15 best things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1 to 3 days

Introduction

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, serving as the country’s cultural, educational, economic, political, and administrative center. It has a population of approximately 295,500 inhabitants.

A fascinating fact about Ljubljana is its deep historical roots. The city first appeared in texts during antiquity as the Roman settlement of Emona, though the name Ljubljana was only recorded in the first half of the 12th century.

Another interesting detail is that the dragon is the city’s symbol. According to legend, a dragon’s nest once existed at the source of the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city.

We visited Ljubljana during a road trip in August 2021, stopping by for a day on our way to Croatia. Despite the short visit, we had an amazing time exploring the city!

Read: 3-Week Balkans Itinerary

Getting there

We visited Ljubljana during our Eastern Europe road trip, and driving into the city was a breeze. From the highway, we followed the main road straight into the city and parked at Tivoli Parking. This parking lot, located near Tivoli Park, offers some of the best rates while being just a 5-minute walk from the old town.

If you’re traveling to Ljubljana by public transportation, you can fly directly to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), located north of the city, and then reach the center in several ways:

• By Bus: The Alpe Tour bus runs from the airport (Letališče Brnik) to the main bus station (Avtobusna Postaja Ljubljana), right in front of the train station. The journey takes around 1 hour and costs €4.10. Buses depart every 30 minutes between 5 AM and 8 PM.
• By Shuttle: You can purchase a ticket directly at the airport for €10. The ride takes about 30 minutes and departs once the van is full.
• By Taxi: The fastest and most expensive option. Expect to pay around €30–40 for a ride into the city.

Some accommodations also offer private transfers, so it’s worth checking with your hotel or Airbnb for options. 😊

Moving Around

Getting around Ljubljana is super easy and best done on foot. The old town is compact, making it walkable, and most attractions are within a short distance of each other. No need for public transport if you’re staying in the city center—just wander through the charming streets, cross the iconic bridges, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

While you don’t need a car to explore the city, renting one is a great option if you plan to visit Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Postojna Cave, or Triglav National Park. You can rent a car directly at Ljubljana Airport or in the city center from companies like Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, or Avantcar. Expect to pay €30–50 per day for a basic car.

Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car in Slovenia:

• Vignette (Toll Sticker): If using highways, your rental should include a vignette—confirm this with the company.
• Parking in Ljubljana: The best option is Tivoli Parking, just 5 minutes from the old town, with affordable rates. Street parking is limited.
• Driving Rules: Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways.
• Crossing Borders: Planning to drive to Croatia, Austria, or Italy? Check cross-border fees with your rental company.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ljubljana depends on the experience you’re looking for. The city enjoys a mild climate, making it a great destination year-round, but each season offers something unique.

• Spring (March-May): A fantastic time to visit, with mild temperatures (12–22°C / 54–72°F) and blooming parks creating a beautiful atmosphere. The outdoor cafés and riverside terraces start to fill up, and it’s a great time to explore the Ljubljana Castle, Tivoli Park, and city markets with fewer crowds.
• Summer (June-August): The peak season, perfect for warm, sunny days (25–30°C / 77–86°F) and enjoying Ljubljana’s vibrant outdoor life. The city is buzzing with festivals, live music, and open-air events, including the famous Ljubljana Summer Festival. Even though it’s high season, the city doesn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded compared to other European capitals.
• Autumn (September-October): A great time to visit if you want pleasant weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F) and fewer tourists. The fall colors in Tivoli Park and along the Ljubljanica River add a magical touch. This is also a great season for day trips to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, or wine regions like Vipava Valley.
• Winter (November-February): A charming season when Ljubljana transforms into a winter wonderland. With temperatures around 0–10°C (32–50°F), the city hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. You’ll find festive lights, mulled wine, and cozy cafés, while nearby ski resorts like Krvavec are just a short drive away.

For the best mix of good weather and fewer crowds, May, June, and September are ideal. But Ljubljana is great to visit year-round, whether you want to explore in the warm sunshine or enjoy its cozy winter charm.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

Ljubljana is great place to stay. It is central and in between Bled and Croatia. We also stayed in Bled but if you don’t have the time or wants to avoid going there on your own, Ljubljana is a great base as many tours are going to Bled:

• (€): Tivoli Boutique Inn
• (€€) AS Boutique Hotel, superior
• (€€€) Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel

Here are all your accommodation options in Ljubljana

What to Eat

Ljubljana offers a mix of Slovenian, Austrian, Italian, and Balkan influences, here are some dishes to try:

