Final Up to date on March 22, 2024
In case you’re taking a visit to Ljubljana, you should definitely try this record of the most effective issues to do in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana is considered one of Europe’s hidden gems, and it’s actually one of the vital underrated locations within the area. It’s not an enormous metropolis, which makes it simple to navigate and ideal for a weekend journey!
Slovenia’s capital metropolis has an enchanting historical past and a wealthy tradition of artwork and structure. You may see all the things from a 60,000 yr outdated Neanderthal flute to fashionable artwork and imaginative murals scattered all through Ljubljana. You may even spend the night time in jail (by alternative)!
In case you’re planning on doing a Slovenia highway journey, Ljubljana will likely be your beginning/ending level. It provides you an excellent introduction to the nation and makes for a superb base. That will help you higher perceive town, these are the 15 greatest issues to do in Ljubljana.
15 Finest Issues to do in Ljubljana
1. Wander by way of Prešeren Sq.
Prešeren Sq. is the very coronary heart of Ljubljana. A number of of town’s streets lead you straight to it. As a result of it’s so central, that is the place most individuals meet up.
I like grabbing a drink right here as a result of the environment is all the time enjoyable and vigorous. You may take heed to a bunch of various road musicians and take within the views of close by structure. You may see canals, the pink Franciscan church, the Triple Bridge, and extra.
Prešeren Sq. can also be a superb place to start out your day by grabbing a espresso and pastry in one of many close by bakeries. After you’ve had breakfast, there’s a free strolling tour of town that begins within the sq.. There’s additionally a vacationer workplace right here in case you’ve got any questions on Ljubljana.
2. Cross the Dragon Bridge
From Prešeren Sq., you may see the Triple Bridge. It’s a gaggle of three bridges which can be proper subsequent to one another, they usually’re a landmark in Ljubljana. They’re embellished with distinctive stone railings and lanterns.
The unique bridge, the central one, was in-built 1842. The opposite two had been added in 1930 by Jože Plečnik, a well-known Slovenian architect. Close to the bridges you may see a phenomenal flower store in addition to town’s Central Market.
Not removed from the Triple Bridge is the Dragon Bridge. 4 dragons stand on every nook of it, which had been taken from the Slovenian coat of arms. This bridge opened in 1901 and is critical as a result of it’s one of many first strengthened concrete bridges in Europe.
3. Attempt Native Items within the Central Market
Jože Plečnik, who designed the Triple Bridge, additionally designed Ljubljana’s Central Market. It’s proper between Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge, so it’s tremendous simple to get to. I like strolling by way of native markets since you by no means know what you’ll discover.
In Ljubljana’s central market, you may see an enormous number of herbs and spices, handmade arts and crafts, and native produce. There may be additionally fairly a number of stalls that promote native baked items and meats. Be sure you go hungry!
The market is open Monday by way of Saturday, so you may select whenever you go to. It tends to be busier within the mornings when all the things is contemporary. I’d suggest permitting about an hour and a half to stroll by way of the market. That manner you may take your time and see (and take a look at!) all the things.
4. Seize a Drink close to Robba Fountain
The Robba Fountain might appear like “simply one other sculpture” in Ljubljana, however it’s removed from it. The fountain is a well-known image of town that exhibits three males pouring water from jugs. Every man represents the three rivers of the area: the Ljubljanica, the Sava, and the Krka.
The statue that’s there now is definitely a reproduction of the unique, which might be discovered within the Nationwide Gallery. The design is impressed by Rome’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the Baroque interval.
There are a bunch of bars and eating places close to the fountain, so I’d recommend coming within the night to take pleasure in a meal or seize a drink. My favourite restaurant close to the fountain is Robba. For a straightforward meal, you can even try Pop’s Place Burger Bar.
5. Style Slovenian Wine
When you’re in Ljubljana, I positively suggest doing a wine tasting! Even in the event you’re not a wine connoisseur, it’s nonetheless a enjoyable option to spend a pair hours with your folks.
This wine tasting expertise I did was in a 300-year-old wine cellar. We bought to strive seven totally different wines whereas the professional talked about Slovenia’s totally different wine areas. It lasts about two hours and is the proper option to take pleasure in some wine and study concerning the native wine custom.
After you end the tasting, you may even get a certificates that claims you’re an envoy of Slovenian wines. It gained’t show you how to grow to be a sommelier, however it’s positively a cool memento!
6. Hike as much as Ljubljana Fort
An absolute must-see spot in Ljubljana is the citadel. You may see it from many of the squares within the outdated city, however it’s price truly going up the hill to go to it. Don’t fear although – in the event you don’t really feel like mountaineering as much as it, you may take a prepare to the highest for a pair Euros.
