Ljubljana translates to ‘the loved one’. Let’s see if by the end of your visit you end up loving it as much as the locals do. But, before you go, here is a list of the top 10 things to look out for in this beautiful city.
01 PREŠEREN SQUARE
We start off this list with the central square of the city (10 minutes walk from the bus station). Prešeren Square is a meeting point for locals and tourists alike. It is in the pedestrian zone near Ljubljanica River and the Three Bridges.
At the eastern side of the square you can find a statue of the romantic Slovene poet France Prešeren (1800-1849) facing the window where his unrequited love, Julija Primic, used to live. What Shakespeare is to the English, Prešeren is for Slovenia. So much so that his political poetry A Toast became Slovenia’s anthem of independence.
02 LJUBLJANICA RIVER
Water is the essence of life. Alongside Ljubljana’s main river you can find all sorts of restaurants and cafes where you can just sit back and enjoy. A walk along the river is a great way to discover the magic of this city.
Want to take a boat cruise along the river? Go to the ‘Shoe Maker’ Bridge and take your pick from several companies offer this service for you. Cost is the same, so just look for the boat that offers the best time/look for you. Personally, we recommend you compare at least between these two options:
- Company: Rečni transport Ljubljana
- Price: 8€ for adults; 4€ for children (4 to 12 years); free for small children (up to 4 years)
- Duration: +/- 1 hour
- What’s attractive?: The Ljubljana Card entitles you to one free ride. Plus, it’s heated in winter.
- Website: https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/tours-and-trips/cruises-on-board-the-ljubljana-tourist-boat/
- Company: Jezernik, Anže Logar S.P.
- Price: 8€ for adults; free for children (up to 12 years)
- Duration: +/- 45 minutes
- What’s attractive?: Beautiful handmade wooden boat made in Bled. You’ll know it when you see it!
- Website: http://www.barka-ljubljanica.si/en/index.html
03 OLD TOWN
Ljubljana Old Town is nestled between Ljubljanica River and the Castle Hill. During the summer there are numerous city-sponsored events. At night, the town gets beautifully lit with a variety of night-time entertainment. Most of Ljubljana’s top-things-to-do are found right here.
This city has experienced a lot of changes in the last decade. These changes have been for the best as they have turned a typical European city into a green capital. Pedestrians, cyclists and a few kavalirs now rule the Old Town, which was once filled with busses and cars. The Kavalir, or gentlemen in English, will give a free ride inside the pedestrian zone of the Old Town to those who request it. To book a ride, just call +386 31 666 331 or +386 31 666 332.
04 THE BRIDGES!
There are several bridges all around the city, but you can’t miss these!
As the name suggests, this bridge is guarded by Slovenian dragons. You can’t really claim you’ve been to Ljubljana if you don’t take a picture with one of the mythical creatures from this Art Deco reinforced concrete masterpiece. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century where the old oak Butcher’s Bridge used to be.
One of the many legends surrounding this bridge includes the belief that if a virgin were to cross the bridge, the dragon statues will wag their tails. Apparently, virgins have the power to make 16 small and 4 big dragons very happy.
These bridges stand right in front of the main square. Connecting Prešeren Square with the old town it makes them three of the most frequently crossed bridges in the city with cafes and markets all around.
The middle bridge, known as the Old Bridge, has been mentioned as early as 1280 serving as an entrance to the fortified medieval town. Throughout its history, it has been renovated and renamed a few times. Its final makeover came in 1931 with the installment of the two pedestrian bridges on each side by the architect Jože Plečnik.
05 CENTRAL MARKET
Located between the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge you can find Ljubljana’s open-air Central Market. Every morning, except Sundays, local agricultural producers and other retailers fill the market area, designed by Jože Plečnik, with their goods to be bought by locals and tourists alike. The best time to make it to this market would be on Saturday mornings.
If you are there on a Friday you can’t miss out on The Open Kitchen. This event is on every Friday from mid-March to October. As the name suggests, this is an open kitchen kind of concept, where Slovenian chefs prepare delicious dishes right there in front of you!
Only there on Sunday and the market is closed? Then head on to the other side, between the Triple Bridge and the Cobbler’s Bridge, before 14:00 to enjoy the Antique and Flea Market.
The Central Market’s opening hours are as follows: Weekdays 6:00 to 18:00, Saturday 6:00 to 16:00 during summer; Monday to Saturday 6:00 to 16:00 during winter; Sundays and holidays closed. Entrance is free.
06 ST NICHOLAS’ CATHEDRAL
St. Nicholas is the patron and guardian of fishermen and boatmen. You may also know him as a jolly old man dressed in red with a great white beard going around the world giving gifts to children. On the inner walls of this cathedral, you can find illustrations of four of this saint’s miracles.
This location’s mention as a religious site dates back to 1262. It has been burned, rebuilt and altered several times throughout the years. The most striking modification in the 20th century being the entrance door, commissioned to mark the 1250th anniversary of Christianity in the country. It is not only a beautiful work of art, but it also illustrates Slovenia’s history in one image.
St. Nicholas’ Cathedral’s opening hours are from 10:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. Entrance is free.
07 LJUBLJANA CASTLE
Standing above downtown looms Ljubljana Castle. All paths up Castle Hill (Grajska planota) lead to the biggest castle in the city. No need to pay either as you are allowed to enter the courtyard and parts of the castle without a ticket. As you enter, keep to the right and you’ll see a slightly hidden circular staircase that you can take up and/or down towards the free of charge areas of the castle.
Of course, if you had to choose one guided tour to spend your hard earned money on, I would pick the Time Machine Guided Tour (from 10€ for adults; 7€ reduced) and let the costumed guides take you on a journey through history.
08 TIVOLI PARK
If cities had lungs, this would be Ljubljana’s. It is located on the northern outskirts of the Centre District, a short 10-minute walk from the Prešeren Square. This isn’t just a green area for it has playgrounds, exhibitions, mansions, a zoo and more.
09 STAY IN A PRISON
Once a military prison, Hostel Celica now hosts young travelers instead of political prisoners. 20 former prison cells altered into unique artistic rooms with their own story and concept. This place offers the rare experience to stay behind bars in some of the most beautiful cells in the world. Really, take a look here to get a glimpse of what we are talking about.
10 METELKOVA MESTO
Take a step into the creative side of Ljubljana at this self-declared ‘Autonomous Culture Zone’. Metelkova Mesto is located in the former military barracks of the Slovenian headquarters of the Yugoslav National Army.
Its conception dates back to 1993 when volunteers united to stop the abandoned ex-army complex from being demolished. The group, known as the Metelkova Network, was composed of mainly underground artists and intellectuals who were successful in stopping the destruction of the place. Now free creativity reigns with constant activities like art exhibitions, concerts and more.
Great country, right? Well, because we know you want to know more about this beautiful green country I’ll leave this video with some fun facts about Slovenia by Nika Troha.
Vienna. Who hasn’t heard of the glamour of this city? Of its fairy-tale balls, operas and chocolate cakes? This city has a lot of history and splendor waiting to be explored.
Day trip to Bratislava…
.:Budget Escapes:. 