Ljubljana
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A panorama picture of Ljubljana overlooked by the Ljubljana Castle at sunset

Things to do in  Ljubljana

The humble heart of Slovenia

Look hard enough between Slovenia’s various parks and green spaces, and you’ll find Ljubljana, the country’s capital. The abundant nature of the city, together with its serene riverfront lined with trees and cafés, gives Ljubljana a more relaxed atmosphere than most European capitals. But there are also plenty of things to do in Ljubljana for visitors looking to engage in the local culture and history, especially around its compact Old Town and up above at Ljubljana Castle.

Top 15 attractions in Ljubljana

Ljubljana Old Town

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Between Ljubljana’s medieval hilltop castle and the Ljubljanica River lie the narrow cobblestone streets and charming pastel-colored buildings of Old Town. The neighborhood’s impressive architecture, picturesque bridges, riverfront walkways, and heaps of cafés and bars with terrace seating help make Ljubljana a true jewel of Central Europe.More

Ljubljana Castle Funicular

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Since 2006, the Ljubljana Castle Funicular has been transporting passengers between the city center in Slovenia’s capital and Ljubljana Castle, perched on top of Castle Hill. Featuring a modern design, the glass-enclosed cable railway also offers spectacular views over Ljubljana, as well as the ruins of a medieval defensive wall.More

Museum of Illusions

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Challenge your mind and test the limits of your perception at Ljubljana’s immersive Museum of Illusions. The museum—which features a series of interactive exhibits, mind-bending optical illusions, stereograms, and holograms—provides an entertaining and educational experience for all ages.More

Dragon Bridge

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Spanning the Ljubljanica River in the heart of Old Town Ljubljana, the Dragon Bridge is one of the most popular landmarks in the city. Four menacing bronze dragons guard the bridge, two at each end, with 16 smaller dragons adorning its span. These mythical beasts are symbolic of the city’s founding and have become the emblem of Ljubljana.More

Preseren Square (Presernov Trg)

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Located at the foot of the iconic Triple Bridge over Ljubljanica River—and dedicated to beloved national poet France Prešeren—Prešeren Square is one of Ljubljana’s most famous public spaces. Perched by the riverside, the square is connected to many of the city’s main thoroughfares, making it the perfect spot from which to explore the city.More

Triple Bridge (Tromostovje)

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One of Ljubljana’s most recognizable landmarks, the Triple Bridge over Ljubljanica River connects the city’s historic center with the popular meeting point, Prešeren Plaza. The bridge’s three interconnected pedestrian-only pathways are the inspired masterwork of Slovene architect Jože Ple?nik and stand among his many humanist architectural gems in the city.More

Ljubljana Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO)

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Housed in a restored 16th-century Renaissance castle, the Ljubljana Museum of Architecture and Design is one of the city’s most intriguing museums. The museum’s vast collection of design plans and model structures of Slovenia’s most celebrated buildings draw visitors interested in architecture and design. An exhibition of works by celebrated Slovenian architect Jože Ple?nik is the museum highlight.More

Congress Square (Kongresni Trg)

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Congress Square (Kongresni trg) is a historically significant Baroque piazza uniting some of the city's most beautiful landmarks and attractions. The peaceful square and the tree-filled Star Park at its center is a popular place to relax like a local, while admiring the iconic Ljubljana Castle at a nearby hilltop.More

Ljubljana Cathedral (Church of St. Nicholas)

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With its enormous green dome and twin clock towers, the St. Nicholas’ Cathedral (Stolnica Sv. Nikolaja) towers over Ljubljana Old Town and is one of the city’s must-see attractions. The cathedral’s lavish interior is its biggest draw; nearly every inch of the inside is covered in art from the baroque-style frescos and portraits to the magnificent carved altar and bronze doors.More

Ljubljanica River

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The Ljubljanica River flows right through the center of Old Town Ljubljana and was once an important trade and supply route. Today, the river embankments are the heart of Ljubljana’s social scene. Lively outdoor cafes and restaurants, street markets, and picturesque buildings line the canals and tourist boats cruise up and down the river.More

Tivoli Park and Mansion

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With pretty landscaped gardens, shaded woodlands, and peaceful walkways, Tivoli Park is Ljubljana's most popular green space. The 2-square-mile (5-square-kilometer) expanse features walking and cycling trails, mini golf courses, and playgrounds as well as important cultural institutions such as Tivoli Mansion and the Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia.More

National and University Library of Slovenia (Arodna in Univerzitetna Knjiznica)

