You’re looking for a perfect guide to Ljubljana, the capital of the mountainous country of Slovenia? From its highlights to the best restaurants and hidden gems- Ljubljana will captivate your senses.
Ljubljana might not have numerous treasures like Paris or Rome, but it hides an incredible allure of pretty streets. Its relaxing atmosphere is an invitation and when you experience chilling near the river Ljubljanica you’ll want to come back.
Get ready to discover Ljubljana in a completely new way and don’t miss the attractive day trips. Some of them might include the popular lake Bled or Bohinj or Arboretum Volčji Potok. If you’re looking for a mesmerising nature beauty of Slovenia, head to the beautiful Valley of River Soča.
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How to get around Ljubljana
Ljubljana is an easily walkable city and finding an accommodation in the center is the best solution. Having bus and train station close to each other, there’s about 10-15 minutes to the historical center.
Renting a bike is also a wonderful option and BicikeLj System offers an affordable way to enjoy Ljubljana. From Tivoli Park to the outskirts of Ljubljanica river, you can take advantage of the city’s hidden gems. With Ljubljana Card you can get the first 4 h of bike rental for free.
Is 2 days in Ljubljana enough
Having 2 days in Ljubljana is definitely enough, but you will need a few extra days to explore the beautiful places around. Visiting Postojna cave, Bled Lake or even hiking to Velika Planina or Logar Valley unveils plenty of possibilites to discover Slovenia.
Adventures in Soča Valley deserve its own vacation full of hiking trails in Triglav Narional Park or exploring mesmerising canyons.
Where to eat and drink in Ljubljana
Druga Violina in the Old town is the perfect place to try a wonderful Slovenian dish. Not only it employs people with special needs, but part of the profit benefits the similar. With affordable prices, you can also enjoy the vegetarian food. Štruklji (rolled dumplings) or bograč (a meat goulash) would be an awesome choice to try.
Julija Restaurant is a praised place with local dishes on Stari Trg, close to the Ljubljanica river. In the beautiful interior, you can enjoy fish and pasta food, pretty popular for dinner.
Restaurant Strelec, awarded with a Michelin star, takes place in the Old town.
At Gostilna Vida you can enjoy a delicious, organic food.
Kavarna SEM Lounge Bar offers cozy outdoor seating with plenty of vegan & vegetarian options and awesome sweets. It’s located close to Metelkova street and the train station.
Veganika is a fantastic place to enjoy the rich offer of vegan food, at the quiet street towards Old town.
Amazing coffee places in Ljubljana
Except for the mentioned below, Cacao caffe and Kiparna, in Ljubljana you can chill completely as a tourist.
Nebotičnik caffe unveils a splendid sunset and relaxing atmosphere at the top of the skyscapper.
Kavarna Zvezda will delight you with its sweets and beautiful interior.
There is also a fantastic choice of specialty coffee in Ljubljana. Črno Zrno is a tiny place run by a Colombian man, where the pretty decor will make your coffee special.
R & B Caffe Roasters will let you enjoy awesome coffee, snacks and perhaps a workshop to make your own.
Wonderland Ljubljana (my Instagram reel) unfolds the world of fairy tale with Instagrammable drinks, coffes and food inside the Hotel Center.
Your 2 days Itinerary in a short
Day 1
- Stroll around the streets of Ljubljana & get a specialty coffee
- Visit the Ljubljana Castle
- Explore the souvenir shops
- Chill by the river with the ice cream
- Stop by the Dragon Bridge
- Stroll around the Prešern Square
- Central Market
Day 2
- Relax in the Tivoli Park
- Have fun in Metelkova
- Rog Factory
- Evening by the river & dinner
Exploring the beautiful streets of Ljubljana
Ljubljana is small enough and cozy to walk on its pedestrian streets in the historical center. Admiring the charming architecture feels like a leisurely way to absorb the touristical vibes of Ljubljana. Attracting numerous visitors, Ljubljana has a relaxing atmosphere in its vibrant center.
Except the walking tour, it’s easy to love the comfortable lifestyle of Ljubljana and explore it on your own.
Some of the wonderful buildings in Ljubljana include the Franciscan Church at Prešern Square, a pink facade that sparkles around. Across the Prešern Square there’s the Town Square (Mestni Trg) on the other side of the Triple Bridge.