The Ljubljana Fort is about 900 years outdated however has developed since then. You may see the early stone and wooden used to construct it, together with navy buildings added within the sixteenth century. You may even go as much as the watchtower (it’s important to pay although) to look over the entire metropolis of Ljubljana.
You may go to the primary courtyard of the citadel totally free. There’s a restaurant, nightclub, galleries, and a restaurant you may go to. If you wish to see extra of the grounds, you may take a guided tour of the citadel and find out about its historical past.
7. Take a look at Avenue Artwork in Metelkova Mesto
After studying about Ljubljana’s previous on the citadel, you may head to the Metelkova Mesto Various Middle to see a very totally different aspect of town. Metelkova Mesto is an outdated military barracks that has been remodeled into an artist enclave. It’s additionally not too removed from the middle of Ljubljana, so chances are high you’ll be close to it in some unspecified time in the future anyway.
You may come throughout the day to take images of the murals and graffiti that cowl the partitions. It’s fairly quiet throughout the day, so visiting could be a good option to escape the hustle and bustle in the remainder of town. It’s positively price coming again at night time too although.
Metelkova Mesto actually comes alive as soon as the solar goes down. There are bars and golf equipment throughout and you could find dwell music and DJs in most of them. In case you come throughout the summer season, there are additionally a whole lot of outside concert events.
8. Spend the Evening in Jail (Actually!)
After an evening out in Metelkova Mesto, you may spend the night time in jail…by alternative! Not removed from the bars and golf equipment, you could find Hostel Celica. It’s a colourful and quirky hostel that was once a Yugoslav jail.
At this time, it’s a snug place to remain. I actually prefer it as a result of it has stayed true to its previous. Some rooms nonetheless resemble outdated jail cells with bars!
Native and worldwide artists designed every of the rooms too. That’s why I like to recommend staying right here for at the least one night time. It’s a really Slovenian option to expertise Ljubljana!
9. Be taught Slovenia’s Historical past on the Nationwide Museum
Slovenia has a really lengthy historical past and the Nationwide Museum is the place you may see all of it. It has two buildings: one close to Tivoli park and the opposite in Metelkova. The primary constructing close to Tivoli park has prehistoric artifacts and the Metelkova location has extra fashionable items.
There are such a lot of cool issues to see in each places. In the primary constructing, there’s a fraction of a Neanderthal flute that’s round 60,000 years outdated. You can even discover Ljubljana’s Roman origins by cash, fashions, and watching animated movies.
In case you’re a historical past buff, the Nationwide Museum is unquestionably price testing. It’s not too huge, however I’d nonetheless permit a number of hours to stroll by way of it. Enable a bit further time if you wish to stroll by way of each places.
10. Relive the Previous at Congress Sq.
One other option to expertise Slovenia’s historical past is to go to Congress Sq.. So many historic occasions have taken place right here. You may positively really feel a particular vitality within the air!
That is the place Slovenia declared its independence and the primary free protest in Slovenia occurred. Invoice Clinton additionally visited and recited a part of the Slovenian nationwide anthem right here.
Outdoors of its historic significance, it’s good to ust stroll across the totally different buildings close to Congress Sq.. You may see the Slovenian Philharmonic, the outdated authorities buildings, and even some palaces.
11. Carry Out Your Inside Baby on the Home of Illusions
Positioned proper in Congress Sq. is considered one of Ljubljana’s lesser-known websites – the Home of Illusions. That is the proper place if you wish to take a break from exploring Slovenia’s historical past. It’s positively extra for youths, however adults can nonetheless have an excellent time too.
The home has totally different illusions in every room. There are 40 totally different reveals, and every of them play along with your senses another way. It’s not the most important place although, so try to be effective spending about an hour and a half right here.
A number of the reveals embody an anti-gravity room, a vortex tunnel, and an upside-down room. It’s solely about $10.00 to get in ($5.00 for youths aged 5-15), so it’s a reasonably low cost option to preserve the household entertained. There’s a present store in the home if you wish to take a number of the illusions residence with you too.
12. Uncover Slovenian Artwork on the Nationwide Gallery
One other well-liked attraction in Ljubljana is the Nationwide Gallery. It exhibits Slovenia’s historical past by way of artwork, from medieval instances to now. In case you like artwork, I’d permit fairly a little bit of time to stroll by way of right here – there are over 600 items.
