What to see, do, and eat in Ljubljana, Slovenia — this charming little capital will completely steal your heart. From cobblestone streets and castle views to riverfront cafés, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

If you’re dreaming of a European getaway that still feels like a bit of a secret, let me introduce you to Ljubljana, Slovenia—a small, charming capital that’s somehow stayed under the radar.

My husband and I visited in June 2025 for my birthday after seeing Bruce Springsteen live in Prague with family and friends, and this little city completely stole our hearts.

Tucked between Italy and Croatia, Ljubljana feels like a fairytale with its cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and a castle perched right above the town.

And here’s a bonus—since no cruise ships can reach it, you won’t find the usual tourist crowds here. It’s peaceful, walkable, and full of cozy cafés and riverfront views that make you want to linger.

If you’re looking for a European destination that still feels like a hidden gem, this might just be your place.

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Slovenia

Getting to Slovenia takes a little extra planning, but it’s 100% worth it.

Since our trip started with a Bruce Springsteen concert in Prague with family and friends (see our full itinerary at the bottom of this post!), we flew from Prague to Munich, then on to Ljubljana with Lufthansa Airlines.

There weren’t any direct flights from Prague so keep that in mind if you’re connecting from a smaller European city.

Bigger cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, London, Brussels, and Paris usually have nonstop flights to Ljubljana, so starting there can make the journey smoother.

Ljubljana (LJU) is the main international airport in Slovenia, but there’s also a smaller one in Maribor (MBX) though it has limited flights.

If you’re planning to explore the mountains or more remote areas—like Lake Bled, Logar Valley, or the Julian Alps—I’d HIGHLY recommend renting a car.

We used Hertz Rental Car that we easily picked up in the terminal parking garage immediately after landing and went straight to Logar Valley.

We then returned the car back to Ljubljana Airport after our six nights in the countryside before heading into the city for the last 3 nights of our Slovenian exploring :).

Driving in the country of Slovenia (for Americans anyway) is very easy (same side of car and road :)).

If you have Google Maps and a rental car with CarPlay – you will be perfectly fine driving in this country.

I saw on multiple blog posts that an International Drivers License (from AAA) is a requirement but we were NEVER asked for this piece of paper – EVER. So part of me thinks that is a scam that AAA puts out there to get a little extra cash – but don’t hold me to that statement ;0.

However – DO NOT, I REPEAT – DO NOT, pick up your rental car if you will be making Ljubljana the first destination on your trip!!!

ALL of Old Town Ljubljana is a no vehicle zone (i.e. there is no parking in Old Town if you have a rental car). So unless you are staying outside of this area (which I also do not recommend!), a car in the city will be way more hassle than it is worth!

You can also get around the country by train, and their system is decent for major towns, but pretty lacking for mountain spots ;0.

How to Get Around Ljubljana

Getting around Ljubljana couldn’t be easier, and honestly, it’s part of what made our trip so relaxing.

The city center is car-free, which means it’s perfect for wandering on foot—no traffic, no noise, just cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and river views.

We walked everywhere and loved that we didn’t need to deal with taxis or public transport.

If you do indeed end up needing a break from walking around Old Town, you can hop on one of the free (seriously!!!) electric Kavalir shuttles that quietly zip around the old town—just wave one down like a local.

There is also a short funicular that can take you up to Ljubljana Castle plus a mini tram that loops around the old town and castle hill, perfect for a quick and fun way to get from one spot to another if you don’t want to walk too much :).

However, you’ll probably find, like we did, that Ljubljana is best explored at a slow pace on foot, one pretty street at a time.

Best Time of Year to Visit Ljubljana

We visited Ljubljana in late June 2025, right at the start of what the locals told us was an unusual for this time of year heat wave (it seems most of Europe was getting the same higher temps!!).

If you prefer a bit cooler weather, spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) are known for being fantastic in Ljubljana — fewer crowds, lovely blooms, and crisp air that makes exploring even more enjoyable. However if you are planning on heading into the mountains – these months might be a bit more unpredictable than June-August ;0.