Murnik House is probably the most impressive building in Ljubljana, another pink wonder of this city. Designed by Ivan Vurnik, it glorifies the Slovenian national style. Being fascinated by its facade is enough as it’s not open to the public.
Ljubljana Castle- enjoying the city views
Either by the funicular or the cozy 20-minute walk, Ljubljana Castle lies on a lovely hill above the city. You can enjoy the views or enter the castle with the following prices.
Taking roots in the 15th century and the Habsurg family, it served against the Ottoman attacks.
Just enjoying the view with the drink in the nearby bar is a stunning way to retreat from wandering around the city .
Prešern Square & The Triple Bridge
Prešern Square is a picturesque heart of the city honouring the famous Slovenia poet. It’s where the Triple Bridge takes place leading to another squre on the other side- Mestni trg. Following Ljubljanica river you’ll see many lovely bridges while soaking its vibrant atmosphere.
Such a wonderful pedestrian bridge gives joy to the citizens of Ljubljana as they can enjoy chilling by the river in its center. Jože Plečnik is responsible for the bridge design as well as the other architectural wonders in Ljubljana.
Walking by the river Ljubljanica
Ljubljanica river is the source of city’s charm and you can cozily follow the way from Dragon’s Bridge to the quiet river area. With your coffe in one of the many caffe bars you’ll start to feel how this city lives.
It’s fun to take a boat ride as you meet some of the tour vendors along.
Cacao is a stunning place to stop by the river with delicious coffee or ice cream, very popular in the city too. Kiparna is a lovely caffe bar inside a bar across the river. You can also enjoy the view of Ljubljana castle with your cocktail, coffee with the flavour or bubble tea. Having the kid’s playground, you’ll recharge your batteries to the fullest. There are also live concerts on certain evenings.
The story of the Ljubljana Dragon, its symbol
Ljubljana Dragon is not only a charming statue, but a mystical creature taking roots in the city legend. Since 16th century, dragon symbolizes strength and resilience of Ljubljana. Taking place in city’s coat of arms, it also serves the local businesses.
The most popular legend about the dragon talks about the city’s foundation as the city experienced the terrible plague. It was caused by the dragon and Jason saved the city, a young Greek hero. Jason defeated the dragon in the battle that lasted for days.
Tivoli park
Taking the relaxing time not far from the city center calls the name of Tivoli park. Inside Tivoli park, you can enjoy wonderful trails, playgrounds, playgrounds and caffe bars. Along the way you’ll see the photography exhibitions and a beautiful Tivoli mansion following a wide path framed by the trees. This old mansion is also known as a Tivoli castle, now serving as an International Center of Graphic Arts.
Metelkova street & amazing street art
Metelkova is an alternative cultural center set inside a former army barrack. You’ll see incredible murals, paintings and sculptures and visit incredible creative events. In the 1990s a group 200 artists occupied this abandoned builded to protect it from devastating. Unfortunatelly, I still haven’t visited Metelkova and I should the next time in Ljubljana.
Rog Factory
With its street art, concerts and other events, Rog factory represents another contemporary art center. Once a bike factory, now it’s a place for artistic and sportive events.
Being abanadonded after Yugoslavia fell off, Rog factory is a fantastic community center. There’s even a bike repair shop among plenty of other things.
Botanical Garden
Nestled at the quiet shores of the Ljubljanica river, it’s such a treasure for the outdoor travellers. About 25 minutes walking from the main square, you’ll have an unusual idea to retreat in Ljubljana.
With plenty of plant species- even more than 4000- it’s an oldest cultural institution in Slovenia. There’s also a tropical glasshouse so plan your time to enjoy a delicious snack inside.
Final thoughts
Ljubljana is a small town with the big heart—comfortable enough to know it in 2 days. It’s a city that offers a plenty of possibilities to surprise you every time. Hopefully, this guide will help you to discover its charm and create your own memories. Have you already been in Ljubljana? Share in the comments your impressions and favourite places.
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This is such a great guide! Saving for later 🙂
Wow that art work looks incredible! Very informative guide too thank you 🤩
Such a beautiful city! Love the street art and cozy cafés.
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Fun to see your perspective of Ljubljana. My husband and I visited earlier this spring and absolutely loved Slovenia.
Slovenia is very much in our bucket list! Ljubljana looks awesome especially the street art and the cafes, The castle and the bridges look interesting.
Ljublijana looks incredible. Loving all the culture and vibrant food/cafe scene too. Great guide, thanks!