Nicknamed the “City of Dragons,” Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in Europe and is sure to captivate you from the very first moment. During our trip to Slovenia, we were enchanted by its unique atmosphere, where medieval and historic architecture blends seamlessly with the modern and boho vibe of certain neighborhoods. If you’re wondering what to do in Ljubljana, we’ve put together a list of 8 must-try activities that will appeal to all types of travelers!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Take a cruise on the Ljubljanica river
Crisscrossed by the Ljubljanica River, Slovenia’s capital is a city that is easily explored on foot or by bike. However, taking a cruise on the river is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the city from a different perspective.
Aboard an electric boat, you’ll glide beneath Ljubljana’s famous bridges, such as the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge, while admiring the peaceful riverbanks and colorful façades. Lasting approximately 45 minutes and available both during the day and at night, this activity is a perfect way to learn more about the city while gently floating along the water.
Practical Tip: Most cruises depart from the Butchers’ Bridge docks and leave every 15-20 minutes, with tickets costing around €15 ($25) per adult.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Visit Ljubljana Castle
Perched atop a hill and overlooking the city, Ljubljana Castle is undoubtedly a must-visit during your time in the Slovenian capital. To reach it, you can either hike up a scenic trail leading to the top of Castle Hill or take the funicular for a more effortless ascent. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to explore the castle walls, climb the observation towers, and visit the interactive exhibition on Slovenia’s history.
From the elevated fortifications, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its iconic red rooftops. Your entrance ticket also includes access to St. George’s Chapel, one of the oldest parts of the castle, dating back to 1489, as well as the Puppet Museum and the castle’s surrounding gardens.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Discover the city’s architecture
During your river cruise, you’ll likely hear about a key figure in Ljubljana’s history: Jože Plečnik. This 20th-century architect left a lasting mark on the city, with one of his most notable works being the expansion and design of the Triple Bridge. This unique structure connects the historic medieval town to Prešeren Square, the city’s central hub.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
From the square, you can admire the iconic pink Church of the Annunciation, a striking landmark in Ljubljana. At the foot of the castle, another must-see is the Dragon Bridge, one of the city’s most famous bridges. Built in the early 1900s, it is adorned with four majestic dragon statues. According to legend, this very spot is where Jason and the Argonauts defeated a dragon, giving the city its mythical nickname, the “City of Dragons.”
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Find the best view of the city
After wandering through Ljubljana’s cobblestone streets and admiring its architectural gems, we highly recommend heading to the top of the city’s very first skyscraper, the Nebotičnik, for the most breathtaking view of the capital.
From the rooftop terrace of this Art Deco building, which dates back to the 1930s, you can sip on a cocktail or a coffee while soaking in the 360° panoramic view of the city’s rooftops and the castle perched above.
For photographers, this spot is an absolute dream, especially during golden hour, when the city is bathed in warm, glowing light.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Explore the Central Market
A must-visit spot to experience the best of Slovenian gastronomy, Ljubljana’s Central Market is truly the heart of the city. Whether you explore the indoor market building along the river, often referred to as Plečnik’s Market, or stroll through the outdoor section on Vodnik Square, you’ll find everything you need to stock up on local goodness: fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and Slovenian honey.
We also recommend stopping for a delicious gelato, which you can enjoy with a lovely view of the main square and the river, the perfect little break during your foodie adventure.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Don’t miss one of Ljubljana’s more unique features: the fresh milk vending machine! Sourced from local farms, this quirky yet practical spot lets you fill a reusable one-liter bottle with fresh milk for around €1.30. It’s a charming and eco-friendly way to taste a bit of Slovenian countryside right in the heart of the city.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Go on a dragon hunt
As the true symbol of the city, dragons can be found all over Ljubljana, from the city’s coat of arms and souvenirs to building façades and, of course, the famous Dragon Bridge.
While wandering through the streets, we challenge you to spot as many dragons as you can, they’re hidden in sculptures, fountains, shop signs, and even on the city’s manhole covers! If you’re visiting during the Carnival season (Mardi Gras), you might even catch the colorful and festive Ljubljana Dragon Carnival, where the legendary creature takes center stage.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Stroll around Tivoli Park
The largest green space in the city, Tivoli Park is just a short walk from the center of Ljubljana. Spanning over 5 km², it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or some quiet reading time in the shade.
As you wander through the park’s beautifully landscaped gardens, you’ll come across statues, fountains, and even the Ljubljana Zoo. For a bit of elevation, hike up Rožnik Hill for a clear view of the city. While you’re there, don’t miss a stop at the charming Švicarija Café, just steps from Tivoli Castle.
Day Trip to Lake Bled
If you’re spending a few days in Ljubljana, we highly recommend taking an unforgettable day trip to the famous Lake Bled.
Located less than an hour from the capital, Bled is straight out of a postcard, with its turquoise lake, charming little island, and the fairy-tale castle perched high above the water, every corner offers a picture-perfect view.
Bled is easy to reach by car, train, or bus from Ljubljana, or you can join an organized tour for a hassle-free experience.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Once there, you can enjoy a scenic walk around the lake along its well-maintained trails, rent a pletna—a traditional wooden boat—to visit the island church, swim in the lake’s thermal spring-heated waters, or go hiking up to the Ojstrica viewpoint for an absolutely breathtaking panorama of the lake and its surroundings.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
No matter how you choose to spend your day in Bled, you simply can’t leave without tasting the town’s iconic dessert—the Bled cream cake (Blejska kremšnita). This delicious local specialty can be found at many lakeside cafés, at Bled Castle, or at Kavarna Park, the very place where the original recipe was created. It’s the perfect sweet ending to your magical day by the lake!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Ljubljana definitely has that special something that makes you feel at home the moment you arrive. With much less hustle and bustle than other European capitals, a friendly atmosphere, rich history, and stunning architecture, it’s the perfect destination to explore at your own pace.
Whether you’re here to wander aimlessly, dive into local culture, or simply soak in the vibe, there’s always something to enjoy in this charming City of Dragons.
FAQ – Ljubljana: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
How much time do you need to visit Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is a compact city and can easily be explored in 1 to 2 days if you’re just looking to see the main sights.
However, if you’d like to take your time, visit a few museums, and venture out to nearby spots like Lake Bled, then a 3-day stay is ideal for a more complete experience.
What is the best time to visit Ljubljana?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. In the summer, you’ll find more events and activities, but the temperatures will be warmer. Winter is the perfect season to visit the city if you love Christmas markets and a magical atmosphere.
Is Ljubljana an expensive city?
No, compared to other European capitals, Ljubljana remains very affordable: accommodation, restaurants, and activities are accessible, especially in the low season.
Can you visit Ljubljana without a car?
Absolutely! The city center is pedestrian-only, so if you come by car, you’ll need to park just outside. For day trips outside the city, there are buses, trains, or organized tours departing from Ljubljana.
Where to stay in Ljubljana?
Ljubljana offers accommodations for all types of travelers. If you’re looking for a good value-for-money option, the Urban Boutique Hotel offers stylish rooms in the heart of the city, with breakfast included. For a luxury experience, the InterContinental Ljubljana welcomes you with a spa, pool, and city views. And for a romantic stay, the Art Deco-style boutique hotel, Hotel Cubo, boasts a prime location in the city center and even offers free bike rentals.
Is Ljubljana a safe city?
During our stay in Ljubljana, we felt very safe. The people are warm and welcoming. Of course, like any capital, you should stay alert at night, but the atmosphere in the city is very calm.
Have a wonderful trip!
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