Winter can be magical with festive lights and cozy cafes, but be prepared for chilly days and shorter daylight.

How Many Days You Need in Ljubljana

We spent three evenings and two full days exploring this charming city, with a final day that ended with a 7 pm flight to London to start our journey home which allowed for a leisurely morning and more sightseeing until our 4pm taxi ride to the airport :).

Could you see it all in just one day? Sure, but as we’ve gotten older, slow travel has become a dream — and Ljubljana is the perfect city to take it slow and easy, soaking up its charming streets and relaxed vibe without rushing.

Money and Plug Details in Slovenia

In Slovenia, the currency is the Euro (€), and while most places accept credit and debit cards, it’s always handy to carry a small amount of cash for smaller establishments or tips.

It is recommended to use a BANK ATM machine once in the country you are traveling to to withdraw money out of your US (presumably) bank account. This is the least expensive way to handle bank fees and foreign exchange rates.

Be sure you are also using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees as those can add up!!

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Places to Stay in Ljubljana

Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel

If you’re planning a trip to Ljubljana, you absolutely have to stay at the Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel.

It’s right on the river by the iconic Cobblers Bridge, so you’re steps from the heart of the city, yet somehow the hotel feels wonderfully peaceful and quiet.

Each of its 15 rooms tells a story, inspired by the rich history of the building—known as the Golden Boat—which dates back centuries and reopened as this charming boutique hotel in 2021.

The rooms are filled with thoughtful artwork that ties into the building’s past, making your stay feel both cozy and special, like living in a little piece of Ljubljana’s history.

Staying here made our time in Ljubljana feel truly special and cozy, like coming home after a day of exploring.

{we stayed in the Jason and the Argonauts room for our 3 night stay}

Other Centrally Located 5* Options in Ljubljana

As mentioned above – I would highly suggest staying at the Zlata Ladjica above – however if that is not available for your dates, here are a couple other options that might be worth looking into:

• Intercontinental Ljubljana
• Grand Plaza Hotel

Best Places to Eat in Ljubljana

Use the ‘Best Places to Eat in Ljubljana’ section included in the Google Map above to find the location of every place we ate plus recommendations from our fantastic ‘local to Ljubljana’ Flytographer, Mankica!

The places listed below are where we enjoyed our three dinners in Ljubljana.

Špajza Restaurant

Tucked away on a quiet cobblestone lane in Ljubljana’s Old Town, we found ourselves at Špajza, a cozy little spot set inside a 300-year-old house (highly recommended by our hotel concierge).

The candlelit charm, creaky wooden floors, and warm staff made it feel like dinner at a friend’s home—if that friend happened to serve beautifully plated dishes in a Baroque-era townhouse.

Pop’s Place

If you find yourself craving a little taste of home while exploring Ljubljana, Pops Burger is your spot.

Started by an American who moved to Slovenia and couldn’t find a good burger, this cozy riverside restaurant was born out of one man’s simple mission: make a proper burger.

It’s right along the Ljubljanica River with plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching while you sip a cold local beer and enjoy a seriously good meal.

Breg

Tucked along the pretty banks of the Ljubljanica, right in the heart of the old town, you will found the popular Breg Restaurant.

We sat outside under the trees on our last hot summer night in Slovenia.

We had heard they are known for their sea bass with truffle mashed potatoes but since I am not a fish eater, I ordered a fantastic pasta dish :).

Nebotničnik

One afternoon in Ljubljana, we wandered over to Nebotičnik, the city’s very first skyscraper, built back in the 1930s.

Perched on the top floor, the restaurant and rooftop terrace offer some of the best views in town—totally worth it even if you just stop in for a quick cocktail, a cold beer, or a Diet Coke while soaking in the skyline (like we did!).

The breeze up here helped us forget about the warm heat wave weather on the streets below ;0.

