Originally published November 2019. Updated September 2024.
After spending a few days traveling in Ljubljana, I’m excited to share this city guide to visiting. From where to stay in Ljubljana, to the top things to do, there is so much to love in this city.
The city of Ljubljana took me by surprise. Not only is it a beautiful city visually, but it’s also incredibly diverse as a cultural destination. I spent time exploring Ljubljana before embarking on a road trip through Slovenia for a long week into the Logar Valley and Kranjska Gora.
From a bustling restaurant scene to great third-wave coffee shops, Ljubljana seemed to have it all. It felt rather untouched by mass tourism as well — a rarity among European capital cities. And as a country home to incredible wine and food, you’ll see there lots of gastronomic experiences.
The city felt joyful, a certain atmosphere of easy-going and relaxed. Perhaps it is all the green space in the city, multiple parks, trees, and rivers. It’s no wonder it was named one of Europe’s most livable cities and the green capital of Europe.
If you’re headed this way, here’s what you won’t want to miss while visiting Ljubljana.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Ljubljana:
- The Hotel Ljubljana, for the best design hotel
- InterContinental Ljubljana, for the best luxury hotel
- Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel, for the best boutique hotel
Travel Tip: You can pay for a Ljubljana Tourist Card for 24, 48, or 72 hours to access most sights, public transportation, and more!
The Ultimate Ljubljana Travel Guide
What to Know Before Visiting Ljubljana
Getting to Ljubljana
Major airports in Europe have connected flights into Ljubljana’s airport. Often airways like Easyjet, LOT, or Air France will run these. The airport is about 30 minutes from the center of town. You do not need a car in the city.
To get into town, either take a taxi on arrival (no Uber) or take a shared van ride which is around 15 dollars from a company on arrival, I used GoOpti and is located just outside the baggage claim.
Getting around Ljubljana
It’s so easy to walk this city that you won’t need any public transportation. Most of everything is in or near the historic district. For longer distances, taxis are available.
Consider a Road Trip
If you’re planning a larger road trip to Slovenia, Ljubljana would be a wonderful first-stop for a road trip. You don’t need a car in the city, but you will need to rent a car for your road trip. The best place to visit first would be the Logar Valley after Ljubljana.
Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
How Many Days in Ljubljana
I’d recommend at least two full days here if not three to really do a deep dive of the city. There is also a lot to see nearby like castles and day tours to wine regions so you could consider staying longer and doing day trips.
Best Time of Year to Visit Ljubljana
Shoulder seasons here are the best time like early fall or late spring to avoid the summer crowds. If cold weather doesn’t bother you, I think winter here would also be pretty magical here.
Money
You’ll need some cash, so I recommend pulling a few Euros out from a local bank on arrival. Most places will accept credit cards.
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
From luxurious boutique hotels nestled in the heart of the city, where guests can enjoy personalized service and stunning views of the Ljubljanica River, to cozy guesthouses that provide a warm, homey atmosphere, the options are plentiful. Many hotels are conveniently located near popular attractions such as Ljubljana Castle and Tivoli Park, where you can easily explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Additionally, several accommodations emphasize sustainability and local cuisine, giving travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the Slovenian lifestyle while enjoying modern amenities.
My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Ljubljana:
- The Hotel Ljubljana, for the best design hotel
- InterContinental Ljubljana, for the best luxury hotel
- Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel, for the best boutique hotel
Where to Eat in Ljubljana
Julija
My favorite meal in Ljubljana was here at Julija. Their freshly made ricotta pasta dish was delicious and the truffles were great. Come for dinner or lunch and reserve ahead.
Abi Falafel
One of my favorite dinners was at this casual restaurant for falafel. So delicious and a hearty meal. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Additionally, Abi Falafel emphasizes a commitment to sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
El Patrón Tacos & Store
Authentic tacos hailing from Mexico in Ljubljana? You bet and a welcomed surprise. El Patron features a selection of other traditional Mexican dishes, as well as refreshing drinks like margaritas.
