Ljubljana, Slovenia

Visiting Ljubljana

First, it’s pronounced lyoo-blyah-nuh. Now that we got that out of the way, why should you visit?

Well, for starters, it’s got a great river that runs right through the middle of the city centre. The streets in the old town are free from cars and it takes no time to walk through the cobbled streets at hit up most of the shops and restaurants in a day.

The city was named European Green Capital in 2016 and evidence of its sustainability is clear through the historic city centre. It is frequently awarded for one of the top European cities to visit and recognized for its “smart tourism”. Clearly, it’s a welcoming destination for tourists, it provides easy transportation by bus or train, and most of the population speaks English, making it even more attractive to foreign visitors.

River Activities in Ljubljana

The river running through the centre of the city provides an attractive backdrop for a quick lunch or relaxing stroll, but it also holds many options for fun. Tour boats are frequent, providing a unique view of the city from the water, but there are also options for stand-up paddle board tours and dinner cruises.

Free tours

Like many major European cities, you can find free walking tours to learn a little bit as you see the town. Ljubljana Free Tour was a popular option for tourists with tours running every day of the year. As usual, a small tip to the guide at the end is appreciated. Many paid tours are also offered to learn of unique topics like the history of communism in Slovenia and tours of the castle (more on that later…).

The triple Bridge

One of the more famous bridges in Ljubljana, the Triple Bridge is made up of (you guessed it) three separate bridges all leading into the old town. Originally just a single bridge that was in danger of being demolished for a newer, larger bridge, Slovene architect Joze Plecnik came up with a design to preserve the old bridge, while still allowing for more traffic to pass through. All three bridges are right next to each other, but like an arrowhead, are angled to a point encouraging and directing visitors into the old town. Today, the bridges only support foot traffic and are popular spots for street artists and performers.

Around Town in Ljubljana

You can’t go far in the summer without passing by restaurants and cafes offering outdoor seating on the side of the (pedestrian) road. The outdoor Central Market is a popular stop for locals as they pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and homemade goods.

You will no doubt also see an electric green Urban train riding through the streets. For a small fee, this train provides an audio tour and transportation around the town (including up to the castle).

Other well known attractions in Ljubljana

Aside from the Triple Bridge, Butcher’s Bridge is a popular stop for couples, where they can profess their love with a lock while dropping the keys into the river below. Even through the bridge’s name doesn’t do much to add to the romanticism, thousands of locks line the railings on either side.

The covered market (also designed by Joze Plecnik) has many vendors offering everything from lunch to desserts to butchers to pick up a slab of meat for dinner.

Dragon Bridge is a car bridge, one of the first concrete bridges in all of Europe that is protected on all four corners by dragon sculptures covered in copper.

Getting around Ljubljana

Walking is by far the easiest way to see the main sights in Ljubljana. Almost as popular are bicycles (and more recently electric scooters) which can be rented from various spots.

Bus transportation is simple with the purchase of an Urbana card from a machine located at many of the main bus stops in the city. Simply load the card at the machine with money and tap it as you enter the bus.

Ljubljana Castle

Located at the top of a hill overlooking the city, Ljubljana Castle is an imposing structure. Visitors have three ways to reach the top. As previously mentioned the electric Urban train travels there along its route. Aside from that, a funicular (think cable car by on tracks) takes people up and down for a fee.

But the more scenic route, is to walk one of the several trails to the top. It does provide a good workout, but the views along the route of the city from above are well worth it.

The cost to enter the castle is 10 euros, but there are several things to see that do not require admission to the full experience. Walk around the central square, stop in to see some old prison cells, or even visit the cathedral without paying a cent.

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is a massive green space located about a 10 minute walk from the old town. There are plenty of shaded areas to sit and enjoy a picnic or lunch. Pathways travel throughout the park and provide many opportunities for a run, walk or bike ride. Be prepared, the park is located on a hill!.

National Museum of contemporary history

Away from the bustling city centre, this museum is located in Tivoli Park, hidden from view and therefore a quiet break from the crowds. Interesting exhibits and photographs document Slovenia’s history after the first World War, how it has evolved from its original part of Yugoslavia to an independent country in 1991.

should you visit?

The answer is easy… YES! Although tourism is certainly growing in numbers, Ljubljana is an attractive destination that has ample opportunities for recreation, entertainment and relaxation.

Not only that, but there is easy access out of the city on regional busses and train lines that allow visitors the chance to get out and see more of Slovenia’s natural beauty of rivers, lakes, beaches, mountains and forest. Approximately 60% of the country is forested, so if you like to get out in nature and explore, this is the place to be.