Top Things to See in Ljubljana

Prešernov Trg and Triple Bridge

One of the first places you’ll likely stumble upon in Ljubljana is Prešernov Trg, the city’s main square—and trust me, it’s a beauty.

Right at the heart of it is the Triple Bridge, a quirky and charming set of three side-by-side bridges that somehow just works.

It’s the perfect spot for people-watching, listening to street musicians, or snapping photos of the pink Franciscan Church.

Franciscan Church of the Annunciation

One of the most recognizable sights in Ljubljana is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, that beautiful pink church right on Prešeren Square (mentioned above).

It dates back to the 1600s and was once part of a monastery—today, you can visit the monastery museum and library inside for just €6 per person (2025 price).

We visited the church, museum, and library to get out of the heat one afternoon and spent about 30-45 minutes enjoying the beauty and quiet.

Streets of Old Town

One of the best ways to experience Ljubljana is simply by wandering its charming old town.

The cobblestone streets invite you to slow down, get a little lost, and discover hidden alleyways.

Trust me, sometimes the best moments come when you let yourself drift without a plan.

The Riverfront

One of the best things to do in Ljubljana is simply take a slow stroll along the riverfront.

With the colorful buildings and graceful bridges, it’s the kind of walk that makes you fall in love with a city without even trying.

Ljubljana Castle

One of the best things to see in Ljubljana is the Ljubljana Castle, sitting right on the hill above town.

You can walk up if you’re feeling ambitious, but we took the funicular—a quick little ride that’s actually included in the combo ticket (around €16 per adult) if you buy it together with your castle admission.

Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours here, especially if you head up to the top of the Observation Tower for the panoramic views.

It’s about 95 spiral steps up that also includes a winding ramp or you can pay a little extra and take the glass elevator to the top—totally worth it on a clear day!

We also surprisingly enjoyed the Virtual Castle 12 minute video showing the history of the castle – this is located at the base of the tower building.

There was a calligrapher in the small Chapel of Saint George that made us some fun bookmarks (fee was whatever you choose to give him ;0!) which made the day extra fun :).

We were advised earlier to walk down the castle hill to get excellent views of the Old Town ~ however we accidentally went down the wrong path on the right side of the castle (not the left which is much more scenic supposedly!)…

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

One of the prettiest little surprises in Ljubljana is St. Nicholas Cathedral, with its green dome and twin towers peeking above the old town rooftops.

The current Baroque church dates back to the early 1700s, but it stands on a site that’s been home to a church since at least the 1200s.

Small tip: the entrance isn’t in front, it’s tucked around the corner on Miklošičeva Street, right along the main shopping stretch (and the church is free to enter).

Central Market

One of my favorite stops in Ljubljana was the Central Market—it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re getting a peek at local life.

Open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the stalls are full of fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, local cheese, and baked goods.

Don’t miss the little flower market tucked around the corner near St. Nicholas Cathedral—it’s like a hidden garden bursting with color and charm.

Dragon Bridge

You can’t visit Ljubljana without stopping by the famous Dragon Bridge, right in the heart of the city near the Central Market.

Built in 1901, it was one of the first bridges in Europe made with reinforced concrete—pretty modern for its time!

But what really makes it a must-see are the four fierce-looking dragon statues guarding each corner.

Dragons are everywhere in Ljubljana because of an old legend that says Jason (yes, from Greek mythology!) fought a dragon here—and now these creatures have become the symbol of the city.

You’ll spot dozens more dragons all over town once you start looking!

Locksmith Alley

Tucked just off the main streets of Ljubljana’s Old Town, Locksmith Alley (also called Ključavničarska ulica) is easy to miss—but don’t.

It’s one of those little detours that ends up sticking with you long after the trip.

At first glance, it’s a quiet, narrow alley, but look a bit closer and you’ll find a row of curious little bronze faces peeking up at you from a stone channel that runs along the ground—each one expressive and mysterious, meant to reflect the emotions and inner lives of the people who pass through.

At the end of the alley, there’s a striking hand sculpture reaching upward beside a moving poem about peace and connection.

