“Ljubljana, the most beautiful city in the world” is a famous phrase from the mayor of the capital. Which is one of the few things we agree on. We would probably all say the same thing about the city where we live, because it’s our home, everything is familiar to us, we have many memories, and so on. If you still decided to visit Ljubljana, below I will try to provide as much useful information as possible that you will need when visiting the city. To start with, some basic information about the city. I will continue with how to get to Ljubljana and how to move around the city. This is followed by a description of the sights and some suggestions for a sightseeing schedule for visitors to the city. Suggestions for what to eat in the city and where to find entertainment. I will conclude with possible accommodations in the city.
Congress square, Plečnik, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Basic data aobut Ljubljana
- The capital of Slovenia – this fact means that the city has all the infrastructure and institutions you need. Here are the most opportunities for work, study (a university city full of young people), cultural events, …
- Size, approx. 280,000 inhabitants – although the largest city in the country, it is at the bottom of the world’s capitals according to this parameter, which gives the city a certain homeliness, relaxation and safety
- Location – centrally located in Slovenia (25km away from GEOSS – the Geometric Center of Slovenia) as well as in Europe near Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, …
- History – from pile-dwellers, through ancient Emona, medieval 3 squares, baroque, art nouveau and Plečnik, we got the city’s current form.
- Culture – as a result of the location, an interesting culture has been formed throughout history. Today it can be seen in architecture, cultural institutions (museums, galleries, concert venues), cuisine, its inhabitants, …
- European Green Capital 2016 – 542 m² of public green spaces per capita, accessible from all parts of the compact city within a maximum distance of 300 meters.
How ot get to Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is located in Central Europe, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Below, we will look at the accessibility of Ljubljana by various means of transport.
- AIRPLANE – Ljubljana Airport Brnik (dr Jože Pučnik) is an international airport with connections to 20 European countries. It is 25 km from the city center. You can get to the city by car (rentacar small car 100€/week, 30 min), taxi (Metro, 30€, 30 min), shuttle (Nomago, 12€, 30 min), bus (Arriva, 3.3€, 30 min), and shared transportation (Avant2Go, 20€, 30 min)
- CAR – Airports less than 5 hours away from Ljubljana by car are (bold airports with more options): Zagreb (140km, 1:15), Klagenfurt (87km, 1:45), Trieste (115km, 1:30), Rijeka (115km, 2:00), Graz (185km, 2:00), Pula (200km, 2:30), Treviso (230km, 2:45), Venice (230km, 2:45), Salzburg (276km, 3:00), Verona (340km, 3:30), Bologna (375km, 4:00), Innsbruck (380km, 5:00), Vienna (380km, 4:00), Munich (410km, 4:15), Bratislava (425km, 4:30), Budapest (460km, 4:30), Florence (480km, 5:00), Milan (485km, 5:00)
- TRAIN – The train is always a good option, you can easily move from the center of one city to the center of another city, it is comfortable, and you can see the landscape while driving. Unfortunately, trains are not fast here and not cheap if you are traveling from abroad. However, trains within Slovenia have a 75% discount on weekends (SŽ). You can reach Ljubljana by train from four directions:
- North-West: Munich – Salzburg – Villach – Jesenice – Kranj
- South-West: Milan/Bologna – Venice – Trieste/Koper – Postojna
- North-East: Prague/Bratislava – Vienna – Graz – Maribor
- South-East: Sarajevo/Belgrade – Zagreb – Novo Mesto
How to move around Ljubljana?
The city is quite compact, especially the center and the old part of the city, which are first on the list of places to visit. All the options are described below.
On foot
I definitely suggest you to walk around Ljubljana. This way you will be able to experience the most of what the city has to offer, from interacting with the residents, seeing the details, to the sounds and smells. This should not be a problem as all the main attractions are in a small area and you do not have to walk far. The old city center is in a pedestrian zone which allows you to explore it carefree. The terrain is basically flat, unless you decide to visit one of the green hills (Grajski grič, Rožnik, Golovec).
