Let me start off by saying Ljubljana is beautiful!!
If you have ever been to Vienna, you’ll recognize the similarities due to the influences from the Habsburg Empire which shape the architecture and cultural traditions to this day.
Ljubljana has been Slovenia’s capital since 1991, after the country declared its independence from Yugoslavia, though before it was also its capital but the country instead was called Socialist Republic of Slovenia.
Roots go back to 2000 BC. Today (in 2025) it has a population of around 300.000 people.
The national language is Slovenian and their currency is the Euro.
If you have ever been to Vienna, you’ll recognize the similarities due to the influences from the Habsburg Empire which shape the architecture and cultural traditions to this day.
Ljubljana has been Slovenia’s capital since 1991, after the country declared its independence from Yugoslavia, though before it was also its capital but the country instead was called Socialist Republic of Slovenia.
Roots go back to 2000 BC. Today (in 2025) it has a population of around 300.000 people.
The national language is Slovenian and their currency is the Euro.
How to get to Ljubljana
Depending on your starting point you can get to Ljubljana by plane, train or bus.As I combined it with my stay in Zagreb (Croatia), I arrived by bus.
Ljubljana’s bus network is closely connected to other areas (and countries) in Europe. That’s why you will find a lot of buses going not only to Croatia but also to Italy, Germany or Switzerland (to name a few). Especially in the summer months this is a cheaper way to get around and there are tons of bus providers getting you from A to B.
They do however have lots of buses and a few trolleys you can use if you want to get around faster/ further and all you need is your credit card to pay for a ticket. It's as simple as tapping and you instantly have a 90min ticket for 1,30€ (as of August 2025).
Be aware that if you use the simple tap version, you buy a single ticket! If you want to switch to a different bus or train you would have to pay again. If you already know you will be moving around more or switching it's better to get the Urbana Mobile App (or card) which is essentially a virtual card that you can top up with your Visa or Mastercard (sorry, not working with American Express or Diners Club!).
The ticket price is the same but depending on what you have planned, it's good to keep it in mind.
Ljubljana’s bus network is closely connected to other areas (and countries) in Europe. That’s why you will find a lot of buses going not only to Croatia but also to Italy, Germany or Switzerland (to name a few). Especially in the summer months this is a cheaper way to get around and there are tons of bus providers getting you from A to B.
Getting around in Ljubljana
It's fairly easily just to get around by foot. As with most cities, the city center is where the main attractions are and Ljubljana is no different.They do however have lots of buses and a few trolleys you can use if you want to get around faster/ further and all you need is your credit card to pay for a ticket. It's as simple as tapping and you instantly have a 90min ticket for 1,30€ (as of August 2025).
Be aware that if you use the simple tap version, you buy a single ticket! If you want to switch to a different bus or train you would have to pay again. If you already know you will be moving around more or switching it's better to get the Urbana Mobile App (or card) which is essentially a virtual card that you can top up with your Visa or Mastercard (sorry, not working with American Express or Diners Club!).
The ticket price is the same but depending on what you have planned, it's good to keep it in mind.
What to do & see in Ljubljana
1. Take a boat tour!
It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective and they are even heated in the winter time! I believe there are multiple companies but for reference the tour takes about an our and costs 15€ (for an adult)
2. Head over to the Dragon Bridge!
3.Ljubljana Castle
You probably guessed it - the castle used to be a medieval fortress on top of the hill. It was build in the 11th century and has lived lots of tales throughout history.
Site note: It’s FREE to see the castle but if you want to go up the tower and see expeditions you have to pay. In my opinion the tower is worth going but would I pay 15€ (it’s also cheaper to book online!) again for it? No… There is an area to look down at the city and it’s not as high but probably would have been more than enough. Lesson learned!
4. Presernov trg
Another well known area in Ljubljana is the main square around the three bridges (also known as the Triple Bridge) - it’s the central square in Old Town and I would be very surprised if you wouldn’t go there. You’ll recognize it by the big pink building - the Franciscan Church built in the 17th century
5. Saint Nicholas Cathedral (also known as Ljubljana Cathedral)
While this church was actually built three times during history (it burned down twice due to a fire), today’s version was built in 1700 and in 1996 Pope John Paul II actually visited it! Take a look a look inside (entrance fee is about 3€ as of August 2025) and you will see the stunning baroque architecture6. Visit one of the many museums like the Ljubljana City Museum
Ljubljana is home lots of museums. For it’s still surprising that tha city has it’s own museum as this is not as common but their National Museum of Slovenia is actually more than 200 years old now (it was founded back in 1821 which is insane if you ask me!)7. Plecnik House
If you read more than this blog you probably came across the same name over and over again: Plecnik. He was a famous architect who actually designed pieces in Prague and Vienna. Remember the Triple Bridge? Yep, that was him. He also designed the Slovenian National & University Library and several other buildings around the city. If you enjoy the architecture you see in the city, the Plecnik House dives deeper into Plecniks life and the work he had done for the city8. Tivoli Park
If the weather is nice and you have time at hand why not go for a stroll? Ljubljana isn’t super bit and on those warm summer nights when it gets darker later, it’s a nice around to walk and sit around!Where to eat in Ljubljana
a) Moji Struklji Slovenije
As we got there by bus fairly in the morning, we were actually craving breakfast and what better way to start your city trip with one of the most traditional foods Slovenia is known for: Strukljis (which are basically cheese dumplings which can be savoury or sweet depending on their filling)The restaurant is right by the river front is well-known for them and they did not disappoint! The only thing that was strange to us was they the small strudels were warm when served - for next time I would rather have them cold (especially the sweet/ dessert version) but it's always interesting to taste regional cuisines
b) Julija
This restaurant is in the heart of the main street and has several traditional dishes. I would say they are mainly focused on beef & a lot of fish dishes but if you're a vegetarian like me you can find risotto, salads or gnocchis which I got. Prices are a bit higher simply because of the location but for a lunch or dinners it's a good option
c) Central Market
Hot day and you just want fresh fruit? Head over to the central market which is open every day except for Sundays (and local holidays)Our accommodation in Ljubljana
… was actually a school which was really cool! Dijasji dom Bezigrad Hostel is a boarding school throughout the year but turns into a hostel during the summer months. I actually read “nostalgia” and “felt young again” when I read reviews but I didn't think much of it until we walked it. It's not directly in the city center (15 min by bus) but it's in a pretty quiet neighborhood and we booked rather spontaneously anyways. If you're not opposed to a dorm-room like feeling I can definitely recommend it!How much should you budget for?
We were only there for a day (as part of our trip to Zagreb) but wouldn't have minded to stay longer and explore the surrounding though I do believe 2 days is enough time to see Ljubljana.
As we mostly ate out and went to "touristic" areas for it, the prices were around 20-25€ per person for each meal but for the quality of the food we got that's a reasonable price.
For reference here is what we spent in a day (per person):
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