Look hard enough between Slovenia’s various parks and green spaces, and you’ll find Ljubljana, the country’s capital. The abundant nature of the city, together with its serene riverfront lined with trees and cafés, gives Ljubljana a more relaxed atmosphere than most European capitals. But there are also plenty of things to do in Ljubljana for visitors looking to engage in the local culture and history, especially around its compact Old Town and up above at Ljubljana Castle.
Even with the surge of tourists that it brings, summer is the best time to visit Ljubljana—and it’s not just the warm weather that makes the season so appealing. June through August sees Ljubljana at its greenest and brings a buzz of festivals and events, such as the Ljubljana Summer Festival in July and August and the Open Kitchen street food market every Friday.
The center of Ljubljana, particularly the city’s Old Town, is small enough that most visitors will find walking a comfortable way to get around. When traveling greater distances or to other parts of the city, use Ljubljana’s bus network to access most areas. And while it is possible to walk up to Ljubljana Castle, the funicular to the top of the hill offers a quicker and less tiring way of getting there.
Getting a view of the city is easy enough from Ljubljana Castle—but for a view of the city with the castle in it (and one that you can enjoy with a drink in hand), head to the rooftop bar at Nebotičnik (Skyscraper) building. As for somewhere to try traditional Slovenian foods like Carniolan sausage and barley stew, try the affordable hole-in-the-wall Klobasarna in the city’s Old Town.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +386 | Language(s) Slovenian | Attractions 24 | Tours 427 | Reviews 6,618 |
Yes, Ljubljana is certainly a destination worth visiting, whether you enjoy viewing pretty city scenery, strolling through parks and green spaces, learning about new cultures at castles and museums, or trying local food and beverages. Ljubljana packs a lot into a small city, making it a great introduction to what Slovenia is like.
...MoreLjubljana is best known for being Slovenia’s capital, the country’s largest city, and a hub for culture, education, and politics. To tourists, the city is famous for its scenic riverfront crossed by many bridges and its castle, perched atop a forest-covered hill directly above the city center.
...MoreTwo days in Ljubljana is enough time for organized travelers to get a feel for the city and see its main sights. However, planning extra time in Ljubljana won’t go amiss, as it will allow you to either explore more of the city or use Ljubljana as a base to visit other parts of Slovenia.
...MoreYes, Ljubljana has clean and potable drinking water, meaning travelers don’t need to resort to bottled water during their visit. Public drinking fountains in Ljubljana operate from April to October. Slovenia is known to have some of the highest-quality drinking water in Europe.
...MoreYes, Ljubljana is widely regarded as a safe destination for travelers, with Slovenia as a whole often ranking among the safest countries in the world. Crime rates in Ljubljana are low, particularly for violent crimes, with pickpocketing the most common type of criminal activity.
...MoreYes, Ljubljana is the best place in Slovenia for a night out. The city has a diverse nightlife, and visitors will find relaxed bars to hang out in, venues to listen to live music, and clubs to party in.
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