Capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana was crowned the Green Capital of Europe in 2016. It is the largest city in the country, known mainly for its student population and its famous Tivoli Park. A big plus for visitors: the city center is mostly reserved for pedestrians.
How to get to Ljubljana?
To get to Ljubljana, it takes 1h45 by direct flight from Charles-De-Gaulle airport. From Prague, you can only take a flight with a stopover, which will be longer: flights last on average about 4 hours.
In any case, the Slovenian capital is easily accessible. This is why we wanted to present it to you in detail. The opportunity for you to discover it and to prepare, why not, an unforgettable stay!
What to do in Ljubljana?
In order to prepare your Slovenian escapade in the best possible way, we present you in this article our selection of the essential activities in Ljubljana.
1. Visit Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park is one of the most popular attractions in the capital. It stretches for more than two kilometers and contains beautiful gardens as well as sumptuous mansions. Stroll along the Jakopič promenade and don’t forget to pass by the tropical greenhouse!
2. Go to the Dragon Bridge
You can’t go to Ljubljana without stopping by the Dragon Bridge. Legend has it that Jason (a hero from Greek mythology) founded the city by killing this famous dragon. Whatever you think, the Dragon Bridge is a must-see in Ljubljana.
3. Stroll through the Central Market
The Central Market was designed in the 1930s. It is open from Monday to Saturday and it is here that you will find everything you need. The market is not only interesting for shopping: you can enjoy the colonnades and the atmosphere of the place.
4. Admire St. Nicholas Cathedral
Take advantage of your stroll in the Slovenian capital to stop and admire the St. Nicholas Cathedral. After contemplating the building from the outside, you can go inside to admire the countless details of the interior decoration. A must-see stop.
5. Visit Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle offers a breathtaking view of the entire capital from its hilltop. To get there, you’ll need to take a 15-minute walk. You can also take the little train or the funicular, which are less tiring and faster, but you have to pay for them.
6. Discover the city on Ljubljanica
If you want to see the city from a new angle, we recommend booking a trip on one of the boats on the river, where you can enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the tourist spots. For the adventurous, you can rent a canoe or a paddle!
7. Have a drink on the roof of the city
Whether you’re a wine or beer lover, you’ll enjoy a drink on the Nebotičnik, a skyscraper that was the tallest building in the Balkans when it was built. It is no less than 50 meters high that you can admire the setting sun from the comfort of your table.
8. Learn at the National Museum of Slovenia
The National Museum of Slovenia is really the place to be if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the country. It includes all the historical traces we know about, from prehistoric times to the 1900s. A must-see for both history buffs and the simply curious.
9. Cycling around the city
As Ljubljana is an ecological city, you can take advantage of the many well-structured bicycle paths and a city center that is almost entirely car-free. This is an excellent reason to rent a bike for the day and cycle through the streets of the capital.
10. Visit Metelkova
Metelkova is a very special place. Here you can soak up the omnipresent street art atmosphere. If you visit during the day, you can take original photos and if you visit at night, you can enjoy its lively nightlife in bars and clubs.
Where to eat in Ljubljana?
Among the most famous dishes of Slovenian gastronomy we can mention Ajdovi Zganci, which is a dish made of buckwheat flour, oil and croutons that can be served with Kranjska Klobasa, a typical Slovenian sausage.
To discover these dishes and much more in the best restaurants in the city, we invite you to consult our selection of the best typical restaurants in Ljubljana.
Where to stay in Ljubljana?
Although it is the smallest capital in Europe after Luxembourg, Ljubljana is a city full of art and history. It will be difficult to see all of it in one day. If you want to make the most of your stay, be sure to read our article on the 10 best hotels in Ljubljana.
What to do in Ljubljana? Our conclusion
The capital of Slovenia is full of possibilities and places that are worth a visit. If you found our selection of must-do things to do in Ljubljana useful and want to learn more – out of curiosity or to prepare your trip – check out our articles on the best bars, brunches, hotels and restaurants… Enjoy your trip!