Things to do in Slovenia
Welcome to Slovenia
Slovenia's forests, quaint towns, and cosmopolitan capital entice travelers to explore the Central European gem. Take advantage of a private or small-group tour to enjoy all you can across the country, from mountains and lakes to hot springs and a medieval castle. Book a walking tour to revel in Ljubljana's picturesque city streets, which reflect the country's dedication to keeping the capital green. Traffic in the city center has been restricted to favor walking and biking, perfect for touring. Follow your guide to discover art nouveau architecture, and check out museums and cultural institutions. Slovenians love to show off their sophisticated, locally sourced cuisine, which has been influenced by its Italian, Hungarian, and Austrian neighbors, and is often accompanied by delicious Slovenian wine. Then hop on a boat tour across glacial Lake Bled, stop at the tiny baroque chapel on the lake's central island, tour the medieval Predjama Castle, and spelunk to see the dramatic rock formations of Postojna Cave. Tour the Adriatic coast to relax and swim on the beach or explore picturesque Piran in search of the most stunning coastal vantage points from which to take photos. Tours also feature outdoor adventures such as hiking through verdant forests, rafting on the fast-moving Soča River, and climbing peaks in the Julian Alps.
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Top 15 attractions in Slovenia
#1
Lake Bled
Nestled into the foothills of the Julian Alps in northwest Slovenia, glacial Lake Bled is a place of spectacular natural beauty. Subterranean thermal springs keep the lake’s exquisite blue-green waters relatively warm during summer, making it a hot spot for water sports. Bled also makes a perfect base for exploring the Julian Alps.More
#2
Ljubljana Old Town
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
#3
Ljubljana Castle Funicular
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
#4
Soca Valley
The emerald Soca River winds through Slovenia’s Julian Alps and lures outdoor adventurers with its abundance of river sports and mountain activities. The Soca Valley, including the recreational hotspot towns of Bovec and Kobarid, was also one of the major fronts in World War I; evidence of the conflict can still be seen here.More
#5
Bled Castle (Blejski Grad)
Built into a rocky precipice in the Julian Alps foothills of northwest Slovenia, Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) sits high above the stunning blue-green Lake Bled. With moats, a drawbridge, ramparts, towers, and terraces with magnificent views of the lake, this 9th-century fortress is everything you would imagine a medieval fairy-tale castle to be.More
#6
Museum of Illusions
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
#7
Dragon Bridge
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
#8
Bled Island (Blejski Otok)
With its picture-perfect church and ornate steeple peeking out above the treeline and perched on Bled Lake, tiny Bled Island (Bled Island (Blejski Otok) looks like something out of a fairy tale. Local tradition has it that a groom must carry his bride up all 99 steps that lead from the island’s dock to the church to ensure a happy marriage.More
#9
Preseren Square (Presernov Trg)
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
#10
Tartini Square (Tartinijev Trg)
Piran’s Tartini Square (Tartinijev Trg) is one of the most impressive plazas in Slovenia, and that's not just because of its grand Venetian and neo-Renaissance surroundings. Originally outside city walls, the square first served as a fishing dock, and by the end of the 19th century, was completely overrun with sewage, prompting city officials to build the public square on top. Today, the pedestrian-only plaza sits between Piran's Town Hall and Court House, and serves as a scenic venue for concerts and events, as well as a popular meeting spot for city locals. Go for the people-watching or for excellent views of the surrounding hills, architecture, and Adriatic Sea.Within the square, you'll see a 19th-century monument of the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, for whom the square is named for, and two stone flag poles from the 15th century at either side of its entrance.More
#11
Lipica
Tucked almost on the border with Italy in Slovenia’s limestone karst landscape, Lipica is an ancient village best known for the stud farm that started breeding white Lipizzaner horses when the region was part of the Austrian Habsburg empire in the 16th century. The first brood mares and stallions were brought here from southern Spain in 1581 and although the stud has been relocated several times over the centuries – thanks to wars, earthquakes and changing national boundaries – the same Lipizzaner strain has been bred ever since.A visit to Lipica Stud Farm encompasses guided tours of the historic estate, family-friendly “meet the horses” sessions, carriage rides (weather-dependent), seeing the horses in morning training and dressage performances by the stallions in the manège, while the Lipikum Museum showcases the backstory of the stud. For non-equine fans, the farm has a year-round nine-hole golf course.Also to see in Lipica are mass graves dating from World War II, the Vilenica and UNESCO-listed Škocjan karst cave complexes and the ornate little Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Dolina Valley, which is now a popular Catholic pilgrimage point.More
#12
Triple Bridge (Tromostovje)
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
#13
Ljubljana Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO)
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
#14
Congress Square (Kongresni Trg)
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
#15
Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)
The Vintgar Gorge—created over centuries by the waters of the Radovna River—draws visitors with its emerald green pools, dramatic waterfalls, and picturesque swimming holes. Visit to traverse bridges and wooden boardwalks suspended over the water, and see the Sum waterfall, which cascades into an emerald pool at the head of the gorge.More
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Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+386
Language(s)
Slovenian