City of dragons!
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Ljubljana is the stunning capital of Slovenia, boasting everything from historical castles to modern restaurants and riverside bars. The typical metropolitan features in this city are contrasted with the quaint buildings in the old town, and the traditional castle overhead.
If you’re looking for a quick city break in somewhere completely unique and welcoming, or a base to explore Slovenia’s incredible landscapes, Ljubljana is definitely your next destination to consider. Keep reading to discover the highlights of the city and be inspired to visit Slovenia, a country which is often overlooked, despite having so much to offer!
Ljubljana is a very small city, especially considering it’s the capital, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see. If you’re short on time, Ljubljana is perfect, as all of the main attractions are very close to one another. Head up the funicular, or take the short hike up to Ljubljana castle, where you can explore museums, exhibitions, beautiful interiors and even head up to a viewing tower. Don’t miss the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, right in the middle of the city, surrounded by market stalls, independent shops and unique cafes.
You can easily spend your day in Ljubljana wandering through the cobbled streets of the old town, heading in and out of the cosiest cafes and bars. Start in Prešeren Square, the main square of the city, then explore from there. And of course, you have to visit the famous Dragon Bridge, the symbol of the city. But if you want to venture a little further, you can head to Tivoli park. This amazing green space is on the edge of the city centre, and gives you a taste of local life, as well as a moment of serenity away from the bustling centre.
Whether you fancy a great coffee, a cocktail, or a craft beer, you’ll be spoilt for choice for spots to head for a drink in Ljubljana. But don’t settle for anywhere - one amazing option is the skyscraper. Don’t be fooled, it’s not really a skyscraper as we would consider it now, but when it was built in 1933, it was the tallest building in all of Yugoslavia. It has 360-degree views of the city from their observation deck on the top floor, and a wonderful café-bar inside. The second floor from the top, which is normally a lounge, even converts into a nightclub when it gets late!
If heights aren’t your thing, not to worry, the riverside is another perfect spot to relax and enjoy a drink or even a meal. Like the majority of European cities, in Slovenia there is lots of outside seating for every bar, even in winter, so you can enjoy the view of the river and the rest of the city in the fresh air. Don’t worry, if it’s cold, bars and restaurants will have heated lamps or even small fires for each table. A bar we absolutely loved, right by the river and the famous dragon bridge is Caffe Petkovsek.
Ljubljana has plenty to do for a short break, but if you want to extend your stay in Slovenia, there is so much more to this beautiful country, so don’t be afraid to venture out of the capital city. For example, you could take a trip to Lake Bled, only a 40 minute drive away, and see the incredible mountains and picturesque landscape that this area offers. It’s also really easy to reach by public transport!
In summary, don’t dismiss Slovenia as a brilliant country to visit for your next break. It’s got historical and modern elements, cities and countryside, and what better place to start exploring than the capital city?
Additional information:
How do I get to Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is easily accessible by air, as they have their own airport, only a 25 minute drive away. Ljubljana airport has direct flights from major cities around the UK.
You can also take a public bus from the airport to Ljubljana. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 2 hours. You can also travel to Ljubljana by train or coach from cities in Slovenia and surrounding countries.
Where should I stay in Ljubljana?
We stayed in this place and had a really good experience. The room was modern, beautifully designed and had a bathroom and a small kitchen. The outside isn't exactly stunning, but when you get indoors it's gorgeous, and it's a central location.
If you don't fancy this one, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Ljubljana. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below:
Do I need a visa to visit Ljubljana?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Slovenia for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule. New rules for travel into Europe are coming into effect soon - check out our simple guide to make sure you know exactly what you need to do before you travel.
What's the currency in Ljubljana?
The currency of Slovenia is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency when you can. We had no issues paying by card in Ljubljana, apart from at market stalls.
What languages are spoken in Ljubljana?
The official language of Slovenia is Slovenian, but English is widely spoken in tourist hotspots such as Ljubljana and Bled. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Ljubljana?
Ljubljana gets nice and warm in Summer, but pretty cold in the winter, so you'll need to wrap up warm.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Ljubljana:
Spring: 17°C / 10°C
Summer: 27°C / 15°C
Autumn: 16°C / 7°C
Winter: 4°C / -2°C
Here's the current weather in Ljubljana:
What's the time zone in Ljubljana?
Slovenia is in the Central European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as most of mainland Europe, but an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Bled?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Ljubljana on GetYourGuide
Ready to go?
- Search for somewhere to stay in Slovenia on booking.com
- Look for things to do in Slovenia on GetYourGuide here
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