Ljubljana is the small, green capital of Slovenia, with a car-free centre, a castle above the river and a relaxed, student-friendly feel. Bridges, cafes and riverside terraces make it very easy to enjoy.
It is one of the most liveable cities in Europe and a good base for lakes, caves and mountains. It suits slow, easy travel.
How many days: 2
Two days covers the city, and a third allows a trip to a lake or a cave. A weekend works as a short break.
Lake Bled and the Postojna Cave are the two most popular day trips. Both are easy by bus or train.
What to do in Ljubljana
- Walk along the Ljubljanica river
- Tree-lined embankments with cafes and bridges run through the old town. A good place to sit in the evening.
- Visit Ljubljana Castle
- A medieval castle on a hill above the centre. A funicular runs up, or you can walk through the woods.
- See the Triple Bridge
- Three bridges beside each other at the heart of the old town, designed by the architect Jože Plečnik. A good meeting place.
- Explore Plečnik's architecture
- The city is filled with works by Plečnik, including the market and the library. Walking tours explain them.
- Browse the central market
- An open-air market by the river sells fruit, vegetables, cheese and local foods. A good place for lunch.
- Take a day trip to Lake Bled
- A glacial lake with an island church and a castle on a cliff. Rent a rowing boat or walk around the shore.
- Visit the Postojna Cave
- One of the largest cave systems in Europe, with a train through the tunnels. Wrap up, as it is cool inside.
- Ride the river boats
- Small boats cruise along the Ljubljanica through the heart of the city. A quiet and cheap way to see the bridges.
- Walk in Tivoli Park
- A large green park next to the centre, with trails and a mansion housing a photography museum. A good spot for a picnic.
- Take a day trip to the coast
- The Slovenian coast has the small Venetian-style town of Piran, with a seafront and narrow lanes. It is under two hours away.
What to eat and drink
- Kranjska klobasa
- A Carniolan sausage, served with mustard and bread. A staple of Slovenian food.
- Potica
- A rolled sweet pastry filled with walnuts or other fillings. A traditional festive cake.
- Kremna rezina
- A custard and cream cake from Bled. Sold in local bakeries.
- Local wines
- Slovenia has a strong wine tradition, with both whites and reds. Ask for a local recommendation.
- Farm cooking
- Look for dishes made from local ingredients, such as dumplings, soups and roasted meat.
- Buckwheat dishes
- Buckwheat porridge and dumplings called žganci and štruklji are traditional Slovenian foods. Look for them in family-run inns.
Getting around
The old town is car-free, and the centre is small enough to walk. Buses cover the wider city.
Cycling is common, and the city is flat. Bikes can be rented in several places.
Trains and buses link Ljubljana with Lake Bled, the coast and neighbouring countries.
Good to know
- Slovenia uses the euro, and cards are accepted widely. Carry a little cash for small places.
- Summers are warm, and winters are cold. Spring and autumn are comfortable.
- The city has a lively outdoor culture, with festivals on the river banks in summer.
- English is widely spoken, and the city is very easy to visit.
- Lake Bled is very busy in summer. Go early in the morning.
- Ljubljana's old town is calm, and many visitors only need a couple of days. Use the time left for Lake Bled, Škocjan caves or the coast.
- Slovenia is small and well organised, so day trips from Ljubljana can take in lakes, caves, mountains and the sea.