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Established in 1774, the National and University Library of Slovenia is one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. The Jože Plečnik-designed building holds some 1.3 million books, 8,700 rare manuscripts, and major collections of Slovenian artifacts and maps, available to view in ornate exhibition rooms.More

Butchers' Bridge (Mesarski Most)

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Connecting the Petkovšek Embankment to the Central Market, Butchers' Bridge (Mesarski Most) features a slick modern design, with slender glass walkways, steel railings, and avant garde bronze statues by Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar. Since its construction in 2010, couples from all over the world attach padlocks on the footbridge to symbolize their eternal love.More

Ljubljana Town Hall (Magistrat)

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Located in Ljubljana’s cobbled Town Square (or Mestni Trg, the baroque-style Town Hall (or Magistrat was renovated with Venetian inspiration in 1719 by famed Slovenian architect Gregor Maček and houses the city’s mayor and administration. Ljubljana’s Town Hall is a popular landmark for visitors and many walking tours of Ljubljana Old Town set out from here.More

Cobblers' Bridge (Cevljarski Most)

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Crossing over the Ljubljanica River, the 13th-century Shoemaker’s Bridge connects two major areas of Ljubljana’s historic Baroque center. Redesigned by beloved Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik in 1931, the stone bridge is a popular gathering point for street artists and stallholders when the weather is warm.More

Top activities in Ljubljana

Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket

Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket

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$13.07
Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show
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Lakes Bled & Bohinj and Vintgar Gorge Small-Group Day Trip from Ljubljana
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Pub Crawl Ljubljana

Pub Crawl Ljubljana

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Slovenian classic

Slovenian classic

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$118.73
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All about Ljubljana

When to visit

Even with the surge of tourists that it brings, summer is the best time to visit Ljubljana—and it’s not just the warm weather that makes the season so appealing. June through August sees Ljubljana at its greenest and brings a buzz of festivals and events, such as the Ljubljana Summer Festival in July and August and the Open Kitchen street food market every Friday.

Getting around

The center of Ljubljana, particularly the city’s Old Town, is small enough that most visitors will find walking a comfortable way to get around. When traveling greater distances or to other parts of the city, use Ljubljana’s bus network to access most areas. And while it is possible to walk up to Ljubljana Castle, the funicular to the top of the hill offers a quicker and less tiring way of getting there.

Traveler tips

Getting a view of the city is easy enough from Ljubljana Castle—but for a view of the city with the castle in it (and one that you can enjoy with a drink in hand), head to the rooftop bar at Nebotičnik (Skyscraper) building. As for somewhere to try traditional Slovenian foods like Carniolan sausage and barley stew, try the affordable hole-in-the-wall Klobasarna in the city’s Old Town.

Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+386
Language(s)
Slovenian

People Also Ask

Is Ljubljana worth visiting?

Yes, Ljubljana is certainly a destination worth visiting, whether you enjoy viewing pretty city scenery, strolling through parks and green spaces, learning about new cultures at castles and museums, or trying local food and beverages. Ljubljana packs a lot into a small city, making it a great introduction to what Slovenia is like.

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What is Ljubljana famous for?

Ljubljana is best known for being Slovenia’s capital, the country’s largest city, and a hub for culture, education, and politics. To tourists, the city is famous for its scenic riverfront crossed by many bridges and its castle, perched atop a forest-covered hill directly above the city center.

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How many days is enough for Ljubljana?

Two days in Ljubljana is enough time for organized travelers to get a feel for the city and see its main sights. However, planning extra time in Ljubljana won’t go amiss, as it will allow you to either explore more of the city or use Ljubljana as a base to visit other parts of Slovenia.

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Can you drink the water in Ljubljana?

Yes, Ljubljana has clean and potable drinking water, meaning travelers don’t need to resort to bottled water during their visit. Public drinking fountains in Ljubljana operate from April to October. Slovenia is known to have some of the highest-quality drinking water in Europe.

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Is Ljubljana safe for tourists?

Yes, Ljubljana is widely regarded as a safe destination for travelers, with Slovenia as a whole often ranking among the safest countries in the world. Crime rates in Ljubljana are low, particularly for violent crimes, with pickpocketing the most common type of criminal activity.

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Is Ljubljana a good night out?

Yes, Ljubljana is the best place in Slovenia for a night out. The city has a diverse nightlife, and visitors will find relaxed bars to hang out in, venues to listen to live music, and clubs to party in.

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Ljubljana information

Number of Attractions

21

Number of Tours

416

Number of Reviews

4,942

Currency

EUR
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