Bike, scooter
If you want to move faster and visit something outside the center, there are bikes (BicikeLJ, Nomago Bikes) and scooters (GoGiro, Bolt, Kvik) available
Public transport
LPP, city and suburban buses, which can take you anywhere in the city (1st zone = 1.3€) and the surrounding area (2nd zone = 2.1€ and 3rd zone = 2.9€). The ticket is valid for 90 minutes including transfers. You can pay the fare on the bus with a bank card or Urbana card (2€ + credit) or the Urbana mobile application. During rush hour, the ride can take longer, and certain lines are less frequent. Therefore, a link to the timetable is useful.
Urban, a tourist electric train that takes you on a circular route to the most interesting points in Ljubljana, 10€. My experience.
Kavalir, a free electric car that transports the elderly and disabled within the pedestrian zone in Ljubljana between 06:00 and 22:00. Available on the phone numbers +386 (0)31 666 331, +386 (0)31 666 332 or +386 (0)31 666 299. I used it myself once when I had a torn Achilles tendon.
Own transport
If you still decide to use your own motorized transport around the city, you will need one of the three options below
Parking – if you came with your own car, you will also need to park it somewhere. Usually you arrange this with your accommodation, but the alternative is to park somewhere in the city, you can find city-owned parking on the link, where you can find details. 1 hour in the first zone is 1.3€, in the second 0.8€ and in the third 0.5€. You can pay with coins, bank card, Urbana card or via the EasyPark app. It is also possible to drive to the outskirts of the city, park there and continue by bus (P+R) and avoid crowds and searching for a free space.
Carsharing and rent a car – if you would like to rent a car while you are in the city, the best option is carsharing (short-term rental of electric cars (Avant2go and Share’n’Go). If you are still a fan of classic rental of a car, I suggest that you arrange this in advance online, my suggestions are Discovercars and Rentalcar.com.
Taxi – if you simply want to move from one end to another, a taxi is probably the right choice. Personally, I use Taxi Metro the most, they have the most vehicles, a moderate price and an application for ordering. Price: starting fee 1.95€, kilometer 1.15km and waiting time 17.98€. We recently got Uber too. Be especially careful of taxis that do not have a taxi service sign, they will charge you up to 200% more. They are usually parked at the airport, at the train station, at the medical center …
What to see in Ljubljana?
When you stop in a city, you also want to see something there. Usually you are interested in what you will see See something interesting on a walk, where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you have more time and want to delve deeper, there are museums and galleries available.
pogled na glavno tržnico z Ljubljanskega gradu, view on Main market from Ljubljana castle
- Sights by period, more on individual links: Pile Dwellers, Emona, Middle Ages, Baroque in Ljubljana, Art Nouveau, Plečnik’s Ljubljana UNESCO, Post-war Ljubljana, After Independence Ljubljana
- Green areas
- there are green hills in the city Grajski grič with the castle, Tivoli-Rožnik and Šišenski hrib, Golovec and Šmarna gora in the suburbs
- parks in addition to the aforementioned Tivoli, there are a couple of more beautiful parks in the center (Zvezda Park, Valvasor Park, the banks of the Ljubljanica, Ambrož Park)
- PST, a path around Ljubljana, which is 70% in greenery
- Museums, galleries: City Museum Turjaška Palace (the oldest wheel), Modern Gallery, National Gallery, National Museum of Slovenia-Natural History Museum of Slovenia (the oldest flute), Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art …
To see the city, you will not only choose the individual sections mentioned above, but you will want to combine them into a whole. Therefore, below are some suggestions for walks around Ljubljana.
The ultimate walk – a more than 2-hour long route, where you visit almost all the interesting points in the city center. The route is shown in full in the video above, where individual sights along the route are marked. If you take a tourist pace, you will probably spend 4 hours, but if you stop at a museum and have a drink and a bite to eat, this can be a whole day’s journey. You start in the botanical garden, go through Ljubljana Castle to Tivoli Park – you cover all the main green areas. In the first half, along the Ljubljanica and Gradaščica rivers, you pass Križanki and reach the castle. In the second part, you descend into the old city center again and from there you go to the somewhat distant Metelkova. On the way back, walk through the center to Tivoli
Moderate walk – this walk is about an hour long, again this is the net walking time and you will spend more time. This excludes locations that are not in the city center. You can see the details on the map above.
