This September my boyfriend and I spent four beautiful days exploring Ljubljana, the Slovenian countryside and Lake Bled. I have come to realise that Slovenia feels a lot like a spiritual home for me, a country with a passion for nature, embracing the outdoors, preserving the planet and dreamy hideaways.
‘Effortless’ is not a word I often use to describe a capital city, but there are not many like Ljubljana. Slovenia’s laid back, charming capital doesn’t try hard to make you fall in love, but you do anyway. Any city that can be easily explored on foot, or boasts the accolade of ‘Europe’s Green Capital’, was always going to tug at my heart.
But as with most matters of the heart, it was the little things that got me – bicycles leaned nonchalantly against walls, lush weeping willows draping the Ljubljanica riverbank caressing the water the below, and winding cobblestone streets that led us to endless bewitching spots, hidden cafes and colourful squares. This is how I recommend you spend your days here and my pick of the very best things to do in Ljubljana.
Experience life along the Ljubljanica river
Ljubljana is a city best explored at a slower pace. The there is no better place to soak in Ljubljana’s charming, mellow atmosphere than along the gorgeous, tree-lined Ljubljanica river. A thriving open-air café and restaurant scene traces along its banks, the perfect spot for whiling away an afternoon with a steaming hot drink. Come evening, there are many dimly lit riverside wine bars to choose from, where we discovered delicious Slovenian wines which until now, we had foolishly overlooked. Our favourite spot was Wine bar Šuklje.
Get lost in the Old Town
Is there any better way to fall in love with a European capital than a meander amongst its old historic centre? Take a stroll through Ljubljana’s charming Old Town, painted in the most wonderfully vibrant hues, and roam the narrow cobbled streets lined by beautifully aged facades. Head for the pretty-in-pink frontage of the Franciscan Church in Prešernov trg Square, the heart of historic Ljubljana, which developed from a medieval crossroads at the former entrance to the walled city.
Throughout your wanderings, you will discover that Ljubljana has a bit of thing for pretty bridges. The key ones not to miss are the Triple Bridge, designed by world-famous architect Jože Plečnik, Dragon Bridge, Cobblers’ Bridge and Butchers’ Bridge – each with their own unique design and history.
Križevniška Street (below) is another gem to star on your map, one of the most amazingly beautiful streets that we stumbled across.
Visit Ljubljana Castle
The castle perched on a hill above the old town is one of the city’s most impressive attractions. The views from the top reveal a blanket of red roofs with pockets of green trees poking through, and on a clear day, a glimpse of the Julian alps in the distance. The castle complex and viewing platform are free to enter. To climb the tower and get full access inside you have to buy a ticket. Prices and opening hours can be found here.
Take in the views from Nebotičnik
If it’s beautiful rooftop views that you’re after, look no further than the top floor of Nebotičnik. Built in 1933, the Skyscraper was the tallest building in the Balkans and the ninth tallest building in Europe at the time of its construction. The top floor is a nightclub, café and restaurant and is the perfect place to sip cocktails and watch the Castle bask in the golden glow of the setting sun.
Explore the food and market scene
There’s something incredibly lovely about having a good ol’ browse in a local market. The Sunday morning market, located along the riverbank, offers a charming glimpse into local life. Stroll along the many stalls, rub shoulders with locals nosing through the bric-à-brac, or dive into one of the bustling cafes along the way.
For delicious fresh produce, head to the open-air central market. Here you’ll find a beautiful array of fresh fruit and vegetables all sourced from local farmers. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a Friday (May-October), I’ve also heard great things about Open Kitchen – where street food is made by handpicked chefs and served in the sun, accompanied by live music and great wine.
There are many amazing places to eat in Ljubljana. From hearty Slovenian specialities to indulgent sweet treats, you’ll easily find something to suit most tastes. For an excellent breakfast head to Me Petit Café; for incredible Slovenian soul food, I’d recommend Luda. Julija, located in the heart of the old town, is great for both Slovenian and Mediterranean dishes. For a quirky coffee shop by the river – head to Tozd.
Relax in Tivoli Park
Did you know that over 60% of Slovenia is covered in forest? As well as an abundance of trees, Slovenia’s capital boasts stunning green spaces. Tivoli Park stretches right into Ljubljana’s centre, offering a relaxing space for city dwellers to enjoy, including spacious promenades, a large outdoor photography display, a botanical garden and a glasshouse housing tropical and carnivorous plants.
If you need a place to stroll off all that amazing food you’ve been eating, or simply want to unwind in nature, Tivoli Park is a beautiful place in Ljubljana to do just that.
Explore Metelkova Mesto
It’s hard to imagine a neighbourhood more different to Ljubljana’s old town than Metelkova Mesto. This former abandoned army barracks is now a focal point for the country’s alternative culture scene. It’s one of the coolest places in the city to explore, brimming with colourful and quirky art from graffiti and vibrant art murals adorning its walls to twisted metal sculptures fashioned from bicycle frames.
Although eerily quiet by day, after dark this place truly comes alive, drawing thousands of students and artists who explore the mix of galleries and bars and dance the night away.
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