Top 10 Things To Do In Ljubljana

Few people know where it is, even less can pronounce it, but Ljubljana, the capital and largest city of Slovenia, is one of the most charming towns we have visited in our lifetime and it has all the right ingredients for the perfect city break. Ljubljana is a small city, and you can see everything pretty easily, from the Dragon Bridge to the historic Ljubljana Castle, below are the Top 10 Things To Do In Ljubljana.

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Ljubljana is a very small mix of Vienna and Venice, thankfully without the hordes of tourists

Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most)

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Dating back to 1901, the bridge was built for the 40th anniversary of Emperor Franc Jožef I’s rule and it symbolizes the history, beauty and architectural style of Ljubljana. Those dragons have been integrated into the city’s coat of arms, and as a result, they are found all around Ljubljana.

Central Market

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The lively open-air market has always been a place for the locals to meet and enjoy themselves. Ljubljana Central Market is open daily (except Sundays). You can buy all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, flowers and plants, spices, medicinal herbs, textiles and footwear, local arts and crafts.

Tivoli Park

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Tivoli Park is the green heart of Ljubljana and its biggest. Located on the northern outskirts of the Center District, it offers facilities such as playgrounds, fountains, ponds, exhibitions, mansions and sports facilities.

Ljubljanica River

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The Ljubljanica River is the main river that runs through the old town of Ljubljana and divides the medieval center with the rest of the city. There is an abundant amount of cafes & restaurants lining the Ljubljanica river which makes it the perfect spot for sitting and watching how the world goes by. A walk along the river is a good way to discover the beautiful Ljubljana decorated by many bridges throughout the river.

Triple Bridge

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Ljubljana`s Three Bridges are probably the most beautiful and well-known of all bridges in the city. It is made up of three bridges that connect the modern city to the Old Town. This area is packed with bars and restaurants, and it is a popular spot for photographs.

Preseren Square

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Located in the old town, Prešeren Square is the central square of Ljubljana. Surrounded by exquisite architecture (such as the salmon pink Franciscan Church), the cobbled plaza is a major meeting point, where Ljubljana’s carnival, concerts, and festivals take place. At the eastern side of the square, you will find a bronze statue of the influential Slovenian poet France Prešeren.

Ljubljana Castle

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Ljubljana Castle, a hard-to-miss symbol of the city, is situated on a small hill in the center of Ljubljana, 60 meters (196 ft) above the old town. Some parts of today’s structure date back to the 15th century; this mighty medieval fortress has served as military housing as well as the royal residence for several centuries. Inside the castle there is the Chapel of St. George (1489), redone later in Baroque style, and decorated in 1747 with the colorful coat-of-arms of Carniolan provincial governors. Nowadays the castle represents an oasis in the middle of Ljubljana’s old town, where people can relax or go for a walk. Moreover, it serves as a venue for cultural and entertaining events.

Cathedral of St Nicholas

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This magnificent Baroque cathedral with its twin towers and the green colored dome was built to honor Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and boatmen. It dates back to the early 18th century, but was renovated and had beautifully carved bronze doors added for the Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1996.

Metelkova Mesto

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Metelkova Mesto is an alternative cultural center that developed from a squat in a former army barracks and became one of the liveliest cultural, artistic, social and intellectual urban areas in Ljubljana, it brings together a variety of different artistic practices and events. The area is now home to countless bars and clubs and it is also where you will find some really unique exhibitions, public art and graffiti. It is very colorful, with people from all walks of life, including anyone from students and underground music fans to visitors of Ljubljana and professionals enjoying a night out.

Congress Square (Kongresni trg square)

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The square was built in 1821 and it was used for ceremonial purposes during the Congress of Ljubljana. It is surrounded by leafy green trees and some of the most important buildings in Ljubljana such as the Ursuline Church, the Slovenian Philharmonic and the University of Ljubljana.

Just So You Know…

• Ljubljana is pronounced lub-lee-yana.
• Slovenes are incredibly friendly and welcoming with a great sense of humor.
• You can ski within a 35-minute drive of Ljubljana at Krvavec, one of the country’s most popular ski areas.
• Slovenia often gets confused with Slovakia and most people seem unsure about where it actually is.
• Ljubljana has been designated as the European Green Capital for 2016.
• The 2008 movie adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia book Prince Caspian was shot in Slovenia.
• The Ljubljana Free Walking meets at the Prešernov trg (Main Square) and the tour lasts about 2 hours. Show up to learn about the history and culture of Slovenia.
• Try the Open Kitchen, it is a food market that takes place from mid-March to late October every Friday at the city center’s local market right next to the St. Nicholas Cathedral.

Get Some Culture:

• The Slovene Ethnographic Museum – A museum about Slovene people, their culture and traditions.
• Museum of Architecture and Design Ljubljana – With exhibitions from the field of architecture, design and photography.
• National Museum of Slovenia – Displays monuments from the Roman period, treasures from the Stone and Middle ages, and also a permanent exhibition on Slovenian language.
• City Museum Ljubljana – Follows the evolution of the city, the Auersperg family and Ljubljana’s citizens.

Grab A Bite:

• JB Restaurant – One of the best restaurants in town, serves Mediterranean cuisine combined with French and traditional Slovenian cuisines.
• Allegria – With wonderful food from Slovenia’s coastal regions.
• Gostilna Na Gradu – A Slovenian restaurant located on the premises of Ljubljana Castle.