You have landed on this page because you are thinking of visiting Ljubljana? Then you are at the right spot! As a local from Slovenia who also lived in Ljubljana for over 6 years I would be glad to guide you through my second home in Slovenia. This blog post will list the top 10 things to see when visiting Ljubljana.

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LJUBLJANA

Ljubljana is one of the greenest European capitals. The population of about 280.000 inhabitants also makes Ljubljana one of the smallest capitals there are. It’s location in the heart of Slovenia makes it a great transport hub and a perfect stop for a day or two if one drives long distance to another country. Ljubljana is a university city and home to a bit over 50.000 students, therefore expect plenty of lively events and young people wandering the streets. It’s also home to ongoing cultural and culinary events. But more about that later.

Let’s start by listing the top 10 things to see in Ljubljana.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LJUBLJANA

Before continuing, make sure to order your Ljubljana City Card – the card gives you free access to Ljubljana’s major museums and galleries. What is more, it includes guided city tours, boat cruises, bicycle rentals and the funicular ticket to Ljubljana castle. A great way to save on your trip!

ORDER YOUR LJUBLJANA CITY CARD HERE (FREE CANCELATION)

1. LJUBLJANA CASTLE

Ljubljana Castle is undoubtedly the number one attraction and key landmark of Ljubljana. The castle, built in the 11th century, sits on a hill in the strict city center. You can reach it either on foot or by the funicular. I’d recommend taking the funicular to reach the castle and returning to the city on foot. On a bright and sunny day, the castle offers spectacular mountain views.

Ljubljana castle hides two permanent museum exhibitions, two amazing restaurants, a café and even a nightclub. You can climb on the castle walls for free, to enter the exhibitions, you will however need a ticket. Other than that, Ljubljana Castle is today home to several events (including movie streamings in summer) and is also a popular wedding venue.

Funicular location: Krekov trg 4, 1000 Ljubljana

Funicular tickets: 3.30€ one way, 6€ return ticket (purchase the tickets directly at the spot)

Ljubljana Castle tickets with funicular ride included: 12€ per person

Ljubljana Castle (photo by Frimufilms)

2. THE TRIPPLE BRIDGE (Tromostovje)

The Tripple Bridge connects the Prešeren’s Square with Ljubljana’s old town. It was designed by the world-famous Slovene architect, Jože Plečnik. Plečnik designed Ljubljana as a combination of modern elements and designs, modeled on the ancient Athens. Tripple Bridge is without a doubt one of his most famous works. Other of his famous designs in Ljubljana for instance include the Central Market, National and University Library, and Cobblers’ Bridge.

Ljubljana with the Tripple Bridge in the background

3. DRAGON BRIDGE (Zmajski most)

The dragon, Ljubljana’s symbol, has been part of the city’s coat of arms since the middle ages. The Dragon Bridge (built in 1901) features 4 green dragon statues, two on each side of the bridge. Many tourists pass by to take a photo with one of the dragons.

Dragon Bridge (photo by José Barbosa)

4. CENTRAL MARKET

Designed by Jože Plečnik, the Central Market is an open market and a space for locals to shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and homemade goods. The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 7am until 4pm (Saturdays until 2pm).

Between March and October, the Central market hosts a food market event named the Open Kitchen. The event takes place every non-rainy Friday, starting in the early morning and going until 9pm. The Open Kitchen is a popular gathering spot for locals to stop after work for an aperitivo or delicious food, provided by top knotch Slovene restaurants (and served by the famous chefs!).

You can find out more about it on their official Instagram page: @odprtakuhna

Note: When passing by the Central Market, stop at @mojistruklji to taste a typical Slovene pastry dish – Štruklji.

Central Market

RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN LJUBLJANA

⭐️ Best Location: Art Hotel Ljubljana

⭐️ Best Value for Money: Ibis Styles Ljubljana

⭐️ Best Luxury Stay: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana

5. PREŠEREN SQUARE

Prešeren’s Square is named after Slovene’s most famous poet – France Prešeren, also the author of the the country’s anthem. The square is the heart of the historic city center. Prešeren’s square is characterized by these most important attractions:

Fransiscan Church, known for its famous pink color
Prešeren’s monument and the statue of Julija Primic, the poet’s great love and muse. The two statues are symbolically facing each other. Prešeren’s monument is easy to find, whereas Julija’s statue is engraved on a facade across the square. I’ll give you a chance to find it on your own 🙂

The Fransiscan Church and Prešeren’s Monument

6. THE CITY MUSEUM OF LJUBLJANA

For everyone who fancies a bit of history, I highly recommend visiting The City Museum of Ljubljana. The City Museum of Ljubljana features a permanent exhibition of the city’s development from the prehistoric period up until today. The Museum is a home to two important artefacts: the world’s oldest wooden wheel and about 40.000 years old wooden arrow.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (closed on Mondays)

Entrance fee: 6€

The City Museum of Ljubljana Exhibition

7. THE CADHEDRAL - CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS

The Cathedral of Ljubljana, also the most important baroque church in the city, sits in the city’s old town, right below the castle. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1701 after the original basilica was burnt down by the Turks. The entry to the cathedral is free of charge.

Ljubljana Cathedral (source: Wikimedia)

8. THE NATIONAL GALLERY

You can find Slovenia’s National Gallery not to be only a piece of art, but also an architectural sensation. The gallery is located between the city center and Park Tivoli in a unique, half historical, half modern, glass building. National Gallery of Slovenia features a permanent collection of fine Slovene and European art, along with a cosy café (@zvezdaljubljana), a space for family events and a library.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (closed on Mondays)

Entrance fee: 8€

Slovenia’s National Gallery (source: Trip Advisor)

9. THE TOWN HALL

Ljubljana’s Town Hall is hidden in a baroque building with Venetian style influences, right on Mestni trg (Town Square). A small part of the town hall and its internal courtyard is open for public, you can access it through the main gate for free. Besides, the town hall is closed and the only way to visit it is through a guided tour of the premises, taking place every Saturday.

If you’re in Ljubljana during the Christmas period, make sure to visit the town hall’s courtyard as each year there is a special Christmas tree set there.

The Town Hall

10. TIVOLI PARK

Last but not least, the largest green area of Ljubljana, the Tivoli Park. Located on the western part of the city, Tivoli park is fully closed for traffic and the locals’ number one spot to relax or have a picnic in the summer days. Other than that, several walking paths lead throughout the park and up to the Rožnik hill, around which the park is based. There’s also several attractions inside the park you can visit:

National Museum of Contemporary History
University Botanic Gardens Greenhouse
Tivoli sports center
Koseze pond

Tivoli Park (view from Rožnik)

Hi, it's Neja

I am an expat from Slovenia,
living in Milan since 2021 and writing a travel blog for all of you who are curious about life in Italy or traveling in Europe.

Follow me on my journey and learn everything about Italy and the European destinations.