgar Gorge is this beautiful green color! In Slovenia, a narrow, steep-sided gorge is a “vintgar”. Vintgar Gorge might be redundantly saying Gorge Gorge but it is no less beautiful. The gorge is below Mount Triglav in the Julian Alps and just 2.5 miles (4 km) from Bled.
After you have explored Lake Bled, return to the bus station and find the bus that will take you to the gorge. Your timed-entry ticket allows you entrance to the gorge. Scan the QR codes along the way to learn as you go. Go at your own speed as you will surely want to stop every few feet or so to take pictures. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through the gorge and is followed by a choice of two themed trails that will bring you back to the visitor center.
PS All visitors to the gorge are required to wear a lovely orange helmet.
Using the Bus Station in Ljubljana
Chris and I arrive at the bus station in Ljubljana from Zagreb, Croatia. In addition, we walked to the bus station a few times for our day trips; our #1 tip is to buy your tickets in advance. Especially if you happen to be there in the evening and the crowds are minimal.
Airport Close to Ljubljana
Chris and I departed from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport for the first leg of our long trip home. The airport is located 15 miles (24 km) from Ljubljana near the town of Brnik. It is a small airport and easy to navigate, but be sure to factor in your travel time getting to the airport.
Camera Equipment for Slovenia
If you are hoping to capture stunning photos of Slovenia, you will definitely need your phone or some awesome camera gear. Whichever camera or phone you choose to bring, have them ready for the picturesque, Instagrammable moments In Ljubljana and surrounding areas.
- Canon Powershot G1 X Mark III – A point and shoot with Manual mode options
- Canon t8i plus a lens kit – Perfect for beginners
- Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – My favorite lens for the Canon t8i
- Canon 6d Mark II DSLR – An upgraded camera for intermediate photographers
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for the Canon 6d Mark II
- iPhone
You can see more of my photography gear recommendations on my Amazon Storefront. Click below to “Take a Look!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is France Prešeren?
France Prešeren is a revered Slovenian poet who wrote the poem “Zdravljica” (A Toast). The poem has since been set to music and has become the Slovenian national anthem. Prešeren is so beloved that his image appears on the Slovenian two-euro coin and each year on the anniversary of his death—February 8th—locals celebrate Prešeren Day.
Can you see Ljubljana in a day?
You can see a lot in just one day, but I would plan for at least 2 or 3 days and include a few day trips too. Slow down and enjoy the experience.
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Final Thoughts on Discover the Charm: 20 Things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Chris and I did not really know what to expect from our first trip to Slovenia, but the charm of Ljubljana drew us in. We would love to go back and explore some more, especially within the Julian Alps.
A few of the things we missed include the graffiti at Metelkova Mesto, the Museum of Illusions, exploring more in Tivoli Park, trying our luck at Escape Castle, and the view from Neboticnik (a skyscraper a short walk from the Old Town with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city). Outside of the city, we would plan to visit Postojna Caves, Škocjan, Lake Bohinj, and Predjama Castle.
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This is such a useful guide! I’ve heard Slovenia is AWESOME and I’m dying to go!
I absolutely love Ljubljana—it’s such a charming and walkable city with a friendly vibe. The dragons, the castle views, and the Old Town are unforgettable highlights. Your list is fantastic and really captures the spirit of the city. It makes me want to go back and explore even more, especially Tivoli Park and the food scene!
I love a to do list that involved eating ice cream and people watching 😉 thanks for the inspiration