Short walk – this walk is about half an hour long, again, this is the net walking time and you will spend more time. There are locations in the old town and a visit to the castle with the cable car. This is for those who are only in town for a short time and will use the time in between waiting for the next transport to stretch their legs. Details on the map above
What to eat in Ljubljana?
Tuna, KUL316
Ljubljana is located at the crossroads of Slavic, Germanic and Romance cultures, which is also reflected in the local cuisine. But of course, as a metropolis, it also offers an abundance of cuisine originating from different parts of the world. Below, I will list two culinary events and 5 examples of different types of dishes or types of establishments.
Odprta kuhna – street food market, open on Fridays (except November-March). Here you will find 50+ stalls offering a variety of dishes, both in price and origin. This is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. After strolling among the stalls, buy some food and drinks and then sit on a bench by the cathedral to enjoy your food with a view of the hustle and bustle below. My suggestions, filling and cheap Roza slon (thai food), Stari pisker (grill), Jezeršek (local and sweet-šmorn), beer Tak by Bevoga.
Teden restavracij – Another culinary event that is organized twice a year (in spring and autumn). During that time, you can visit top-notch restaurants in one week, which are then affordable for us mere mortals.
Michelin guide is a French culinary guide that has been rating restaurants around the world since 1900. Slovenia has been part of this family for some time. Every year, around 15 restaurants in Ljubljana are on their list.. Strelec (1*, located in castle tower), Gostilna na gradu (bib, moja izkušnja), JB (mentioned, moja izkušnja), AFTR (mentioned, moja izkušnja), Altroke (mentioned, moja izkušnja).
Slovenian food – if you look for local cusine. Šestica (najstarejša, moja izkušnja), Figovec (druga najstarejša, moja izkušnja), Sokol (turistično, moja izkušnja), Vodnikov hram (moja izkušnja), Stari Tišler (moja izkušnja).
Pizza – this italian dishhas some great options. Picaboj (meni najljubša, moja izkušnja), Verace (1. napolitanska pri nas, moja izkušnja), Pop’s pizza (med 30 top v Evropi, moja izkušnja), Fetiche Pizza (moja izkušnja), Parma (najstarejša/tradicija, moja izkušnja).
Burger – became popular with craft beer. Pop’s Place (moja izkušnja), Lars&Sven (moja izkušnja), HoodBurger (moja izkušnja), Tiskarna, Žibert (moja izkušnja),
Ćevapi – classic Balkan barbecue (the best offer in town on the link), and for a quick bite, Sarajevo ’84, 10 v pol, Baščaršija, Walter, Ćewap,
Pasta – another italian dish. Vito Maccheroni (moja izkušnja), Raw pasta (moja izkušnja), Gostilnica 5-6 kg , Fugazi (moja izkušnja), Favola
Meat- Čompe, Argentino, Špajza&Sorbara, Kodila (moja izkušnja), Krušič
Fish – if you look for see food. Vino in ribe (moja izkušnja), Gostilna Krpan (moja izkušnja), Operna klet (moja izkušnja), Ribca, Jadro,
Diner – cheap option in city. Tartuf (moja izkušnja), Orient express (moja izkušnja), Martinšek (moja izkušnja), Hitra žlica (tradicional, moja izkušnja),
Fast-food – there is a flood of kebab and related places in the city, but for me the real deal is burek (Olimpija, Nobel), horse burger (Hot horse), tradition (Klobasarna)
Healthy food/Vegetarian – if you care about your health and what you put into your body. Bife.si (solate, moja izkušnja), Barbarella (juice bar, moja izkušnja), Gaudi & Naan (vegansko, moja izkušnja), Think (superfood, moja izkušnja), Vse dobro (moja izkušnja)
Saandwicj- Dobre Vile-sendviči, Subway, Šendtvič, Šunknžemlja,
Brunch – EK bistro (moja izkušnja), Kavarna Rog, Norma 23, Kalvan
