13 reasons to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia
When I announced I was visiting Ljubljana on one of my exceedingly rare child-free weekends away, the most common reactions was: where? Not a surprise perhaps but with so many reasons to visit Ljubljana, it should really be on everyone’s wishlist.
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I’m not sure how this gorgeous city, Slovenia’s capital no less, has managed to stay quite this far under the radar. Part of me feels like keeping it a secret so it doesn’t end up swamped with tourists.
But I’m a nice person. Besides, Ljubljana deserves to be much much better known – these are my 13 reasons to visit Ljubljana, to start you off.
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1. Ljubljana is incredibly pretty
It’s rare you have to be grateful for an earthquake, but the tremors of 1895 which flattened whole sections of the city meant that a lot of rebuilding was done in the then popular Art Nouveau style. Even better, the old town escaped pretty much unscathed.
That means twisty cobbled streets dating back to medieval times, gorgeous pastel coloured buildings and elegantly grand architecture, all divided by a river.
2. It’s just the right size for a city break
Not too small, not too big, but just right (as Goldilocks might have said). There’s plenty to do and see in three days but not so much it’s overwhelming, while the rest of Slovenia – and even neighbouring Austria, Croatia and Italy – are a potential day trip away if you have more time.
The population of under 300,000 (by comparison, around a dozen London boroughs have a bigger population) makes it very welcoming too. And the centre is helpfully pedestrianised so you can wander easily.
3. There’s a castle
With sections that are 500 years old, the castle towers over the town from its vantage point on the hill – and as I love a castle, that would be enough reason to visit Ljubljana alone.
The best views are from the top of the tower, flying the dragon flag, but there’s also exhibitions and restaurants inside to discover – and a funicular to take you up the hill if you don’t fancy the walk.
You can prebook your ticket here, including the funicular ride up the hill, or via GetYourGuide
4. Here be dragons
Most famously on the dragon bridge, built notionally to commemorate one Austro-Hungarian emperor’s anniversary. The sculptures, with their curled tails, are still there long after the empire and subsequent ones have collapsed.
Cross the river and you’ll spot a few more dragon sculptures too. Legend has it that the city was settled by Jason and the Argonauts, after valiantly defeating a dragon, so they’re symbolic of its founding.
5. The fantastic food
It’s hard (if you’re not Slovenian) to point to a specific Slovenian dish. In fact, the country has plenty you might recognise but with its own twist.
Despite its small size, there’s a sea coast for fresh fish, vineyards for lovely wine, traditional hearty dumplings, sausage and apple strudel plus modern organic, local, sustainable dishes.
The restaurants and cafes are also impressively good at highlighting allergens, so if you’re allergic to lactose or gluten, you’ll still have a lot of choice.
6. And lots of riverside restaurants
Cafe after cafe after bar after restaurant stretch along the banks of the Ljubljanica river, and even in the October chill, it’s a fantastic place to sit with a drink, a cake or a meal with heaters and blankets as you relax.
I highly recommned the ‘kuhano vino’ if you’re there in autumn – hot wine, but more surprisingly there’s white mulled wine which is ideal against the cold.
7. Discover festivals galore
Despite being there out of season and only visiting Ljubljana for a few days, we stumbled across the last Open Kitchen – a huge set of food stalls, with various dishes cooked by different restaurants.
Lining the square around the central market, it runs from spring to the end of October, if the weather permits and we made a few circuits before narrowing down the distinctly delicious choices.
A day later, there was a chocolate festival in the same place, complete with truffles and chocolate wine. Yum.
8. Discover turbulent history
Someone born just before the First World War could have seen half a dozen states come and go, from empire to newly formed state through wars, communist years and the birth of Slovenia in 1991.
We took a communist history walking tour, which gave a fascinating glimpse into life in the former Yugoslavia and how those days differed from countries behind the Iron Curtain, but are still impacting on politics today.
9. And more history dating back to the Romans
And that’s only the last century. Go back further and you’ll find stories featuring Napoleon and eventually all the way back to the Romans who created the town of Emona here over 2,000 years ago.
Statues, remains of walls and former houses still stand and there’s a walking trail you can follow which includes the City Museum.
