If you’re tired of the usual tourist hotspots and yearn for an enchanting destination that’s off the beaten path, then Ljubljana, Slovenia is the perfect destination for you!
Ljubljana is the charming capital of Slovenia and is a true hidden gem! From the medieval castle, to the charming Old Town squares, Ljubljana is brimming with delightful surprises at every turn. The best part is that it’s not overrun by mass tourism and still feels like you can have an authentic local experience.
We spent 5 delightful nights in the city and discovered 17 amazing things to do in Ljubljana. So, get ready to learn everything you need to know before you go, including how to get around, where to stay, and 17 things you will love to do in Ljubljana!
See the wonders of Ljubljana for yourself in our full video guide below!
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How To Get Around Ljubljana
Ljubljana is well-connected with plenty of public transportation options, including loads of buses and a few trains that connect the larger cities. We used the bus system exclusively to get around to and from the airport and found it easy to navigate with Google Maps.
You can pay cash for the airport bus ride, however, for all other city bus rides, you will need a Urbana public transport card. You can get these transport cards at the main bus station, tourist information centers, and at most kiosks scattered around the city. The card itself costs €2 euros and each single fare is €1.30.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Ljubljana Card which includes unlimited bus rides for the duration of your 24, 48, or 72-hour pass. In addition to public transportation, the Ljubljana Card includes admission into many Ljubljana’s top attractions, including a walking tour, boat ride, and funicular ride. The Ljubljana Card is definitely a convenient and affordable way to see the best of Ljubljana in a short amount of time.
After using public transport to get around Ljubljana, we rented a car to see Lake Bled, Maribor, Ptuj, and some of Slovenia’s best caves. If you are looking for the same freedom with your sightseeing, you can find an affordable Slovenia rental car here!
The 17 Best Things to Do in Ljubljana
1. Take a “Free” Walking Tour of Ljubljana
One of our favorite things to do when we first arrive in a new city is to take a “free” walking tour. These tip-based tours are a great way to get oriented to the city while learning a lot of the history. Plus, it gives you all of the little insider tips that you miss when you wander around by yourself. Just be sure to ask your tour guide for their favorite restaurants so you can try the best local food. Plus, it’s a great way to find some hidden gems!
2. Preseren Square
Most walking tours start in Preseren Square because it’s the most central meeting spot in the Old Town. Plus, it has some of the most scenic views in the city as well as two of the main attractions on this list.
Built in the 17th century, this statue was named after the national poet Frances Preseren who is considered the most famous Slovene poet ever. This square is also where you will find the pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and the famous Triple Bridge that crosses the Ljubljana River. In this area, locals and tourists alike gather for food and festivities with local street performers adding to the vibe by playing music. It’s a bustling area that has a great vibe any time of day or night and is a must-see when you come to Ljubljana.
3. Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
The Franciscan Church of Annunciation is located on Preseren Square and is the iconic pink church that you see on many pictures of Ljubljana. Originally, this church was painted red to represent the Franciscan monastic order, but over the years the color faded to this shade of salmon pink. Locals preferred the pink color, so they decided to repaint it pink over the centuries. This church was originally built between 1646 and 1660, and if you go inside, you can see some lovely frescoes painted by Matevž Langus.
4. Triple Bridge
Directly across from the Franciscan Church of Annunciation, you will see Triple Bridge which is a collection of 3 bridges, one large one in the center, and two small ones on either side crossing the Ljubljana River. Originally, there was only one stone bridge here, but in 1929, the stone bridge was expanded to include 2 small footbridges and one main bridge for vehicles. At the time, this was their solution for dealing with traffic congestion.
Since 2010, Ljubljana’s Old Town has been closed to vehicular traffic, leaving the entirety of Triple Bridge to pedestrians. This environmentally conscious move makes walking through Old Town such an enjoyable and peaceful experience. You really will feel like you are taking a step back through time.
5. Love Lock Bridge
While we’re on the subject of bridges, you will also want to see Love Lock Bridge in Ljubljana, where lovers proclaim their undying love. Symbolically, couples are known to lock their love to the bridge and throw the key into the river in the hopes of keeping their love alive always.