• Štruklji – A rolled dumpling dish, made with various fillings such as cottage cheese, walnuts, or tarragon. It can be sweet or savory and is often served as a side or dessert.
• Prekmurska Gibanica – A delicious layered pastry cake from northeastern Slovenia, filled with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, and cottage cheese. A must-try for dessert lovers!
• Idrijski Žlikrofi – Small dumplings filled with potatoes, onions, and spices, originating from the town of Idrija. Often served with a rich meat sauce.
• Fish from the Adriatic – Slovenia has a small coastline, and you’ll find fresh grilled sea bass, calamari, and trout on many menus.
• Potica – A traditional Slovenian nut roll, made with a thinly rolled dough and a walnut, tarragon, or poppy seed filling. Typically enjoyed during holidays.
• Kremna Rezina (Bled Cream Cake) – This famous dessert from Lake Bled is a must-try in Ljubljana! A crispy puff pastry base, filled with vanilla custard and whipped cream, topped with a thin layer of pastry and powdered sugar.
• Slovenian Wines & Craft Beers – Slovenia is a hidden gem for wine lovers, with great white wines from the Vipava Valley and reds from the Karst region. You’ll also find excellent craft beers from local breweries like Union and Human Fish Brewery.

Check our Google Map of the Balkans

Things to do in Ljubljana

Tivoli Park

If like us, you park at Tivoli Parking Lot, take some time to stroll through the beautiful and expansive Tivoli Park. As the largest park in Ljubljana, it offers lush greenery, tree-lined paths, fountains, and even some outdoor art exhibitions.

It’s a peaceful spot where locals come to jog, cycle, or simply relax. The Tivoli Mansion, home to the International Centre of Graphic Arts, is also worth a quick visit if you’re interested in contemporary art.

From there, head straight toward the city center by using the small underground passage that conveniently connects the park to Ljubljana’s charming old town.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

National Gallery

Your next stop will be the National Gallery of Slovenia, an impressive neoclassical building that houses the country’s largest collection of fine arts. Even if you’re not planning to visit the gallery itself, it’s worth stopping by to admire its grand architecture and the elegant surroundings.

The area around the gallery is charming and peaceful, with wide boulevards, historic buildings, and small cafés where you can soak in the atmosphere. If you’re not a big fan of museums or galleries, simply wandering through this part of the city allows you to appreciate Ljubljana’s cultural charm and architectural beauty.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ljubljana

Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (Cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja)

Your next stop is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, one of Ljubljana’s most iconic landmarks, located in Prešeren Square, the city’s main gathering spot.

Built in 1660, this striking Baroque-style church stands out with its vibrant red façade, a color symbolizing the Franciscan monastic order. Its twin bell towers and ornate decorations make it a stunning sight, especially when contrasted against the surrounding historical buildings. The interior is equally impressive, featuring beautiful frescoes painted by Matej Sternen and a magnificent high altar designed by Francesco Robba.

Whether you step inside or simply admire it from the square, the Franciscan Church is a must-see in Ljubljana.

Check our Google Map of the Balkans

Prešeren Square

Prešeren Square is the heart of Ljubljana’s old town, a lively and vibrant spot where locals and tourists naturally come together. Even in the early morning, you’ll find people gathering here, enjoying the city’s atmosphere.

Named after France Prešeren, Slovenia’s most famous poet, the square is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Franciscan Church, historic buildings, and charming cafés. At its center stands a statue of Prešeren, with a bronze muse above him symbolizing inspiration.

This pedestrian-friendly square serves as a cultural and social hub, often hosting street performers, festivals, and open-air events. It’s also the perfect place to start exploring Ljubljana, as it connects to the iconic Triple Bridge leading into the old town.

If you want to learn more, consider taking the 2.5-hour guided stroll through Ljubljana’s charming streets and landmarks. Discover hidden gems and historical highlights, guided by an expert.

Triple Bridge & Butchers’ Bridge & Dragon Bridge

From Prešeren Square, follow the Ljubljanica River, crossing from bridge to bridge as you soak in the charming atmosphere of the old town. Eventually, you’ll reach the Dragon Bridge, one of Ljubljana’s most famous landmarks.

This iconic bridge, built in 1901, is guarded by four massive dragon statues, a symbol of the city’s legend and pride. It also marks the edge of the historic center, where the old town begins to transition into more modern areas.

As you cross the bridge, you’ll see boats and local cruises gliding under, offering a different perspective of the city. From here, head toward the Central Market, a lively spot where locals shop for fresh produce, flowers, and traditional Slovenian goods.

By this point, you’ve likely spent around an hour leisurely strolling, enjoying Ljubljana’s relaxed yet vibrant charm.

Central Market

The Central Market is a lively and vibrant place, full of energy and local charm. As you wander through, you’ll find numerous stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, honey, souvenirs, and even clothing. While you might not plan to buy anything, it’s still a great place to soak in the atmosphere and experience the daily life of Ljubljana.

Designed by the renowned architect Jože Plečnik in 1931, the market is spread across Vodnikov trg and Pogačarnev trg squares, making it one of the city’s most significant public spaces. Whether you’re here for fresh produce, people-watching, or just to enjoy the market’s buzz, it’s a must-visit spot when exploring Ljubljana.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ljubljana

Ljubljana Cathedral

Next, head to St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, just a short two-minute walk away. While it’s a relatively small building, its interior is beautifully decorated. However, there’s a 2€ entrance fee if you want to explore inside.