10. Ljubljana’s quirky tours
I do love seeing another side to a city with someone who knows it well. And as well as the standard free walking tour (run by the same company that offers the communist tour), we took a fabulous bike tour and personalised food walking tour.
Check out my full reviews of the three tours in this post…
The former was great to head out of the centre a little, and explore more of Ljubljana’s scenery. The latter was a fantastic way to guzzle in the name of research.
11. Ljubljana street art
Metelkova is street art central, home to bars and restaurants (with erratic opening hours) and squats plus galleries in a former military barracks.
There’s an eclectic mix from paintings to mosaic collages and a whole host of different styles – you can also book different tours of Metelkova.
12. The river – and its crossings
I’ve already mentioned the cafes which line the banks, and it’s frankly lovely at all times of day. But an extra bonus is some gorgeous bridges, from the triple bridge to the colonnaded shoemakers’ (or cobblers’) bridge as well as one infested with padlocks, those dragons and so on.
You’ll find a flea market on Sundays, boat tours and fabulous views each way.
13. The warm welcome
Slovenian is not an easy language – I managed to pick up enough in a few days to say hello, please, thank you and order hot wine. Everyone seems to have pretty much impeccable English, be delighted if you make any stumbling attempts at their language, and be generally very friendly.
With my mum hat on, there were kids and babies galore in the markets, festivals and cafes, and the relaxed atmosphere meant they were just as welcome.
*First published 2015, updated 2026*
PIN FOR LATER: REASONS TO VISIT LJUBLJANA
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All images copyright MummyTravels/Cathy Winston
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I’m seriously sold… I love the photo of you on the bike! May have to suggest to my friends for our annual getaway for 2016!
Thanks 🙂 Decided I really ought to make the most of travelling with someone who can take pix of me! And I can definitely imagine you all there next year.
Ok, hands up. I had to google it when you mentioned where you were going! Looks like a fantastic city. I love those smaller, lesser know European cities hiding away, waiting to be discovered. Thank you for opening my eyes to Ljubljana xx
Haha – the friend I went with was accused of making it up! I think there’s a real sense of discovery that you don’t get from somewhere like Paris or Rome, great though they are.
I went to Ljubljana with my family about 7 years ago and remember it as lovely. We didn’t do much apart form the castle and wandering along the river as we were only there 24 hours and had the kids with us who were 3 and 9 at the time, but I have good memories. We also went to lake Bled which was gorgeous.
I thought it would be a good one with kids too, especially the castle and being small enough to wander. Lake Bled is somewhere I would love to see too, but with 2 1/2 days we decided to stay in the city this time and really focus on that rather than heading out to see more of the country. I’d already like to go back and fit in Lake Bled, some caves and castles too.
Coming back to comment again to support your new linky #citytripping. Great idea! When we had our 24 hours in Ljubljana we were actually driving from Austria to Venice and drove right past lake Bled so we stopped for lunch. I don’t think we would have rushed out there if we were just doing a city break. Nothing for my linky #AllAboutFrance this month? It closes tomorrow.
Thank you! That’s really kind of you. And I agree, I think if you’re just in Ljubljana for a short time, the city is the place to stay – Bled always looks so beautiful, I do love the idea of a half-day there around the lake. And I am drastically overdue another trip to France (hmmm, or Martinique? Reunion?) as I think I’ve linked ALL my French content from the blog – will doublecheck, and pop over for a read regardless. Then plan a new French trip. Where to go… where to go…
Looks lovely – Ljubljana was high on my 2015 to visit list but it never quite happened, I’m definitely going to have to get out there next year now.
It really is gorgeous, definitely one for your list next year I think!
I’ve fancied visiting for a while now but the truffles and chocolate wine has sealed the deal!
Definitely the (chocolate) icing on the cake. We really weren’t short of good cake and wine between our exploring though, whenever you visit! 🙂
Had never thought of going here. I’m a total history geek especially if interspersed with great food and good weather.
I think that’s the same for a lot of people but perfect for food-loving history geeks (me being one!)
My husband raves about his time in Slovenia specifically Lake Bled and it’s made it onto our family bucket list of places to go as he wants to head back. Most unusual for him!
