This is the Ljubljana Travel Guide with all the things you can do in Ljubljana in Slovenia.
### Discovering Ljubljana: Slovenia’s Charming Capital
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is home to around 300,000 people. It is one of the smallest and most environmentally friendly cities in Europe.
#### Introduction
Hi, I’m Martijn, your guide to Ljubljana. After going through this travel guide, you’ll know much more about the city to make the most of your visit.
Getting to Ljubljana
The airport is located 30 kilometers outside the city center. To get to the city, you can take a bus, which takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around 5 euros.
Taxis are more expensive, costing about 40 euros. If you’re traveling by train, there are many direct connections to other major European cities. From the train station, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the old town.
Ljubljana Castle
One of the city’s highlights is Ljubljana Castle, built in the 15th century on a hill 376 meters above sea level.
To reach the top, you have several options: walk (a 15-20 minute hike), drive, or take the funicular, which costs about 4 euros for a round trip.
The castle offers beautiful views of the city, and you can visit various parts of the castle, some of which require a ticket. A combination ticket for the funicular and the castle costs 13 euros.
The castle also features a puppet museum and scenic walking trails behind it.
Old Town and Notable Sites
In the old town, you must visit the Town Hall, originally built in 1484 in Gothic style and renovated in Baroque style between 1717 and 1719. Located near Ljubljana Cathedral, it’s free to visit.
The central square, named after Slovenia’s greatest poet France Prešeren, features a statue of him and the Franciscan Church, built between 1646 and 1660. The church can be visited daily for free but is closed between 12:30 and 13:30.
Bridges and River Cruises
Ljubljana is divided by the 41-kilometer-long Ljubljanica River. You can take a river cruise for around 10 euros.
Notable bridges include the Butcher’s Bridge (Love Bridge), the Triple Bridge near Prešeren Square, and the Dragon Bridge, built in 1901 and guarded by four stone dragons.
Best Time to Visit and Getting Around
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Ljubljana. In spring, temperatures are around 20°C, while in summer, they can range from 25 to 30°C.
A great way to explore the city is by bike. Ljubljana has a bike-sharing system that allows you to use a bike for free for one hour. After returning it to a docking station and waiting five minutes, you can use it again for another hour.
The fee is one euro for a week or three euros for a year, paid in advance.
Street Art and Markets
Check out the street art near Metelkova, once a military area, now a vibrant spot for art and graffiti, known for its evening and night parties.
The Central Market, open from Monday to Saturday, is a local hotspot where you can buy various goods or enjoy a coffee on the terrace. The ground floor houses a fish market.
Museums and Landmarks
Visit St. Nicholas’ Cathedral to admire beautiful frescoes, artworks, and sculptures. For a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, head to Tivoli Park, the largest park in the city, home to notable buildings like Tivoli Castle.
Enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars for a beautiful view of the city and the castle. The National Museum of Slovenia and the Railway Museum are also worth a visit.
The Museum of Modern Art, with its permanent collection of Slovenian art and temporary exhibitions, is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 and 6.
#### Final Tips
Finally, one of the best rooftop bars in the city is “Nebotičnik” (Skyscraper). The bar itself might not be special, but the views from the terrace are. Enjoy a drink with a beautiful view of the city and the castle.
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