It’s thoughtful and oddly beautiful—one of those tiny corners of a city that quietly surprises you.

Gornji trg

One of my favorite little corners of Ljubljana was Gornji trg, also known as Upper Square—it feels like stepping into the city’s quieter, more romantic side.

This charming street winds uphill with cobblestone paths, colorful old buildings, and right in front of a small church, there’s even a chandelier hanging over the street—yes, a chandelier!—giving the whole area a touch of unexpected whimsy.

Križevniška ulica

Tucked just behind the Ljubljanica River, Križevniška ulica might be one of the prettiest little streets in all of Ljubljana.

It’s a quiet cobblestone lane filled with flower boxes, art installations, and a real sense of charm.

It’s also home to the Mini Theatre, a darling independent performance space, and just steps from the National and University Library, one of the city’s most important architectural landmarks designed by Jože Plečnik.

Metelkova

Just a 10-minute walk from Old Town, you’ll find Metelkova, one of the most unique and unexpected corners of Ljubljana.

This former military barracks has been transformed into a funky, colorful hub of street art, creativity, and alternative culture—honestly, it feels like stepping into a different world.

Nearby, you’ll also find some of the city’s top museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova and the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, so it’s easy to make a whole afternoon of it if you’re curious.

We were advised by our Flytographer friend, Mankica, however to maybe avoid this area of the city later in the evening and into the night :).

We went around noon on our last day in Slovenia and felt perfectly safe.

A Flytographer Photo Shoot

One of my favorite things we did in Ljubljana was a Flytographer photo shoot (if you know me – you know I LOVE DOING THESE WHEN WE TRAVEL!!).

We scheduled our session bright and early at 5:45am on our very first morning in the city.

Watching the sun rise over the quiet cobblestone streets while the city was still asleep was so romantic and just pure magic.

Our photographer, Mankica, was one of the kindest souls we’ve ever met, and not only did she make us feel completely at ease, she also shared the sweetest PDF of her local favorites—a mini insider’s guide we used the whole trip!

While I personally see no reason to not do a Flytographer photo session on every trip you take because then the rest of the trip you can take those awful selfies or ask strangers and not worry that you won’t have a single good photo from your trip, you should AT LEAST do this once in your travels!!!

USE THIS LINK TO SAVE $25 ON YOUR FIRST PHOTO SESSION OR GIFT CARD PURCHASE…

Day Trips from Ljubljana

While the biggest draw to the country of Slovenia is its outdoor adventure opportunities, if you are short on time or a person that doesn’t necessarily enjoy sleeping out in the mountain air, Ljubljana could be an easy enough base for a variety of day trips.

Slovenia is small (in the best way), so you can see mountains, lakes, and castles—all without switching hotels every night if you prefer :).

All of these day trips would entail renting a car unless you want to join a tour – see provided tour links below the list.

While we are mountain people and specifically came to Slovenia to spend a week in the Alps and thus saw these sights while driving around the country, here is a list of what could be some of the easiest day trips from a base of Ljubljana:

• Lake Bled – Yes, it’s famous for a reason. A fairytale island with a church in the middle of a lake, a castle on a cliff, and creamy Bled cake to try afterward. It’s only about 45 minutes away by car or tour.

• Lake Bohinj – If Bled is the postcard, Bohinj is the peaceful cousin who avoids the spotlight. It’s just a bit farther past Bled but totally worth it for the less touristy, quieter vibe and jaw-dropping mountain views.

• Škocjan Cave – UNESCO-listed and less touristy than Postojna, walking through the giant underground canyon feels like something out of an adventure movie. It’s about an hour by car from Ljubljana.

• Predjama Castle – This is a medieval castle built right into a cliffside cave. It’s quirky and dramatic and makes you wonder how people lived here way back when. We drove here after our 3 night stay in the Julian Alps before returning our rental car in Ljubljana.

