What to visit in Ljubljana

Top guide: what to see and do in Ljubljana in 1, 2 or 3 days.

When visiting a new country for the first time for a few days, the main question is what to visit to get the best impressions from the trip. Today we’re heading to Ljubljana.

The Triple Bridge and the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in Ljubljana, Slovenia — The Triple Bridge and the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in Ljubljana

Although Ljubljana is not the most famous travel destination, Slovenia’s capital has a lot to offer. The air in this large city is very clean, and in 2016 the European Commission awarded Ljubljana the title of “Green Capital of Europe.”

What does the city have to offer? Art Nouveau and minimalist architecture, a vibrant cultural life, the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, and beautiful natural surroundings. What to visit in Ljubljana – read below.

The map shows the city centre of Ljubljana, and the main attractions are all within walking distance. The most popular streets are marked with a green line. There’s a wonderful view from the riverside promenade, where you’ll find many bars and restaurants. One full day is enough to see the main sights in the centre, but ideally, visit Ljubljana for 2 days to fully explore everything a tourist might enjoy.

If you are still looking for a hotel in Ljubljana, choose from among those you can find on booking.com (about 400 hotels with prices, photos and comments). Or use the site hotelscombined.com, where you can compare prices and find an enticing offer!

Ljubljana Castle

This is a very beautiful fortress located on a hill in the city centre. You can walk up or take the funicular – and you’ll see how stunning Ljubljana is, with the best parts of the city spread out before you! The castle sits on one side of the hill, and there’s a park on the other. Walk through the large entrance gate into the medieval courtyard and step back in time.

Opening times: from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Price: €10 / $12 (€12 / $14 if you want to use the funicular as well).

Ljubljana Castle in the fog, Slovenia — Ljubljana Castle in the fog

Triple Bridge

It is located near Ljubljana’s central square, where a huge Christmas tree is set up in winter (read more about the winter holidays below). The Triple Bridge replaced the old strategically important medieval bridge that connected northwestern Europe with the Balkans. Between 1929 and 1932, local architect Jože Plečnik added two side bridges for pedestrians. This is how Ljubljana gained one of its architectural gems.

Triple Bridge and Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Triple Bridge and Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana

St. Nicholas's Cathedral

The church has existed in Ljubljana since the 13th century, but the current two-storey building dates back to the early 18th century. Step inside and admire the dazzling blend of pink marble, white plaster, gilding, and Baroque frescoes. Take in the carved choir stalls, the organ, and the angels on the main altar. A walk through St. Nicholas’s Cathedral is enough to see how unique Ljubljana is – tours of this city are truly unforgettable!

Cathedral of St. Nicholas inside, Ljubljana, Slovenia — Cathedral of St. Nicholas inside, Ljubljana

Interior of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Interior of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Ljubljana

Entrance to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Entrance to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Ljubljana

Dragon Bridge

In 1901, the Dragon Bridge was originally named the Jubilee Bridge of Franz Joseph I. According to the plans, it was supposed to feature winged lions instead of dragons. But thanks to master Jurij Zaninović, the bridge is adorned with the famous green statues of mythical dragons and is now the most recognisable landmark of Ljubljana. The four dragons, which look a bit frightening and almost lifelike, are a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture.

Dragons bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Dragons bridge in Ljubljana

Dragons bridge in Ljubljana, view from the Butchers' bridge, Slovenia — Dragons bridge in Ljubljana, view from the Butchers' bridge

Tivoli Park

Tivoli was designed in 1813 by French engineer Jean Blanchard and was created by merging several parks. Planning to spend a weekend in Ljubljana? Don’t miss this place! It’s the green heart of the city. Where to go in this park? It’s vast, stretching across two blocks – people come to Tivoli to cool off in the shade of trees, enjoy various ice creams by the pond, and admire the well-kept flower beds and fascinating trees.

Christmas and New Year in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a small capital – you can walk through its centre in an hour, but for New Year and Christmas the city is decorated like nowhere else in Europe! If you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve or spend the Christmas holidays in Ljubljana, you won’t regret it. There are fewer tourists here, so you can relax and enjoy the festive season in a peaceful atmosphere.

Central Square of Ljubljana decorated for Christmas, Slovenia — Central Square of Ljubljana decorated for Christmas

Christmas tree in the central square of Ljubljana, Slovenia — Christmas tree in the central square of Ljubljana

Christmas decorations in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Christmas decorations in Ljubljana

Christmas and New Year Eve in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Christmas and New Year Eve in Ljubljana

Local Food: What and Where to Eat in Ljubljana

Every tourist wants to know what and where to eat! Ljubljana is famous for its pastries. We recommend trying zavitki – a delicious strudel, palačinke – pancakes with a walnut and sour cream filling, potica – a walnut roll, as well as hot fruit-filled cakes, potato dumplings with apricots, and more. Also, try the local original sausages, known in Ljubljana as čevapčiči, and goveja juha – beef soup. It’s impossible to list all the culinary delights of Ljubljana – head to the Slovenian capital yourself and discover the local cuisine!

We recommend the following restaurants (marked on the map):

Restavracija Nebotičnik – a restaurant on the 12th floor with a view over Ljubljana, featuring a terrace and bar. The views are amazing – drop by at least for a cocktail.
Le Petit café and Cacao – two of the most well-known cafés in Ljubljana, perfect for breakfast. The first has a French style, the second is more local.

Signboard with local food in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Signboard with local food in Ljubljana

Local food in Ljubljana: sausages, meat, bread, Slovenia — Local food in Ljubljana: sausages, meat, bread

Interior of restaurant Restavracija Nebotičnik in Ljubljana, Slovenia — Interior of restaurant Restavracija Nebotičnik in Ljubljana

View from restaurant Restavracija Nebotičnik in winter on the center and Ljubljana Castle, Slovenia — View from restaurant Restavracija Nebotičnik in winter on the center and Ljubljana Castle

Hotels in Ljubljana: Where to Stay

Where to spend the night in Ljubljana? Definitely in the centre! There are no cars here, and all tourist routes in Ljubljana pass right through it! There are many hotels in this area, and you can get around the city entirely on foot. Hotels here are cheap compared to other European capitals.

If you are still looking for a hotel in Ljubljana, choose from among those you can find on booking.com (about 400 hotels with prices, photos and comments). Or use the site hotelscombined.com, where you can compare prices and find an enticing offer!