The Best Things to Do in Ljubljana Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe.

And it’s charming as hell!

I love the fact that it’s compact and very walkable.

Plus there is a wonderful cafe scene with really tasty food!

So let’s get started with some of the best things to do in Ljubljana.

 

Where is Slovenia and where exactly is Ljubljana?

Slovenia was once a part of Yugoslavia.

It’s nestled in between Italy to the west, Austria to the north and Croatia to the south and to the east.

Ljubljana is pretty much in the center of the country.

The city has a population of about 280,000.

There are lots of green spaces and a large student population.

So Ljubljana has a hip, young vibe to it — with lots of energy which I really like.

 

So what are the best things to do in Ljubljana as a traveler?

While there aren’t a lot of major sites, there are still a lot of things to do in Ljubljana.

And the city is small enough that you can easily navigate it by foot or bike.

In fact, the old town is pedestrian only which is awesome.

I stayed 5 nights and it was a good length stay for me to enjoy the city.

You could certainly stay 2 or 3 nights and still get a good feel for Ljubljana.

Or you could stay longer to really immerse yourself in the day-to-day culture.

Here are some of my choices for the best things to do in Ljubljana.

 

Take a walking tour

I always say that a walking tour is a wonderful introduction to any city you visit.

And Ljubljana is no different.

My regret is, due to some unforeseen circumstances (a photographic repair issue), I wasn’t able to take a walking tour until my final day.

And it rained during a lot of my tour.  ☔️ Boo!

I highly recommend the Ljubljana Free Tour and going on this tour the first day you arrive — if possible.

It will give you an overview of the city, its history, its people and where to go and what to do.

The guides are fab!

 

Walk up to and tour the castle

A visit to Ljubljana Castle is one of the best things to do in Ljubljana.

It’s a bit of climb if you decide to walk up to it, but it’s not a long walk.

And beside, you’ll probably want to burn off all the good food you’re eating 😉

You can take guided tours of the castle or you can wander about on your own.

Or you can kind of split the difference, as I did, and get the audioguide.

This is a wonderful way to explore the castle on you own terms and in your own time yet still hear the stories and get the information about what you’re looking at.

The views from the castle are also fantastic to the city below and mountains beyond.

And the castle tends to have lots of events such as music, film, dance, theater and lectures.

It would be an incredible experience to hear some music or see a theatrical production in this historical setting.

 

Sit by the river with a drink in hand

One of the things I didn’t get the chance to do, and regret it, is sit along the water with a glass of wine or a cup of tea.

I had some rainy weather during my days in Ljubljana unfortunately.

But everyone says this is a wonderful way to pass the time and take in Ljubljana’s cool, hip vibe.

Next time!

 

Eat at Gujzina

I had a delicious meal at Gujzina, which is a traditional Slovenian restaurant.

Located in the old town, just across the pedestrian way from town hall, Gujzina has a large menu.

You’ll find traditional stew and goulash like meals — meals you eat with a spoon that are hearty and filling.

Their dishes with anything pumpkin — seeds, oil, pumpkin flesh — are delish!

They have a really stellar wine list as well with wines from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Austria and Hungary.

Eating a meal at Gujzina is definitely one of the best things to do in Ljubljana.

I would eat here again!

 

Shop the outdoor market

To me shopping for food at an outdoor market where the locals shop is one of the best experiences to have as a traveler.

Yes, there might be other travelers shopping at the market.

But there are so many locals, going about their daily lives.

You can see it as they greet the different vendors — they know each other.

Well, Ljubljana has an excellent outdoor market known as the Central Market.

It’s located in the old town, along the water and just past the Ljubljana Cathedral.

Saturday is the best day to visit, especially morning into early afternoon.

There is so much fresh food to choose from — fruits, veggies, breads, meat, cheese, honey, jams.

You’ll even find some stalls with prepared food that you can eat right there.

Even if you don’t buy anything, wandering around the market is still one of the best things to do in Ljubljana.

Although I can’t imagine not buying at least one or 2 things as it’s way too tempting not to!

And your taste buds will thank you as will your stomach.

 

Visit Ljubljana Cathedral (Church of St Nicholas)

Regretfully, I didn’t make it into this church as it has limited hours and I kept missing them.