I can imagine why – I already want to go back and Lake Bled is definitely on my wishlist too.
It looks amazing, I have to say! The canals and architecture are stunning. I’ve heard the weather can be excellent too – I shall do some further research x
So gorgeous – and there’s a few weather tips in my new post on practicalities too https://www.mummytravels.com/2015/10/27/ljubljana-travel-tips/
I’m a historian, so it seems I should definitely visit Ljubljana someday. Also very much love the dragon statues and castle! Do you know if it would be easy for a vegetarian like me to find good places to eat?
Definitely- history galore and much more of a mix than a lot of places. I was really impressed with Ljubljana’s food too, we kept finding vegan cake and I’m sure there’s a lot of vegetarian options I didn’t notice. I did have one great traditional dumpling dish at Druga Violina restaurant with cheese and mushrooms too.
Wow it looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I would never have thought about going before reading this x
Definitely – and a lot of people have been saying that too.
You had me at chocolate wine! What a fabulous place! I too hadn’t heard of Ljubljana before. Your review is fantastic – so detailed & I feel like I have visite myself. It’s wonderful that they highlight allergens so well. x
Ah, thank you! That’s exactly what I hope to do so that’s lovely to hear. And the chocolate wine is a definite bonus…
Another place to add to my list! I definitely want to visit Slovenia, so will probably head there one day in the future. It looks like you managed to fit a lot in for just one weekend there! The chocolate market sounds right up my street, I love chocolate! The city certainly is beautiful and I love that it has so many bridges, a gorgeous place to visit at any time of the year.
Thanks so much for linking up your Slovenia adventure to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
Definitely – I can imagine spending a week there easily, with a few days exploring Ljubljana and a few days heading out into the country to do day trips. Or maybe just lots more long weekends 🙂
Would you believe but I am actually meant to be going here the weekend after next with work! So its great to see your list of things to do, the food looks amazing 🙂 also love a bit of culture to keep us out of the bars! 🙂 thank you x
What timing! Have a wonderful time – do let me know if there’s any questions you have, as I’ll have a lot more specific tips which haven’t made it into the posts yet.
Ha, my first reaction was “where?!” as well! Looks absolutely stunning though. I know what you mean about wanting to keep places to yourself though so they don’t get overcrowded with tourists. Looks like you have discovered it ahead of the crowd. I love your black and white coat you’re wearing in the bike picture x
Haha – maybe I should write a new post on Europe’s secret capitals 🙂 And thanks! The coat was one of my rare charity shop finds to cheer myself up in the winter.
What fabulous pictures looks like such a lovely place. I have never heard of this place at all. this will be a place to add to my list when the kids are grown up.
Thanks! Definitely worth discovering
I’ve only been to Slovenia briefly – we went to beautiful Piran on the coast on a day trip from Croatia a few years ago. This looks like somewhere that I’d definitely enjoy visiting – I’m adding it to my list!
I think you’d really enjoy it here – I’d love to see more of Slovenia too, so much gorgeous coast and countryside it seems.
Oh wow I’ve never heard of it either but it is so, so beautiful! Definitely one to add to my bucket list now. The colours of the buildings are stunning, I love the street art, I love that they sell hot wine, I love the look of the food, everyone sounds so friendly and I am a complete history buff so this sounds like such a perfect place. I’m glad you had such a nice holiday away. It sounds like somewhere you’ll be returning to for sure. Thank you so much for linking up to #whatevertheweather xx
Exactly – it ticks off so many reasons why it’s great to visit, it boggles my mind that it’s still so little-known here.
I so want to visit Ljubljana – it looks beautiful and this has made me even more determined to visit!
It is wonderful, you should definitely book a trip!
Ljubljana seems a lovely place to visit. It’s quite small for a capital, but it has lots of interesting attractions from what you’ve described. Fab x
It’s such a gorgeous city, and loads to see – you’re right it is quite small but makes it so easy to get around which is lovely.