TINK superfood café
Come here for a healthy breakfast, featuring acai bowls and avocado toast. The café is particularly noted for its excellent coffee and a variety of homemade pastries, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely brunch or an afternoon break.
Sisters Kurtoš
The spot for a local dessert called kurtos (pastry dough cooked over an open flame) and filled with things like Nutella or ice cream.
Skyscraper
Come to this epic rooftop for 360-degree views of the city. I’d recommend sunset and coming for a cocktail.
Where to Get Coffee in Ljubljana
Stow
Set inside a museum, it’s a quiet setting for a cup of coffee where you can stroll the museum afterward.
Črno Zrno Specialty Coffee
Third-wave coffee shop down incredibly well, their beans were delicious, and enjoyed their craftsmanship.
Cafe Čokl
Coffee only and a very much locals spot for a quick espresso.
Kaverna Moderna
Great interior, more industrial style with small bites.
Top Things to Do in Ljubljana
Tour the Plečnik House
One of my favorite experiences was getting to tour the architect Jože Plečnik’s home. It’s a small guided tour, limited to 7 people every hour on the hour from 10:00 to 7:00 and you get guided through his life and his famous works.
Explore the Ljubljana Old Town on Foot
Ljubljana is one of those cities you’ll want to get lost in. Alleys have small boutiques, little cafes are tucked away on corners, and it’s incredibly scenic. You could spend a few hours just making your way through the old town.
Some of the top sights in the city center include:
- Triple Bridge
- Dragon Bridge
- Cobblers’ Bridge
- Robba Fountain
- Ljubljana Cathedral
- Prešeren Square
- Franciscan Church of the Annunciation.
You can also shop local here, stop by GUD Shop to see a few Slovenian designers!
Ride the Funicular and Visit Ljubljana Castle
A fun and much quicker way of getting to the top of Castle Hill is by funicular. Soaring views over the city will bring you up, and then afterward, you can visit the castle right there. The castle has many exhibitions and historical artifacts for seeing. I’d recommend even making the walk back down if you want some exercise. Book the funicular and castle entrance tickets here.
Take a Scenic Boat Ride on the Ljubljanica River
A short scenic ride on the river brings you through the city to get beautiful views of the buildings. Onboard you can also get a few drinks to enjoy while cruising. It embarks at the Breg embankment.
Museum Hop Your Way Through the City
There are many museums in the city centre of Ljubljana whether you want to experience contemporary art or dive into history.
Some of the top options are:
- National Museum of Slovenia
- National Museum of Contemporary History
- National Gallery
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History
- National University Library
- Museum of Modern Art
Go for a Stroll in Tivoli Park
If you’re looking to be immersed in nature, head to Ljubljana’s greenest space. Tivoli Park is large and you could spend a few hours strolling through its winding trails.
Along the way, stop in for a drink or coffee at Art Cafe Tivoli for a break.
Stop by the Ljubljana Central Market
I always love stopping by fresh markets in a new city to find local products and check out what the produce is like. Central Market is large and many vendors set up almost every day. Products like local honey to fresh fruits and vegetables are sold here as well as a small clothing area.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
1 Comment
I loved your guide!
As someone who’s been living in Ljubljana for a few years now, I especially appreciate the wine experience and always recommend a few places around the city center, where you can taste (and purchase) great Slovenian wines:
1. Štorija located at one of the oldest streets in the city center – Trubarjeva – it offers a great selection from the best Slovenian natural wine producers, accommodating prices, and a very cozy ambiance thanks to the owner, who has the ability to easily tell what type of wine can best suit your taste and mood. Definitely A MUST for the wine lovers!
2. Supernatural Naked Food – this is an interesting food and wine experience, located at the city center’s farmer’s market. A very good gourmet destination.
3. Wine bar Šuklje is another lovely place to enjoy the local cold cuts paired with wines.