Also known as the Church of St. Nicholas, this site was originally home to a Romanesque church before being rebuilt in the Baroque style. The cathedral stands out with its ornate details, including impressive frescoes and a beautifully crafted bronze door. It’s a peaceful place to step inside and soak in a piece of Ljubljana’s history.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Robba fountain & Town Square

After another five-minute stroll, you’ll find yourself in front of the Robba Fountain and Town Square. The entire area is stunning, but surprisingly small, making it easy to explore on foot.

Did you know that Robba Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece? Also known as The Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers, it was inspired by Rome’s famous fountains. The fountain symbolizes the three main rivers of the Carniola region—the Ljubljanica, Sava, and Krka—and was sculpted by Francesco Robba in the 18th century. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see while wandering through Ljubljana’s old town.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Ljubljana Castle

And finally, it is time to “hike up” to Ljubljana Castle. Perched on a hill, the walk up takes around 15 minutes and offers some great views along the way. This is where we spent most of our time, as the castle has a lot to explore.You can visit some parts of the castle for free, but full access requires a €10 ticket per person that you can buy online.

Not realizing this at first, we bought a ticket and headed inside. At first, it was a bit confusing to navigate, but in the end, we’re pretty sure we saw everything!

The ticket included access to:

• The Puppet Museum – A unique and interactive exhibit where you can even put on your own puppet show. A fantastic stop if you’re visiting with kids.
• The Watchtower – The ultimate viewpoint over Ljubljana and beyond. Definitely worth the climb!
• The 3D Story Video – Our favorite part! This immersive short film explains the fascinating history of the city and the castle, including the legend of Ljubljana’s Dragon.
• The History Museum – A small exhibit showcasing historical relics and artifacts from different periods of Ljubljana’s past.

The castle was a great way to wrap up our visit, blending history, amazing city views, and a bit of adventure all in one place.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ljubljana

Šance – Plečnikov spomenik

And after all that exploring, it is time for a well-deserved break in the park behind the castle, the perfect spot to relax and recharge before heading back down.

Lake Bled

A day trip to Bled is like stepping into a postcard. Surrounded by the Julian Alps, this charming Alpine town is home to a stunning emerald-green lake, a fairy-tale island, and a medieval castle perched atop a rocky cliff. Whether you’re here for a scenic boat ride, a refreshing swim, or a leisurely stroll around the lake, Bled offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure in one of Slovenia’s most picturesque settings.

If you don’t have a car, consider this amazing day trip to Lake Bled and Bled Castle

Read: Best things to do in Bled

Triglav National Park

A guided day tour to Soča and Kranjska Gora from Ljubljana takes you through some of Slovenia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Discover the stunning turquoise waters of the Soča River, explore the charming Alpine town of Kranjska Gora, and soak in the beauty of Triglav National Park. Whether you’re into adventure, nature, or simply want to admire the dramatic mountain scenery, this tour offers an unforgettable escape into Slovenia’s wild and unspoiled nature.

Check out this highly rated tour.

More Things to do in Ljubljana

Metelkova Art Center

If you have more time in Ljubljana, are staying overnight, or are arriving by train, consider stopping by the Metelkova Art Center.

Located right next to the train station, this alternative cultural hub was once the military headquarters of the Austro-Hungarian Army. Today, it’s a vibrant space filled with street art, murals, and creative installations, hosting live music, exhibitions, and underground events. A must-see if you’re into alternative culture and urban art!

Plečnik House

And if you have extra time, consider visiting the Plečnik House to learn about the life and work of Jože Plečnik, the architect who shaped much of Ljubljana’s cityscape.

At Plečnik House, you’ll step into his home, preserved exactly as it was during his lifetime, and explore a permanent exhibition showcasing his visionary designs. It’s a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in the artistic legacy of Ljubljana!

Postojna Cave

A day tour to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Ljubljana is a must for anyone fascinated by nature and history. Explore the breathtaking underground world of Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s most famous karst caves, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground train ride. Then, visit the dramatic Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built into a cliffside, offering a unique blend of history and legend.

For an effortless and well-organized experience, check out this guided tour: Book your tickets here.

Ljubljana Itinerary

Day 1:

• Tivoli Park
• National Gallery
• Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (Cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja)
• Prešeren Square
• Triple Bridge
• Butchers’ Bridge & Dragon Bridge
• Central Market
• Ljubljana Cathedral
• Robba fountain & Town Square
• Ljubljana Castle
• Šance – Plečnikov spomenik

Day 2:

• Day trip to Bled

Day 3:

• Day trip to Triglav National Park

Read: 3-Week Balkans Itinerary