Welcome to the city of Ljubljana, where every cobblestone street, historic building, and lush green park holds a story waiting to be uncovered. As a local who calls Ljubljana’s city centre home, I am delighted to be your guide through the vibrant tapestry of Ljubljana’s cultural, culinary, and natural delights. Living amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, I relish in exploring its charming streets and soaking up the warm sunshine that graces Ljubljana’s summers.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a sunny day spent wandering through the city centre, discovering hidden gems, and immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of Ljubljana’s offerings. Join me on this journey as we uncover the treasures that await in Slovenia’s captivating capital.

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  • Ljubljana – the capital of Slovenia
  • Natural beauties of Slovenia
  • Caves and castles
  • The Slovenian coast
  • Slovenian souvenirs

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1. Ljubljana – The capital city

1.1. To-do in Ljubljana

Mentioned locations on Google maps:

The walk up Ljubljana castle is very very do-able, and quite pleasant actually. There are a few ways up, less steep, more steep, you don’t have to take the funicular up. It’s extra nice at sunset! Castle is nice enough to see even without a tour. You can walk inside and to the top-ish turret free-of-charge (You walk up some spiral staircase). There is also the castle winery you might like to check out.

Like every European city, there are free city tours that are of great quality, you just need to tip at the end (I usually tip between 4-6€ per person). Check for Ljubljana’s at LjubljanaFreeTour.com. Typical things you have to look at are the Pink Church on Preseren Square (the main square), the triple bridge, the areas by the river, the old town, the market. Trubajeva Street is also interesting.

If you want a bit of an adventure, I also recommend Stand up Paddling down Ljubljana River/heart. There are a few companies offering them at quite reasonable prices. SUP Klub Ljubljana is the one I’ve used a few times. Very nice experience with nice guides. See the city from a different perspective, and an alternative from the touristy boat ride.

Metelkova is a unique and vibrant cultural centre located just 300 metres from Boutique Hostel Angel. Once an abandoned military barracks, it has been transformed into a dynamic space filled with colourful street art, eclectic bars, live music venues, and art galleries. During the day, visitors can explore the diverse range of murals and installations, while at night, Metelkova comes alive with concerts, parties, and events. Whether you’re interested in underground music, contemporary art, or simply soaking up the alternative atmosphere, Metelkova offers a one-of-a-kind experience that shouldn’t be missed during your stay in Ljubljana.

 

Exploring Ljubljana

1.2. To Eat in Ljubljana

Mentioned locations on Google maps:

You have to have ice-cream at either Cacao or Vigo in Ljubljana! They’re really good and affordable. You’re either on Team Cacao or Team Vigo in Slovenia (Go Vigo!). Try both! Romantika is also nice with more unique flavours but more expensive. Let us know which one you liked the most ?.

If you want to stop for coffee, check out the following places: STOW (underneath the City Museum), Slovenska Hisa (“Slovenian House”. There are two, one serves drinks and snacks, and the other serves traditional Slovenian food also. They use only local ingredients and products! Both are in the city center), and Crno Zrno in the old town (it’s a tiny place, very friendly owner, great coffee and cold brews). For a view, you can also go up the cafe on the 13th floor of Nebotičnik Skyscraper in the city center (once upon a time Europe’s tallest building) for a drink/coffee (it’s regular prices, less than 2€ for a coffee). 

For eating in Ljubljana, I recommend Gostilna 5-6kg in the old town for Slovenian/Balkan food and great pizzas, or Verace also near the old town for the best pizzas (Slovenia shares a border with Italy so…). There is this place in the center called Moji Struklji – struklji is traditionally Slovenian. There are savory ones and also sweet ones, but I prefer them sweet as a dessert! 

You also have to try Burek. It’s a savoury, flakey, chewy Balkan pastry, with different fillings you can choose from – meat, cottage cheese, pizza, apple, usually. The best ones in the center are at Burek Olimpija, or Nobel Burek, both are open 24 hours. Otherwise you can get them from chain bakeries such as Mlinar as well. :) The bakery diagonally opposite the cross junction near the apartment has pretty yummy ones too.

Something else very balkan you have to try is čevapčiči. Like skinless barbecued sausages with a toasted bun, ajvar sauce (usually ordered separately) and finely diced onions with a side of baked beans called prebranac (It’s savoury, not sweet like in the UK). It’s really good and hearty. Best place to have this is at Sarajevo 84, also in the city center. 

Other traditionally Slovenian dishes apart from the meat and potatoes is this soup called jota (“yota”), served with a Slovenian sausage, usually. 

Slovenian sausages (“klobasa“) are also a thing you should try. 

For burgers, try HoodBurger! Or people love Pop’s Place for burgers as well. 

