Ljubljana Visit Ideas

In the center of Slovenia, with Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. The city’s historic center has been settled since the 1st Century BC, when it was home to the Roman fort Emona. Ancient archaeological sites continue to be discovered within the old stone walls that delineate Emona’s historic footprint, many of which you can see when you visit.

Today, Ljubljana is home to the oldest and largest university in Slovenia, making it a lively place to visit throughout the year. In winter, the cobblestone streets and traditional red-clay rooftops in the pedestrian-only center are often dusted with snow, making a stroll through the city’s hidden alleys and side streets especially charming and festive in the colder months.

Ljubljana City Walk - Pedestrian Zone

Many of our favorite sites are just steps from the Ljubljanica river that runs through Ljubljana’s old town. We recommend starting your explorations with a walk up to the medieval Ljubljana Castle, originally built as a fortress in the 11th Century. Perched on a hill, the castle offers the best perspective for a birds-eye view-orientation of the city below. On a clear day, you can even see the Julian Mountains, where you’ll soon be skiing, to the northwest.

From Ljubljana Castle, as you make your way back down the hill towards the Ljubljanica, you’ll reach Vodnikov Square, where Ljubljana's open-air Central Market vendors sell fruits and vegetables, mostly from the surrounding agricultural region. There’s more market to see! Continue your walk towards the river and to the west, to reach famous Ljubljana architect Jože Plečnik’s Covered Market. This two-story stone structure hugs the river and is lined with market stalls selling fish, meats, breads, cheeses and prepared foods. During the winter, the Covered Market and market at Vodnikov Square are both open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am - 4:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays.

Continuing west along the river, you can’t miss one of Ljubljana’s most iconic architectural features, the Triple Bridge. The original bridge in this location dates back to the 13th Century, although in the 1930s architect Jože Plečnik redesigned and expanded it to include two additional side-bridges for pedestrians, creating the Triple Bridge as it is known today.

Pro tip: If you’d like to visit any Roman sites during your visit, such as the stone walls and gates that surrounded the ancient settlement of Emona, stop in to the Ljubljana Tourist Information Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 2) near the Triple Bridge to pick up a map of the Roman Emona Trail.

On the north side of the river from the Triple Bridge, you’ll find Preseren square, Ljubljana’s central square – or circle as it’s actually shaped. Here you might recognize from photos of Ljubljana the salmon-colored Franciscan Church of the Annunciation built in the 17th Century. Step inside to see the frescoes by Slovene Impressionist painter Matej Sternen adorning the ceiling. On the eastern side of the square, you’ll find a bronze statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia’s beloved classical poet.

From Preseren square, continue east along the north side of the Ljubljanica river past several river-side cafés, bars and restaurants, perhaps stopping to sample some Slovenian wine, to the Dragon Bridge. No trip to the city is complete without crossing the Dragon Bridge, which honors Jason and the Argonauts. Legend has it that they sailed up the Ljubljana River and defeated the dragon there during their quest for the Golden Fleece.

Starting and ending at Hotel Cubo, our recommended hotel in Ljubljana, the full walk is around 4 km and takes about one hour with no stops. Alternatively, for a leisurely stroll with stops, you will likely want to plan on closer to two hours.

Ljubljana City Walk- Extended

If you’re seeking more green space, perhaps for a jog or simply to explore beyond Ljubljana’s historic pedestrian zone, a walk or run northwest of the city in Tivoli Park, essentially Ljubljana’s Central Park, is a great place to stretch your legs. The park is about 1.5 km from Hotel Cubo. Along the way, you’ll pass by a number of the city’s museums, which depending on the weather may call you in for a visit:

  • National Museum of Slovenia: Slovenia’s oldest cultural museum with a collection dating from the Stone Age. Open daily from 10:00 - 18:00.

  • Museum of Modern Art: Featuring Slovenian artists’ work from the 20th and 21st centuries. Open daily from 10:00 - 18:00, closed Mondays.

  • National Gallery of Slovenia: Showcasing a collection that dates from the 13th to 20th centuries. Open daily from 10:00 - 18:00, closed Mondays.

Several publications also recommend itineraries for spending time in Ljubljana:

Additionally, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Ljubljana that you may wish to try during your stay. Your hotel is also an excellent resource for recommendations during your visit. It’s important to note that in Ljubljana, many stores are closed on Sundays, but most restaurants and museums are open. Enjoy!