A Helpful Ljubljana Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

All about Ljubljana: The Ljubljana Travel Guide

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and although it is popular for being an important cultural hub it has managed to avoid becoming a tourist trap. Slovenia is part of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. The city has influences from Austria and Yugoslavia, and was part of Yugoslavia until Slovenia’s independence in 1991. The symbol of Ljubljana is a dragon, and you can find the dragon icon throughout the town. Ljubljana is famous for its bridges, rivers, green spaces, and squares. As my partner is from Slovenia, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Ljubljana during all the seasons, and on every visit it continues to amaze me!

Why should you visit Ljubljana?

If you’re looking for a creative like me, visiting new destinations is an opportunity to get inspired and make some art. Ljubljana is one of the few European cities where you can calmly peruse the streets and take in the culture without feeling like you’re stuck in a crowd of tourists. The city is halfway between Vienna and Venice so it is a great stop to make if you are travelling through Europe, moreover it has been described as the border between Germanic middle European and the Balkans. You can find classic architecture that resembles the cities of Vienna and Prague, but you’ll find yourself ordering cevapi.

Ljubljana is also relatively small and easy to manage by foot, bike, and bus. So, what are you waiting for? Here is everything you need to know about the best spots to visit and take photos in Ljubljana.

What to see in Ljubljana

When you visit Ljubljana, I highly recommend you don’t skip the iconic Ljubljana Castle, perched on the hill with panoramic views of the city, take a leisurely stroll along the enchanting Ljubljana River, and explore the vibrant street art and quaint cafes in the historic city centre. Additionally, make sure to visit Tivoli Park, a beautiful green oasis, and the bustling markets (Central Market), where you can savour delicious local organic food from local farms and shop for unique souvenirs. If you want to know my fav spots to take photos, check out The Most Beautiful Spots To Take Photos in Ljubljana.

What are the best vegan eats in Ljubljana?

After you’ve walked around abit, I recommend visiting Stata Sola for a meal for the best vegan eats in Ljubljana. It is a small restaurant/cafe near the markets that offers traditional Slovenian cuisine. They sell non-vegan options as well. They are popular for their Slovenian style soup called ricet and struklji, a crepe-dumpling style pastry that can be savoury or sweet. We decided to try both, and they were both absolutely delicious! 

When is the best time to visit Ljubljana?

What Ljubljana is like in Autumn/Winter:

In Autumn and Winter it can get quite cold, but festivities like the Ljubljana Christmas Markets are bound to draw you out of your warm hotel. The Christmas Market tends to run from November to the end of December.

What Ljubljana is like in Spring:

I recommend visiting the Ljubljana botanical gardens, Volčji Potok Arboretum to really see what Ljubljana is like in Spring. It is just a short trip (20 mins by car / 1hr by train) on the outskirts of the city and is gorgeous during Spring.

What Ljubljana is like in Summer:

In summer, I find myself dawdling down the small cobblestone streets to visit the market, and then taking a stroll down the river and enjoying the sights and smells from the riverside bars and restaurants.

How do you get to Ljubljana?

We visited Ljubljana by car. Parking in the city is not the easiest – but not impossible. You definitely want to explore the city by foot, so day parking is the best option. If you are travelling to Ljubljana by train, you will be happy to hear it is easily connected to all the nearby major cities.

What is the best hotel to stay in when visiting Ljubljana?

If I have to pick just one hotel for this Ljubljana travel guide, I’d recommend staying at Intercontinental Ljubljana when visiting the city. It is less than a 10 minutes walk to Ljubljana station, so it is easy to catch a train and you won’t need to worry about hauling your luggage around. It is also a 10 minute walk to Prešeren Square and The Triple Bridge, so you’re very close to all the sightseeing locations. You can book the hotel here through Booking.com! That is where I book all my hotels.