If you’re tired of local food you can stop by at Babu’s asian street food. Babu is an amazing Bangladeshi chef. His restaurant is know to be the only restaurant in Slovenia with a Google rating of 5,0 (despite almost 500 reviews)! It sounds impossible but stop by and try it yourself. Oh, and don’t forget to tell him Gregor sends regards, you might receive some free spring rolls in return.

On Fridays from 10am onwards in the Spring/Summer, if there is no rain, there is this thing called Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhinja) at the central market area. You can find them on Instagram. It’s many open stalls with a lot of food and great vibes (especially in the evening)! Slovenians live for this in the warmer months! 

1.3. To Drink in Ljubljana

Locations on Google maps:

Slovenian Wine is affordable and of great quality. Wine-making has existed in the region since before the Romans brought it to Spain and France. There are plenty of wine regions you can visit/ tour as well. All not far from Ljubljana. Quercus is a good brand, value for money – try the Rebula for white. If you are into red – teran. In Špičnik, near Maribor (Slovenia’s second largest city, sharing a border with Austria) is the famous heart-shaped road in the vineyard – for that Instagram shot. You see it from a viewpoint of a winery/restaurant on the top of the hill. The area is beautiful in general.

If you are into beer – Union and Laško are the Slovenian beers. I personally prefer Union. You can check out the Union Brewery (Pivovarna Union). It’s a big squarish building you will pass on your way to the city center from the apartment – about a 10 minute walk. Beers and a lot of beer food. Try the Union Unfiltered beer (choice of dark, blonde, pale ale) – bottles come wrapped in a paper packaging – shake before pouring/drinking. Loo-Blah-Nah is also an interesting local beer.

Pivnica Lajbah is just by the river in the center, with a lot of unique craft beers, good food and just a great atmosphere.

Some of the nicest cafes for coffee, cake, chilling, working, are STOW – under the Ljubljana city museum, Bazilika Bistro and Bazilika Križanke, TOZD, Prilitcje, Neboticnik Skyscraper, Zvezda on Kongresni Trng, Slovenska Hiša, LP Bar, Kavarna Moderna and Kavarna SEM.

2. Natural Beauties

Lake Bled/ Lake Bohinj/ Mt. Vogel/ Slap Savica

If you're going to Bled check out the little hike up Ojstrica. It is a very mild hike, and the view at the top of the Ojstrica viewpoint is the best. You see the whole of Lake Bled, the alps, the little island and castle in the middle of the lake. Mala Osojnica offers a similar viewpoint from a higher angle, but is a much tougher hike. 

Vintgar Gorge nearby is nice, as well as going up Mt Vogel by cable car and doing a little hike. You get to see Lake Bohinj from the top, which locals favor over Bled. I would also suggest maybe Slap Savica, a waterfall in the Bohinj area. 

Bled Castle's restaurant’s food is quite affordable + amazing + includes free entry into the castle + free parking. You should probably make a reservation if you’re planning to go. Otherwise Restaurant Sova is also a  good choice.

As you drive towards Bled, why not set the mood with a song dedicated to its beauty? Click on the link below to listen to a tune by our renowned country singer, Slavko Avsenik. This song celebrates the enchanting sights of Bled, with lyrics depicting the picturesque island nestled in the lake and the ancient castle perched atop the hill, gazing over the stunning scenery.

On the way back from Bled towards Ljubljana is this place called Kruhkerija Gorjanc in Kranj. Basically flavoured breadsticks that are awesome. It’s also 30 minutes from Ljubljana. Always crowded, so expect a bit of a wait. 

Parking in Bled is incredibly expensive, so if you can get around by public transportation/foot/bicycle that would be ideal.

Here you can find an article describing how to get to Bled from Ljubljana by any kind of transport.

3. Caves and Castles

Postojna Cave/ Škočjan Cave / Predjama Castle

Postojna Cave is the tourist fav (and more comfortable option) but I personally found Škočjan Caves to be much much much more impressive and cool. It's only half an hour further from Predjama Castle, which is a beautiful castle embedded in rocks.

4. The Slovenian Coast

Piran/ Portoroz

Piran is beautiful, and is my favourite of the Slovenian coastal cities. If it’s rainy in other parts of Slovenia, it is very likely that it is sunny and warmer by the coast. Plus it’s only an hour and a half from Ljubljana. Apart from the old town, Tartini Square and the sea, scale up St George’s Church on a hill for the best viewpoint of Piran and the sea.

Porotoroz is also pretty. There is a thermal spa called Lepa Vida (only open during the summer monts) that is beautiful and looks out towards salt plains. It’s not very expensive but requires reservation and getting there by car.

5. Slovenian Souvenirs

Before bidding farewell to Ljubljana, don't forget to take home a piece of Slovenia's charm. Browse through local markets for unique souvenirs:

As you explore the enchanting streets of Ljubljana and beyond, may you create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the spirit of adventure and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of Slovenia – a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.