However, everyone says it’s gorgeous.

And judging from the photos I’d agree.

The church dates back to about 1262 but has been burned a couple of times over the centuries — by accident and on purpose I think.

It’s now a Baroque style church and has some incredible art work in it.

I’m disappointed I didn’t make this a priority to see.

Next time!

 

Have some tea or a meal at Čajna hiša

This tea shop, with some scrumptious looking baked goods, is right near the Airbnb I stayed.

I actually had my first meal in Ljubljana here and it was quite good.

But their tea selection is amazeballs!

And the treats look quite tasty too.

Čajna hiša is located in the old town and just across from the Cobbler’s Bridge, so it’s hard to miss.

If you love tea, or want a simple lunch or dinner, then you need to stop by.

 

Visit Town Hall

You can’t miss Town Hall.

First of all it has this amazing fountain in front of it built by Francesco Robba and known as the Robba Fountain.

Secondly, Mestni Trg, the square in front of Town Hall, is an excellent place to sit and people watch.

Just sitting outside this beautiful building is worthy of some time.

I ventured inside and found a cool art exhibit.

They do guided tours on Saturdays and from what I see on the website, you get to explore areas that aren’t open to the public.

Be sure to stop by Town Hall — and actually go inside!

 

Spend some time in Prešernov Trg and the Franciscan Church and on Tromostovje

One of the best things to do in Ljubljana is a bit of three-fer.

Actually it’s sort of a 4-in-one.

First of all there’s Tromostovje or the famous Triple Bridge.

It’s really lovely.

You’ll definitely find yourself walking across this bridge at some point — or should I say one of the 3 bridges as I don’t think you can be in 3 places at once.

Anyway…

From the old town Triple Bridge leads into Prešernov Trg or Prešeren Square.

In this awesome town square — a bustling and gathering place — is the Prešeren Monument.

Prešeren, France Prešeren, was a Slovenian poet.

And he is definitely a rock star!

This is one of the rare city squares in Europe that has a statue of a poet versus a political or military hero.

And I think this is telling of who the Slovenians are.

Lastly, the “pink church” that sits right by Prešeren Square is the Franciscan Church and is worthy of a visit.

I did pop my head in this church and spent some time photographing it.

It’s a stunner!

Many say the cathedral is more beautiful, but I was duly impressed by the pink church.

So there’s your 4-fer!

 

Buy milk from a milk machine and drink it

I’m sure you are like, “What the hell are you talking about, Lynne? A milk machine?”

Right by the square where you find the Central Market is this milk machine.

I’m not kidding.

You can buy a bottle for 30 cents and fill a liter up for €1.

And it is the freshest, tastiest milk I think I’ve ever had.

Seriously.

I don’t know how they do this, but I love the milk machine!

It’s the best thing to do in Ljubljana according to Lynne.

Because sometimes it’s about the simple things in life…

 

Wander the streets

I didn’t name my business Wander Your Way for nothing.

It’s truly my travel philosophy.

Wander about and get lost.

Whether you’re in a big city, small town or out in nature somewhere.

Ljubljana is an ideal city to wander about.

It’s compact and has some nice pedestrian ways.

But you can venture further afield from the old town and see authentic Slovenian life.

Because I had to go to a photo repair shop and I had to wash clothes, I found myself outside the typical tourist area.

And it was brilliant.

I passed by locals going to work or school.

I also meandered around the old town, making my way down narrow streets, taking in street art and seeing cool buildings.

Wandering the streets is always a great way to get a feel for a place.

And Ljubljana is an exceptional city for this because it’s so compact.

Also, if you don’t know what to do in Ljubljana, I’m going to guess that if you wander about a bit, you’ll find something interesting to explore.

 

Final thoughts on Ljubljana

Admittedly, I’m more of a small town and nature gal.

So I don’t get into spending a lot of time in cities.

But I like Ljubljana for its small-ness, ease of getting around and the Central Market — and that damn milk machine that I fell in love with.

The people are wonderful too.

Ljubljana is one of those cities that would be easy to see in a couple of days.

However if you stay a 4 or 5 days, or even a week, I think you’d see what it might be like to live there.

No there aren’t a lot of sites.

But I don’t think you’d get bored!