Asian – where theyserve meals from more then just one country. Shambala (michelin, moja izkušnja), TLOFT (moja izkušnja), Tasty Corner (moja izkušnja), Rikša (moja izkušnja), Da Bu Da (moja izkušnja),
Chinese – probably first asian cusine in Ljubljana. Han (moja izkušnja), Beli labod (moja izkušnja), Kitajski dvor, Shaolin, Cesarsko mesto (prva restavracija),
Japanese – if you like sushi. Sushimama (moja izkušnja), Maru (moja izkušnja), Moy sushi (moja izkušnja), Sato Bento (moja izkušnja), Takoyaki-Matsuri (moja izkušnja),
Thai – if you love pad thai, red curryja. Roza slon (moja izkušnja), Chuty’s (moja izkušnja), On Thai (moja izkušnja), Thai zone (moja izkušnja),
Indian – dal. roti, chapati, tikki masala. Namaste, Bombay Fresh, Maharaja, Okusi Indije, Taj Mahal
Korean – bibimbap, bulgogi, cmoki, bbq. Ogam (moja izkušnja), Korean street food (moja izkušnja), SarrBing (moja izkušnja), Suwon
Mexican – tortia, fajitas, enchiladas, chili, guacamole. Cantina Que Pasa (moja izkušnja), Patrón – Tacos & Bar, Imperio Mexicano, Taqueria Uno mas (moja izkušnja), Joe Pena’s (moja izkušnja), Cantina Mexicana (moja izkušnja)
Arab – here you find falafel, babaganush, etc. Abi falafel (moja izkušnja), Libanonske meze (moja izkušnja), Fari’s (moja izkušnja), Sufret Beirut (moja izkušnja),
Other – here we hve just one representative. Tiflis (gruzijska, moja izkušnja), Good morning Vietnam (vietnamska, moja izkušnja), Baobab (afriška, moja izkušnja), Pemenarna (češka), Bibi (perzijska)
Sweet – when you have a sugar craving. Romeo (best pancakes, moja izkušnja), Lolita, Zvezda, Moji štruklji (tradition, moja izkušnja), Atelje Karim (macaroons, master chef)
Ice cream – when you need to cool down. Vigo, Lučkarnica, Gefino, Romantika, DIMATTEO
Where to go out in Ljubljana?
Unfortunately, Ljubljana cannot boast of a good nightlife. Most bars are closed at midnight, the most popular ones are on the Ljubljanica embankment in the summer and you can find them yourself. Below I will offer a few categories of bars, sports halls, cinemas and theatres where you can go in the evening. The easiest way to get tickets for concerts and matches is at Eventim or moje karte.
Cult pubs – Žmauc, Daktari, Lepa žoga, Arhiv, Sax pub
Clubs – Nebo, Cirkus (youth), Parlament pub (youth), Holiday’s pub (older), Cutty Sark (older), Shooters (youth), K4, Metelkova-alternative – (Gala hala, Channel 0, Tiffany/Monokel, Jalla Jalla, Menza pri koritu, Gromki, Mariča), Klub 12 (turbofolk), En Pub (turbofolk)
Beer garden – Lajbah, Sir Williams, England pub, Union, Kratochwill, New Castle, Tectonix, LOO-BLAH-NAH
Event venues – Cankarjev Dom (kulturni dom), Križanke, Kino Šiška, Cvetličarna/Media park, Ortobar
Hall/Stadium – Stožice (dvorana/stadion), Tivoli (mala/velika-ledena), Kodeljevo (športna dvorana),
Movies- Cineplexx (v nakupovalnem središči), Komuna (najstarejši kino), Kino Dvor (evropska produkcija), Kino Bežigrad (drive-in), Kinoteka (stari filmi)
Theter/Opera – Opera in balet, Drama, MGL, Lutkovno gledališče, Mladinsko gledališče
Where to sleep in Ljubljana?
If you are staying in Ljubljana for more than one day, your next concern is where to sleep. Like all other metropolises, Ljubljana offers a wide selection of accommodations, from luxury hotels to private accommodations to hostels. I suggest you search for accommodations through the portals Booking, Agoda, AirBnB, Hostelworld or Couchsurfing. Below are some of my suggestions by different hotel categories
intercontinental ljubljana
5 stars – InterContinental (moja izkušnja), Grand Plaza, Zlata ladjica,
4 stars – Grand Hotel Union, Lev, Slon, Four Point Sheraton, Hotel Ljubljana
3 stars – Center, Park, Atelier, Holiday Inn Express, Morea
Cheap- Medno, Minka, Bit
Hostels – Celica ex-prison, H20, Fluxus, Sax, Simbol