Apart from the hundreds of sentimental locks, the Love Lock Bridge also offers a great view of Ljubljana’s other bridges and the backside of the market hall. You can also catch a relaxing river boat cruise from this location, an activity we will discuss a bit later on this list.
6. Dragon Bridge
Further down the river, you will want to check out Dragon Bridge, which has 4 ornate dragon sculptures at each end of the bridge. The level of detail on these dragons is impressive to see in its own right, and with the backdrop of the orange colored roofs of the Old Town, the dragons really stand out beautifully.
On the bridge, you will also see the years 1848 and 1888 written on the side of the bridge. This was to commemorate 40 years of rule by Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I of the Habsburg dynasty because in the mid-1800s, Slovenia was part of the Austrian Empire.
7. Shop at the Central Market
Visiting the local outdoor market is one of the best ways to soak up the daily rhythm of a city, and Ljubljana’s Central Market is no exception. Bustling with energy, the market is brimming with fresh fruits, colorful vegetables, and vibrant flower stalls. During our visit, we were lucky to stumble upon a street food festival, turning the square into a delicious playground of savory treats and tempting aromas—perfect for sampling local flavors and mingling with locals.
8. Try the Traditional Food in Ljubljana
Our tour guide recommended we try Moji Struklji restaurant for traditional Slovene food. Moji Stukji is near the Central Market and specializes in struklji, which is a fluffy buckwheat dough roll that can be savory with cheese, vegetables, and meats or can be made sweet with fruits or chocolate. My favorite thing to eat here was the sausage, which had so much flavor, but it was so interesting to try so many unique flavors that we had never had before.
9. Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle sits atop a hill in the center of Old Town Ljubljana. You can either walk 10 minutes up the steep hill or pay to take the funicular to the top of the hill. We opted to make the hike up the hill to burn off all off our struklji lunch calories, and it really was a good workout.
You can see part of the Ljubljana Castle for free, but we opted to get tickets to see the history exhibits, puppet museum, and the famous viewing tower, which offers the best views of the Old Town. This castle also offers a restaurant and a wine bar if you would like to sample any food or drinks while here.
10. River Cruise in Ljubljana
TThe Ljubljana river cruise is a wonderfully relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring Old Town. Lasting around 45 minutes, the ride offers a peaceful change of pace and a fresh perspective on the city’s charming architecture and scenic bridges. As you glide along the calm waters, don’t forget to wave to the friendly kayakers and locals lounging by the riverbanks—it’s a laid-back experience that adds a touch of magic to your time in Ljubljana.
11. Dine at One of the Many Riverside Restaurants
We absolutely loved the lively atmosphere at Ljubljana’s riverside restaurants and highly recommend stopping here for lunch, dinner, or even just a relaxing drink. The vibrant buzz of people strolling by, chatting, and enjoying the view adds to the charm—people-watching alone is half the fun!
We dined at a different spot each time, and every meal was a hit. From fresh fish to juicy burgers (including a surprisingly tasty horse burger one night), along with local wines and craft beers, the variety was both fun and flavorful. These riverside eateries aren’t just convenient—they’re a highlight of the Ljubljana experience.
12. Take in the View at the Skyscraper
Built in 1933, the Skyscraper (Nebotičnik) holds the title of Slovenia’s first skyscraper and remains one of the country’s tallest buildings, currently ranking sixth. A visit isn’t complete without heading up to the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while soaking in panoramic views of the city. From this stunning vantage point, you’ll have a clear view of Ljubljana Castle perched on the hill, along with sweeping sights of the city below. With relaxing music playing in the background and a stylish, laid-back vibe, the rooftop offers a true “top of the world” experience.
13. Congress Square
Congress Square (Kongresni trg) is one of Ljubljana’s most prominent public spaces, often serving as a lively gathering spot for open-air concerts, festivals, and cultural events. Surrounded by stunning architecture, the square is a great place to soak in the city’s historic charm. One standout is the beautifully baroque Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity, easily recognized by its elegant façade and striking columns. You’ll also find one of the main buildings of the University of Ljubljana here, adding an academic touch to the square’s classic appeal. And if you’re in the mood for something quirky, the House of Illusions is just a short walk away—perfect for a fun detour after enjoying the more traditional sights. Whether you’re stopping by during an event or simply passing through, Congress Square offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and entertainment.