Oh wow this is gorgeous! Definitely my kind of place to wander around. Hopefully, I’d come across festivals too when I visit it. 🙂
I think you probably would – there always seems to be something on! Definitely worth a visit even if there isn’t 🙂
I would love to visit this city. It is appealing because of all the reasons you have mentioned here. Especially, I like you mentioning that it is not overrun by tourists. There are a lot of beautiful places out there but some part of the charm is lost when you have to share it with thousands of people (even in the off season).
Agreed – I don’t know how much busier the city gets in peak season, but I can’t imagine its on a scale with some other European capitals.
We almost went to Slovenia for our honeymoon but chose Turkey instead! Your post as a “non-family couple” is perfect as my husband and I were just brainstorming new places we wanted to visit as a couple instead of confined to our children’s schedules. I might need to dig up my Lonely Planet Slovenia book again and do some research for spring! #citytripping
Oh I’d definitely dig out that guide – if I’d had a few more days, I’d have wanted to go to Lake Bled and the Postojna caves as well, although Slovenia’s pretty compact so you can get a lot of places for a day trip. And easily spend three days exploring the capital as well. Thanks for joining #citytripping too!
This looks like a lovely city (and yes, not one I’d heard of)! I love street art in European cities and if the food is good, I’m there! #citytripping
It was a gorgeous place – and good food + lots to see swings it for me too 🙂 Thanks for joining in #citytripping
I just had to click on this post after watching Michael Portillo’s Great Rail Journeys the other day and seeing him visit Ljubljana. It looked gorgeous. This is definitely on my list – a perfect city break.
#citytripping
I think you’d love it – and I hadn’t thought of doing it by train, but if you were doing your own great rail journey, it’s perfect, a great stop between Italy, Austria and Croatia.
Okay, I had never heard of this place either but we’re alway looking for getaways to places that not everyone has explored before so I think we shall have to venture to Ljubljana sometime soon!
It definitely fits for that – judging by all the comments, it’s right under the radar.
Lovely post. I went to Ljubljana a few years ago and loved it. It’s a fabulous size with gorgeous architecture. I remember eating the most wonderful fish covered entirely in salt and, despite it being winter, enjoying the vibrant cafe culture of the outside tables. It has such a lovely atmosphere.
Thanks – you’ve summed it up exactly. I loved the fact that cafes were still buzzing at the end of October, so lovely to still be sitting outside and enjoying the views (and hot wine)
I would never even have thought of Slovenia as a place to visit. Looks great though. I love apple strudel…
It is lovely – and the apple strudel was just as good. Definitely worth checking out.
Huh, how did I miss this post a couple of weeks back. So glad you included it in #citytripping so I had the opportunity to see it after all.
Beeeeautiful photos. I love how the river runs through the middle and that castle – how picturesque is that? (thank goodness for the funicular though – means if I do ever visit I’ll go up the top 😉 ).
It all looks so lovely…as does the food, yum, hehe.
Haha, not sure – I thought I’d been sharing this far and wide 🙂 Glad you got to see it, it’s such a lovely city (and a very useful funicular). Thanks!
Looks lovely! Haven’t realised that Ljubljana is so small 🙂 But definitely pretty.
It is very lovely! And there is a lot more of it, but for the centre and main bits you’re likely to visit, it’s pretty compact.
Looks like a great city to visit. It might be the name- so hard to pronounce or remember how to spell as to why it isn’t on everyone’s radar? Just sayin’. I need to go when they have that chocolate festival- I would be all over that- YUM!!! #citytripping
That was a very happy fluke to arrive when the festival was on. And definitely easier to pronounce than spell 🙂
The Communist history walking tour sounds right up my street. I visited Yugoslavia, as was, at the very start of the 1990s so I’d love to go back and see how things have changed. #citytripping
It was fascinating – Slovenia is such a new country, not even quite 25 and the impact still affects life today. I wonder how different it would seem to you in comparison… Thanks for joining in #citytripping
I seriously need to go here…it really does have it all! Plus, I have never been to Slovenia so would be ticking another country off the list too! #citytripping
You would love it, I think!
