What to see in Ljubljana

August 7, 2022

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. It’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer, from greenery to urban culture and architecture to medieval castles. The city has a population of 275,000 and its urban area extends beyond the city limits with a population of over 300,000. Ljubljana is known for its universities, museums, theatres, and sports facilities. The city also has a lively arts and culture scene, with many museums and galleries. In addition, Ljubljana is home to several universities, making it a great place to study.

In this blog post, I will talk about what to see in Ljubljana and some tips and tricks to make your stay here even more pleasant and avoid the crowd on your way through.

ABOUT LJUBLJANA

Ljubljana could be described in three words: stunning, charming, and lively. This small city full of surprises has numerous beautiful parks, museums, galleries, and well-preserved medieval architecture. The castle on the hill with a magnificent view over the city invites you to take a walk through its museum or to have lunch or dinner in one of its restaurants. Ljubljana is also known for its many bars, nightclubs as well as cafés, and restaurants offering local food at reasonable prices.

WHAT TO SEE IN LJUBLJANA

The Old Town

Ljubljana’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why. The medieval architecture and cobbled streets are simply enchanting. Be sure to explore the castle complex which includes several museums, restaurants, and cafes. When you are walking through The Old Town and slowly making your way to the castle, make sure you stop to admire the Robbov vodnjak.

 

Ljubljana Castle

The castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ljubljana. It dates back to the 12th century and is located on a hilltop overlooking the city. Visitors can take a cable car or walk up to the castle for panoramic views of Ljubljana and explore the castle complex which includes several museums, restaurants, and cafes.

Tip no. 1: You can walk up the castle in only 10 minutes anytime you want even when it’s closed, just avoid restricted areas. But if you go by car, make sure to check the opening hours, because, even though the parking is free, it closes when the castle does. Click the link to see opening hours: https://www.ljubljanskigrad.si/sl/nacrtovanje-obiska/odpiralni-casi/

Central Market

Right below the castle, there is The Central Market. A great place to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, souvenirs, clothes, and other items.

Tip no. 2: Make sure you stop by to enjoy different types of cuisine every Friday during the summer at Ljubljana’s Open Kitchen 4. Tivoli Park: One of the largest parks in Europe, Tivoli Park is a great place to relax, take a walk, or go for a run. The park has an outdoor amphitheater, a botanical garden, several museums, and a zoo.

Dragon Bridge

Ljubljana is known for its many bridges, which span the Ljubljanica River. One of Ljubljana’s most iconic landmarks, the Dragon Bridge was built in 1901 and features four dragons on each end. It’s a great spot for photos and offers stunning views.

Tip no. 2: If you want to take the best photos of the Dragon Bridge and avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or late at night.

The Triple Bridge

Right in the city center, there is another iconic landmark, the Triple Bridge. It was built in 1842 by the famous architect, Jože Plečnik. The Triple Bridge has three bridges side by side and it’s an amazing spot for photos.

Prešeren Square

This is the main square in Ljubljana and it’s named after Slovenia’s most famous poet, France Prešeren.  On the square, you’ll find the statue of Prešeren and his muse, Julija Primic. The statue is a popular spot to hang out and the square often holds different street artists and events.

Tip no. 3: If you are visiting in the summer, make sure to stop in the middle of the square and enjoy a little rain shower. Why? Every year there is a “fake rain” machine installed above the square, so everyone can enjoy a little freshening during the hot days.

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park offers a quick getaway from the city life, while still being close. The park features walking paths through the woods, a botanical garden, art exhibitions, cafes, a skate park, a playground, and many secret spots for some peace and quiet.

Ljubljana Zoo

The zoo is located in Tivoli Park and it’s a great place to visit with kids or if you want to escape the city for a little bit. The zoo has over 200 different species of animals and it’s known for its work with endangered species.

Modern Gallery

One of the most important museums in Slovenia. The museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and it has a collection of over 8,000 artworks. The museum also has temporary exhibitions which are often very interesting.

Tip no. 4: If you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing during your stay in Ljubljana, then I recommend getting a Ljubljana Card. The card gives you free or discounted entry to many of the city’s attractions, including the castle, museums, galleries, and churches. You can also use The Ljubljana Card to get discounts on transportation and parking. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours and you can buy it online or at the Tourist Information Center. If you want to secure your card before you visit and save 10%, you can do that by clicking on the link: https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/travel-information/ljubljana-card/

Metelkova

If you want to see art, but don’t want to spend money, this is perfect for you. Metelkova is an alternative arts and culture center located within 10 minutes’ walking distance from the center. The complex is home to galleries, clubs, and bars. It’s a great spot for live music and it’s also the best place to see street art since everything, and I mean everything, is covered in beautiful graffiti.

Should you visit Ljubljana?

Definitely. Ljubljana is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. From exploring the Old Town to visiting one of the many museums and galleries, to relaxing in nature, there is something for everyone in Ljubljana. If you are looking for a relaxed weekend away or an action-packed city break, Ljubljana is the perfect destination for you. I hope you got some idea of what to see in Ljubljana and make sure to stick for the next blog on things to do in Ljubljana.