Ljubljana travel guide
Ljubljana Tourism | Ljubljana Guide
You're Going to Love Ljubljana
Slovenia's capital city, Ljubljana, is a popular destination due to its quaint size, beautifully colored buildings, lush green parks, and Balkans-focused museums.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Ljubljana
1. Ljubljana Castle and Fortress
This ancient complex is located on a hill overlooking the Old Town center, which can be accessed via cable car or a short, well-marked hike.
2. Dragon Bridge
These four detailed dragon statues were constructed in the early 20th century and have since come to symbolize the city of Ljubljana.
3. Tivoli Park
Just outside of the city center, this sprawling park offers several lakes, bowling greens, and picnic areas for visitors.
4. National Museum of Slovenia - Presernova
This museum was the first structure dedicated to Slovenian culture starting in the late 19th century. Here you can get more information about the Balkans history, art, and culture.
5. Metelkova
This neighborhood is the stomping ground of many local eccentric artists, who create disturbingly grotesque sculptures, installations, and murals among the crumbling old buildings.
Where to Eat in Ljubljana
Spajza serves traditional Slovenian food and European dishes in a terraced garden setting. A meal for two including drinks costs EUR35.
When to visit Ljubljana
The best time to visit is during the summer, when the city puts on many free public events and concerts, and visitors can take advantage of Slovenia's many outdoor sport opportunities.
How to Get to Ljubljana
Plane
Ljubljana Joe Pučnik Airport (LJU) is located 16 miles outside of the city center. Most tourists then connect by shuttle bus to their downtown accommodation for EUR4.50.
Train
The bus and train stations in Ljubljana are combined at Trg Osvobodilne fronte. Trains from nearby Zagreb, Croatia take two hours and cost around EUR20.
Car
Drive along the E70 highway from Zagreb, Croatia to reach Ljubljana in just under two hours.
Bus
Bus Station Ljubljana has daily domestic and international connections to nearby cities of Zagreb, Venice, and Vienna. A one-way ticket from Venice costs EUR15 and takes four hours.
Airlines serving Ljubljana
Where to stay in Ljubljana
Celica is a renovated former military prison offering artistic dorm-style accommodation in the Metelkova neighborhood. Urban Hotel is located in the heart of downtown with boutique-like decor.
Popular neighbourhoods in Ljubljana
Old Town - the pedestrian-friendly historic center has numerous buildings with intriguing architecture and lovely facades, as well as many restaurants, bars, and hotels.
BTC City Shopping District - here in the southwest corner of the city you'll find several traditional shopping malls with multiple stalls.
Metelkova - this grungy artistic neighborhood has many outdoor concerts, performances, and alternative-living celebrations.
Where to stay in popular areas of Ljubljana
Most booked hotels in Ljubljana
How to Get Around Ljubljana
Public Transportation
To ride the city buses, you must first purchase a refillable Urbana card and load your fare onto it. A single ride costs EUR1.20.
Taxi
Order a taxi by phone to avoid over-charging and rude drivers. Tariffs start at EUR1 and should only cost EUR10 around the city center.
Car
Daily rental cars can be picked up for as little as EUR15 from the Ljubljana airport, train, or bus station.
Best car rental deals in Ljubljana
Compact station wagon
4 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 76/day
Standard SUV
5 adults, 3 Bags
C$ 126/day
The Cost of Living in Ljubljana
Shopping Streets
The open-air Central Market is located on the right side of the Ljubljanica river, predominantly selling produce, local cheeses, and cured meats. Tourist souvenirs can be bought from boutique shops along Čopova street.
Groceries and Other
Mercator and Spar are the two biggest grocery markets. A dozen eggs costs EUR2.