Slovenia looks like a lovely place to visit! Generally speaking I have really enjoyed travelling in Eastern Europe and it would be nice to visit Ljubljana too someday 🙂 thanks for hosting #citytripping 🙂
It was gorgeous – I agree, there’s some great places to discover. And thanks for joining up with #citytripping too 😀
That was where we were headed in 1987 when we ended up getting escorted out of Yugoslavia as it was then by armed guard! See this link for my blog post of the incident http://wilburstravels.com/2015/03/28/my-forthcoming-book-extract-four-on-a-train-bound-for-yugoslavia/
I still have not been and your photos and words make me want to go soon. Did you also go to Pula?
Wilbur
What an experience – definitely one to smile about later. Thankfully it’s a LOT easier to get to Ljubljana now, I’d definitely recommend trying again. I only had a long weekend (about 2 1/2 days total) so stayed in the city only, but I’d love to head back for longer and see more of Slovenia and Istria too.
Loved this as I’m all for gorgeous, pretty, small places with castles!! So many reasons to visit. We will add it to the list as I’m sure we’d all enjoy a trip. #citytripping
I’m sure you would – and absolutely, so much to discover there.
So beautiful! Always one of my regrets not squeezing in a weekend away to Ljubljana when I lived in the UK, my hairdresser was from Slovenia and she would tell me all the time how beautiful it was! #citytripping
She was right! If you’re nearby again, I’d definitely recommend it…
I have to admit that that I was in the ‘where’ camp but I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s an influx of tourists now you’ve shared these great reasons to visit. I love a city with such a rich history and it sounds like there’s some great tours to help you explore. I haven’t been to this part of Europe but would love to #citytripping
I hope so – it definitely deserves to be better known (although hopefully not TOO many crowds)
I LOVE Slovenia. I’ve been telling everyone they need to go there. It’s such a stunning country and Ljubljana is so gorgeous. Those canals! And the dragons are just too cool.
The dragons are fab aren’t they – and absolutely, I can’t quite understand why more people don’t know about such a gorgeous place.
Looks lovely. I’d go! Just my kind of city. Love central Europe.
It is! I think I need a few more return trips (and see a bit more of central Europe too)
Thanks so much, have bookmarked the post since I am going next weekend for a day
My pleasure – have a wonderful time, I loved it there.
These pictures look absolutely amazing!! Ljubliana is indeed on my to-visit list 🙂
(Found you through #MondayEscapes)
Thanks! It was such a fantastic city, I had the best time there.
I totally agree with all your reasons!!
I was also impressed that people never heard of Ljubljana before, this town is so pretty and special. I also found it a very pet friendly city (I took Enzzo with me). 🙂
I certainly want to go back, after all it’s only a few aways by car from Munich!
Thank you so much for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Thanks – I can imagine, I’d already love to go back but a bit further!
I love anywhere that has a good food culture and it sounds like this place has it all. It looks like such a fab place to visit.
We definitely did well on the food front! Open Kitchen is fantastic if you’re there on the right day.
Ljubljana’s pretty cool! nice photos! It’s only 112 km from where I live:)
It is! And you’re practically next door… definitely recommend it.
Alright, you’ve got me convinced! I’m looking for somewhere to go for May bank holiday… And those lovely riverside cafes are calling my name! Do you think I’d have any luck finding gluten free food?? #coeliacproblems
I bet it’s lovely as spring turns to summer as well… I’m pretty sure that Open Kitchen had some gluten-free food and I know we came across a surprising amount of gluten-free cake. I’d definitely recommend Iva’s Ljubljanajam food tour as well, as I think she can do a coeliac-friendly version and give you some good tips.
Those are all good reasons, it looks like you had a great time there, I would definitely want to visit the chocolate festival!
It’s a lovely city – a great place for a break.
Ah! I love Ljubljana posts, and I’m finally going to get to go in a month after my volleyball season ends!!! Thanks for whetting my appetite for it even more! 🙂 Great to have your post on the Travel Tuesday link-up, thanks for participating!
You’ll have such an amazing time – quite jealous of you 🙂 Thanks for hosting Travel Tuesday
I have never heard of Ljubljana either but it is gorgeous! It looks like a wonderful place to visit and the food looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
It really is – and the food was wonderful.
Oh my gosh apple strudel, Im such a big fan of apple strudel. I will have to hunt it out next time we are in slovenia.
Definitely! We ate so well there