Keep in mind Robba Fountain? That is the place the unique sculpture is saved, in order that’s positively price looking at. Along with Robba’s sculpture, you may see items from Slovenian artists like Rihard Jakopič and Matija Jama.
The Nationwide Gallery is very easy to get too from most locations in Ljubljana. It’s between Tivoli Park and Prešeren Sq.. I like to recommend visiting the Nationwide Gallery and the Nationwide Museum on the identical day since they’re so shut collectively.
13. Have a Picnic in Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park is the proper place to take a break from sightseeing. It’s an enormous park with a lot of inexperienced area and gardens to chill out in. In case you’re an outdoorsy kind, there are additionally some nature trails you may discover.
When the climate is good, I like selecting up some meals on the Central Market and taking it to Tivoli Park for a picnic. It’s simple to discover a spot to sit down and I might spend hours individuals watching. After you end your picnic, you may stroll by way of the superbly landscaped gardens and stroll by historic mansions.
I additionally suggest strolling by the Jakopič Promenade to see if there are any reveals on. It’s an open-air outside venue that typically has pictures reveals. The Promenade is open year-round and it’s in the midst of the park, so you should definitely test it out!
14. Admire the St. Nicholas Cathedral
One other spot I recommend you try when you’re near Tivoli Park is the St. Nicholas Cathedral. It’s throughout the river from the park and positioned proper subsequent to the Ljubljana Fort. It’s not essentially the most hanging constructing from the skin, however the inside is mindblowing.
You’ll be in awe as quickly as you stroll by way of the door. The artwork is all from the Baroque interval, and the small print within the items present essential moments in Slovenia’s historical past. Regardless of the place you look, you see ornate statues and engravings in gold and bronze.
I all the time suggest visiting the St. Nicholas Cathedral to individuals visiting Ljubljana. It’s a little bit of a hidden gem as a result of it’s really easy to stroll proper by it. You gained’t must spend very lengthy in there (round 15-Half-hour), so it’s the proper place to cease in when you’re heading to the park or citadel.
15. Cruise Down the Ljubljanica River
Cruising alongside the Ljubljana River is considered one of my favourite issues to do in Ljubljana. I recommend leaving this for the tip of your journey as a result of it’s a great way to wrap all the things up.
The boat journeys often final round an hour and there’s a tour information on board to level out the totally different websites. In case you missed one thing or ran out of time, that is one of the best ways to cram all the things in!
If you’d like one thing a bit extra energetic, you can even lease a canoe or paddle board to make your individual journey on the river. This allows you to transfer at your individual tempo, however you’ll miss out on the commentary. Regardless of which you like, I positively suggest doing at the least considered one of these actions on the river earlier than leaving Ljubljana.
Issues to Do Close to Ljubljana
16. Head into the Postojna Cave
Simply 45 minutes outdoors Ljubljana, you’ll discover the spectacular Postojna Cave. The 24,120 m (79,130 ft) lengthy karst cave system is the second-longest cave system within the nation. Admire the stalactites and stalagmites, and stroll alongside big formations that resemble folded curtains. Entrance to the cave is 23,90 €. E book tickets on-line to keep away from ready.
17. Marvel the Predjama Fort
Predjama Fort is just a brief drive away from Postojna Cave. The impregnable medieval marvel has been perched in the midst of a 123-metre-high cliff for greater than 800 years. I positively recommend going contained in the citadel to find out about its historical past (it was constructed within the thirteenth century!). It’s open day by day from 10am to 5pm, and entrance prices 11,90 €. E book your tickets right here.
The citadel and cave are fairly remoted, so I don’t suggest staying in a resort right here. After you’ve completed your day of sightseeing, I like to recommend driving simply 1 hour to Bled.
Whereas I used to be there, I met some individuals who had joined a small guided tour, they usually had been actually impressed with their dwell tour information. This information gave them detailed information in English about Postojna Cave and Predjama Fort. They stated their tour was deliberate to final round 6 hours with solely 15 individuals within the group, so it wasn’t crowded, and the group went smoother with fewer individuals concerned. It was only a 30-minute drive from Ljubljana, they usually all stated it was nice. Whereas some complained concerning the lack of offered meals and drinks, the bulk had come ready with water and some sandwiches. E book your tickets right here.
Ljubljana Journey Information
Easy methods to Get to Ljubljana
If you’re planning a visit to Ljubljana, step one is determining the way to get there. The primary methods to get to Ljubljana are by air, prepare, or automobile. The best manner is to fly into Ljubljana airport. If you’re planning on doing a Slovenia highway journey, it’s greatest to lease a automobile to discover the nation. Seek for automobile leases in Ljubljana right here!