• Velika Planina – This one takes a little more planning to do as a day trip from Ljubljana, but it would be worth your efforts. We did not do this as a day trip from Ljubljana but instead when we were staying in Logar Valley. It is a fantastic place to explore a shepherding alpine plateau – totally different scenery than anywhere else we went in Slovenia.

What to Wear in Slovenia in Summer

Visiting Slovenia in summer provides for the perfect mix of mountain and city adventures, so packing smart makes all the difference.

For our time in the Alps, I wore lightweight hiking dresses and a good pair of trail shoes—nothing fancy, just practical and comfortable for those moderate hikes.

FYI – I also brought along my Camelbak from home (can’t hike without it anymore!).

Once we got to Ljubljana, I switched to easy, breezy dresses that felt great in the warmer temps (we got there right when a heat wave started!!).

Just simple pieces that helped me feel put together without overthinking it.

I always wear my favorite cooling shorties underneath to stay comfy while walking around all day—no chafing, no fuss.

And if you are traveling during summer like we did, bring along this personal fan ~ you just never know when those temps will rise to an uncomfortable level and you don’t want to ruin your trip with heat exhaustion!

Our Slovenia Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Prague on British Airways via London

DAY 2 | Arrive in Prague 5pm | Stay 5 nights at Malostranka Residences

DAY 3 | Prague: Walk around Old Town, Charles Bridge, go up Astronomical Clock tower, Dinner at Letna Beer Garden

DAY 4 | Prague: Early morning walk around Old Town, brunch at Monk, John Lennon Wall, dinner at U Fleků

DAY 5 | Prague: Bruce Springsteen concert with family & friends at Letnany Airport

DAY 6 | Prague: Prague Castle, Brunch at Restaurace Kuchyň, Strahov Monastery, Dinner at Čapadlo Summer Terrace

DAY 7 | Fly Prague to Ljubljana on Lufthansa via Munich | Pick up rental car and drive to Kamnik, Slovenia then Logar Valley | Stay 3 nights at Hotel Plesnik Logarska Dolina

DAY 8 | Logar Valley, Slovenia: Hike the Logarska Dolina Walking Trail to Rinka Waterfall

DAY 9 | Velika Planina | Overnight in Logar Valley (3rd night)

DAY 10 | Drive to Julian Alps with afternoon stop in Lake Bled | Spend 3 nights at Boutique Hotel Milka in Kranjska Gora

DAY 11 | Kranjska Gora: Walk around village, dinner at Gostilna Pri Martinu

DAY 12 | Kranjska Gora: Hike on Vrsic Pass, Lunch at Poštarski dom na Vrsicu Mountain Hut, Dinner at Erjavčeva Mountain Hut

DAY 13 | Drive to Predjama Castle, then to Ljubljana Airport to drop off rental car | Spend 3 nights in Ljubljana at Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel | Dinner at Spajza Restaurant

DAY 14 | Ljubljana: 6am photo shoot with Flytographer afterwards walk around city as it was waking up, funicular to Ljubljana Castle then walk back down to Central Market, dinner at Pop’s Burgers

DAY 15 | Ljubljana: Go inside Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and Museum, drinks at Nebotičnik rooftop cafe, Ljubljana City Museum, Dinner at Breg

DAY 16 | Ljubljana: walk to Metelkova artist district, return to Old Town and go inside Ljubljana Cathedral | 7pm flight from Ljubljana to London on British Airways | Spend 2 nights at Raffles London at the OWO

DAY 17 | London: walk to Borough Market and Queens Walk then walk across Tower Bridge, get drinks at The Ned, dinner at Ship Tavern, attend Just for One Day musical performance at Shaftesbury Theatre

DAY 18 | Fly London to San Diego on British Airways

I hope you found this what to see, do, and eat in Ljubljana post helpful in planning your own adventures in this magical destination!

Whether you’re strolling cobblestone streets by the river or sipping wine under the castle at sunset, Ljubljana is the kind of place that sneaks into your heart and makes you wonder why it took you so long to visit.

It’s charming, relaxed, and just the right mix of old-world beauty and modern-day fun.

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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