The popular square figures into many tours that explore the city incorporating various modes of transportation—on foot, bicycle, boat ride, or even a paddle board—and specialized focuses such as architecture, history, or Slovenia’s socialist past and feminist achievements. Eat and drink your way through the city on a culinary and wine tour or tack on a funicular ride up to Ljubljana Castle. If you have the day free, go on a mini-trip to magical Lake Bled.
Cycling tours offer the chance to pedal alongside the river to unique landmarks such as Metelkova, an autonomous cultural center. If you’re coming from Koper, consider taking a day trip to Ljubljana.
Located on Sustarski Most, Shoemaker's Bridge is best accessed on foot. The closest bus stops are Drama on the west side and Gornji Trg on the east side, each located less than a quarter-of-a-mile (400 m) from the bridge.
Shoemaker's Bridge is especially lively when the weather is warm. To avoid the crowds that come in the summer high season, visit Ljubljana in the late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant, and you can find deals on hotels. During Christmastime, the city is especially magical with festive lights, markets, and foods.
When Shoemaker’s Bridge was originally built in the 13th century, it was made of wood and populated with booths from the city's many butchers. But the aromas coming from the meat market were so strong that the city relocated the butchers downriver and the shoemakers took over, giving the bridge its nickname.