Though it’s not very huge, the Ljubljana airport has fairly a number of worldwide connections. You may fly to Ljubljana from New York Metropolis in about 11 hours (round $700 return) and Los Angeles in 17 hours (round $800 spherical journey).
In case you’re already in Europe, Ljubljana has direct connections to main cities like London (2 hours), Paris (2 hours), and Frankfurt (70 minutes). In case you time it proper, you may get an affordable flight with a finances airline like EasyJet. Seek for flights right here.
Easy methods to Get Round Ljubljana
When you’re in Ljubljana, it’s very easy to get round. One of the simplest ways is by foot since all the things is centrally positioned. Nonetheless, taxis and buses are additionally an choice if you wish to save a while.
One other well-liked choice is biking. Take a look at BicikeLJ or search for one of many stations dotted by way of town. The primary hour of your rental is free, so that is good in the event you’re on a finances.
In case you fly into the Ljubljana airport, you’ve got the choice to take a taxi or bus to town heart. A taxi takes round Half-hour and can price you about 35 Euros. The bus takes about 45 minutes and prices just below 5 Euros.
The place to Keep in Ljubljana
Funds: Hostel Celica Artwork
Experiencing staying in jail for the night time at this distinctive design hostel. The rooms and dormitories on this hostel have been individually designed by totally different native and worldwide artists and replicate the historical past of this former jail. We stayed right here and located it a implausible expertise! Test the charges right here.
Mid Vary: Courtyard Below The Fort
Located simply 800 m from Ljubljana Fort, this lovely 1-bedroom house has an excellent location, in addition to an out of doors terrace and fashionable furnishings. Excellent for a younger couple or household with toddler. Test the charges right here.
Luxurious: Zlata Ladjica Boutique Resort
Perched over the Ljubljanica River, this historic resort is lauded as the most effective resort in Ljubljana. Rooms have attractive views of the river, in addition to vaulted ceilings and tastefully designed decor. Test the charges right here.
The place to Eat in Ljubljana
There are such a lot of small eating places, bars, and cafes in Ljubljana that it may be arduous to decide on the place to eat. I positively suggest attempting a number of the native delicacies when you’re right here irrespective of the place you eat. Listed below are a few of my strategies.
For a effective eating expertise that includes native dishes, you may try Restavracija Strelec. It’s a bit costly, so it’s an excellent place to go for a splurge meal. You may strive the tasting menu and wine pairing for a full Slovenian culinary expertise. Learn critiques right here.
For a extra reasonably priced meal, I all the time go to Landerik. The meals is all sourced from inside Slovenia and it’s completely scrumptious! Learn critiques right here. My prime spot for an inexpensive meal is Kodila Gourmand – you should definitely strive the bujta repa! Learn critiques right here.
Value of Journey in Ljubljana
Slovenia is extra reasonably priced than Western European international locations, like France and Germany. Vacationers ought to finances round $125 to $150 per day, together with resort and journey bills.
Accommodations often price between $30 per night time for a hostel to over $300 per night time for a luxurious resort. Meals in eating places can vary wherever from round $8 for a fundamental meal to $20-$25 for a full meal with drinks.
Public transportation is reasonable and accommodations are affordable in Slovenia. The nation can also be comparatively small, so touring by automobile isn’t very costly when it comes to gasoline.
Journey Insurance coverage for Ljubljana
Journey insurance coverage is crucial for any size of journey, whether or not it’s per week or a month in Ljubljana. It supplies protection for surprising mishaps and emergencies. Take a look at my journey insurance coverage information for additional info.
Security Wing stands out because the go-to journey insurance coverage firm for COVID-19 protection. I personally go for their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which treats COVID-19 like some other sickness, offered it wasn’t contracted earlier than your protection begins. Their charges are honest, and their customer support is outstanding.
Additional Studying on Ljubljana, Slovenia
I hope this text has helped you intend your final journey to Ljubljana. There may be a lot to do and see within the metropolis, so it’s positively price a go to. Whether or not you’re an outdoorsy kind, a historical past buff, or simply wish to study one thing new, Ljubljana has one thing for you.
In case you’re planning to go to Ljubljana, I positively suggest giving your self at the least 3 days. A number of the actions on this record take extra time than others. A full 3 days must be sufficient to help you do all the things you wish to although.
I like Ljubljana and may’t wait to return. In case you go and discover an exercise that’s not on this record, let me know so I can add it!
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Disclaimer: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I’ll get a small fee whenever you e book something by way of my hyperlinks, at NO further price to you. I solely suggest firms I’ve personally used and loved.
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