14. Walk the streets at night
Ljubljana truly comes alive at night, and taking an evening stroll through the city is a must. The streets glow with warm lights, riverside cafes buzz with conversation, and the air is often filled with the sound of live music—from cozy venues to talented street performers serenading passersby on the city’s iconic bridges. One of the most magical sights is Ljubljana Castle illuminated atop the hill, casting a romantic glow over the Old Town below. Whether you’re enjoying a drink by the river or simply wandering the cobblestone streets, the nighttime ambiance of Ljubljana is enchanting and unforgettable.
15. Rent a Bicycle
Ljubljana is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, so if you’d like to experience that bike culture for yourself while you are there, use the BicikeLJ website and app to find one of the many city bicycle rental stands around the city. You can pick up a bike from any stand and drop the bike off at any stand, all for the low cost of €1 per week! Rides that last under 60 minutes are free, however, if you ride over 60 minutes without returning the bike, you will be charged €1 an hour.
Riding a bicycle is such an enjoyable way to see some of the attractions that are a bit further away on our list.
16. Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park, the largest and most picturesque green space in Ljubljana, is a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle—and it’s especially enjoyable to explore by bicycle. With wide tree-lined paths, manicured gardens, and charming fountains, the park offers a scenic and relaxing setting for a leisurely ride. While it might not be essential if you’re short on time, it’s a wonderful place to spend a quiet morning soaking up nature, people-watching, or even enjoying a picnic.
17. Metelkova Art Center
We also hopped on our bikes and rode over to the Metelkova Art Center, one of Ljubljana’s most unique and unconventional spots. This former military barracks has been transformed into a vibrant hub of alternative culture, covered in colorful graffiti, murals, and eclectic art installations. While it might not top every traveler’s must-see list, it’s definitely worth a quick stop—especially if you appreciate bold street art and creative expression. The atmosphere is raw and edgy, offering a sharp contrast to the city’s more polished sights, and it’s a great place to snap some photos and experience a different side of Ljubljana’s artistic scene.
Day Trips from Ljubljana
If you have additional time in Slovenia, you should consider a day trip to see the caves of Slovenia. We rented a car to see Skocjan Cave which has the largest underground cave chamber in the world, Predjama Castle which is a unique castle built into a cave, and Postojna Cave where you can take an enchanting train ride through one of the most beautiful caves in the world. It was a great day trip to take!
There are also tours that will take you to just the Predjama Castle and the Postojna Cave which makes a nice, convenient option as well.
It’s also possible to see Lake Bled as a day trip from Ljubljana. I’ve included several day trip tour options below, however, I do believe the Bled area is worth a couple nights’ stay if you have the time. If you are short on time, however, a day trip is still a great option.
How Many Days in Ljubljana is Enough?
Ljubljana can be seen in 2-4 nights. For two nights, it’s best to take a walking tour, see the castle, and take a river crusie. If you have three nights then you can add a visit to the Skyscraper and riding a city bike to the Tivoli Park and the Metelkova Graffiti Park. And, if you have four nights, then add a day trip to see the amazing caves of Slovenia!
Where to stay in Ljubljana?
Most of the main attractions in Ljubljana are in the Old Town, so it’s best to stay inside of the Old Town itself or within walking distance of it. If you decide to stay further away to take advantage of the lower accommodation prices, then just make sure that you stay nearby a bus line.
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Is Ljubljana Worth Visiting?
Ljubljana is definitely worth visiting! We were really impressed by how interesting and lively Ljubljana was. We loved hearing the history by day and enjoying the street performers and people buzzing around by night. It’s a charming little town that will leave a big impression on you!
Now that you know about Ljubljana, check out these other great Slovene destinations below!
- Discover the Best of Lake Bled
- Enjoy the seaside town of Piran
- Explore the hidden gems of Eastern Slovenia in Maribor
- A Road Trip to Kranj and Skofja Loka
- Take a train to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital!
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