Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, located on the banks of the Ljubljana River. The city is famous for its beautifully preserved historical architecture, in particular, the Old Town and the Ljubljana Castle, which is located on the Krempl Hill.
We were in Ljubljana for one day during the New Year holidays as part of our trip around Slovenia. We will tell you how interesting it is to spend one day in Ljubljana and cover the highlights of the city, and we will also tell you how to spend the second day, how you will be able to stay in the capital.
Also, we will recommend where to stay, which excursions to visit, and delicious food.
From the first, we decided to visit the castle located on the mountain. Having chosen this point in the morning, firstly, we had the opportunity to enjoy the view of the city from a height, and secondly, after the tour of the castle, we could fully enjoy the city and its entertainment until the evening when we came down.
What to do on the first day:
Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski Grad)
Climb to the top of Kremple Mountain and visit the castle for a great view of the city. Ljubljana Castle, in addition to a spectacular view of the city, offers visitors a number of interesting opportunities.
To get to the castle, you can use the funicular or walk. For some reason, we decided to go up on foot, although we always go up to castles on foot, it allows you to feel the power of the castle. Already on the mountain near the castle, they saw that the castle itself can be reached by car.
What to do in the castle:
The castle often serves as a venue for exhibitions and events, revealing the history and culture of Slovenia. Recreational locations where visitors can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Or there are cozy establishments in the castle where you can taste traditional dishes and enjoy views of the city.
WARNING! A ticket for the funicular does not give the right to visit the castle. We saw more than one person who bought a ticket for the funicular and couldn’t get anywhere else from the central courtyard. Because if you are going on the funicular, keep in mind that you need to buy a ticket to the castle either together or separately.
Cost:
Adult 12 euros, ticket + funicular 16 euros. Children under 7 accompanied by parents are free, children (7–18 years), students, pensioners, groups of 15 or more 8.40 euros, with the funicular 11.20 euros. Family: up to 2 adults and at least 1 child (7-18 years old) 28.80 euros, with funicular 38.40 euros *When buying a family ticket, you get a family guide.
The price of this ticket includes access to all the contents of the castle: the virtual castle, the exhibition of Slovenian history, the museum of puppetry and the observation tower.
Lifehack! You can buy a ticket to go up and then walk down for free.
You can find other ticket options on the castle’s website, or go to our post about the castle “Ljubljana. Ljubljana Castle“, and you will also learn about the story of Frederick the rat ;)
Old Town
In the Old Town of Ljubljana, known for its charming architecture and warm atmospheric environment, there are several must-visit locations:
Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg): This is the main city square surrounded by numerous cafes and shops. Each year, the main Christmas tree is set up here during the festive season, becoming part of the city’s New Year and Christmas atmosphere that decorates this beautiful square and attracts tourists and locals alike. If you visit Ljubljana during the winter holidays like we did, strolling through this square becomes especially charming and festive. The famous Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) is also located here, serving as one of the key symbols of the city.
During this period, Christmas and New Year’s markets are held, with various stalls and tents selling Christmas gifts, crafts, food, and drinks. Live music plays, theatrical performances and other shows take place, making a visit to the market even more enjoyable. Traditional holiday dishes, hot drinks, and sweets can be tasted during these events. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes especially enchanting thanks to the New Year’s illumination.
What to do on the second day:
Tivoli Park: Tivoli Park in Ljubljana is a wonderful option to start your day with a pleasant stroll. This park, one of the largest in the city, offers visitors various places for relaxation and entertainment.
What you can find in Tivoli Park:
– A beautiful avenue where you can enjoy nature and the beauty of seasonal flowers.
– Tivoli Castle, serving as a cultural center and space for various events and exhibitions.
– Sculptural and artistic installations that add a special charm to the park.
– Opportunities to relax by the water and enjoy the sounds of nature.
– Convenient places in the park where you can taste delicious dishes and drinks.
Ticket prices:
– Adults: 10.00 euros
– Children (preschool and school age): 6.50 euros
– Concession (students, pensioners): 8.50 euros
– Owners of EU disability cards: 3.00 euros
– Dogs: 3.00 euros
Museums
In Ljubljana, there are several interesting museums worth visiting to gain a better understanding of the history, culture, and art of Slovenia. Here are a few recommendations:
National Museum of Slovenia (Narodni muzej Slovenije) is one of the most important museums in the country, offering a broad and multifaceted overview of the history of Slovenia. Here are some key aspects of this museum:
– Archaeological finds
– Artistic culture
– Ethnology and Folklore
– History and Events: A significant focus on historical events and key moments in the history of Slovenia, including the Habsburg Empire period and the times of Yugoslavia.
The Slovenian Technical Museum (Tehniški muzej Slovenije) is a key museum in Ljubljana focused on the technical development and innovations in Slovenia. Here are some main points you can explore in this museum:
– History of Technology
– Transport and Communication
– Energy
– Mechanical Engineering and Industry
– Technological Innovations.
The Metelkova Art Centre is a cultural and artistic hub, a unique and experimental place that emerged from a former military barracks and has become a cult art complex. Key aspects of Metelkova Art Centre include:
– Art installations
– Independent culture
– Metelkova is known for its vibrant nightlife, with various clubs, bars, and concert halls where you can enjoy music and nightlife activities.
– It hosts diverse events such as festivals, exhibitions, and performances.
The **Ljubljana Tourist Card** is a convenient tool for maximizing your time and saving money during your visit to Ljubljana. Here are the details of what is included in this tourist card:
1. LPP Bus Transport Airport – Ljubljana – Airport: Provides transfer from the airport to the center of Ljubljana and vice versa.
2. LPP Bus Transport in Ljubljana – Unlimited: Offers unlimited access to bus transport within Ljubljana.
3. Boat cruise on the Ljubljanica River.
4. City Tourist Train. A ride on the sightseeing tourist train offering a guided tour of the city.
5. Ljubljana Bike Rental – 4 hours of free bike rental.
6. Entrance tickets to major museums and galleries, including admission to Ljubljana Castle.
7. Guided city tour of Ljubljana.
Safe to buy Карта Ljubljana Tourist Card you can for ♥ link.
Hotels in Ljubljana
Ljubljana has a variety of hotels to suit different budgets and requirements. Many hotels are located in or near the city center, making it easy to access major attractions, restaurants and shops.
Here are some unique hotels in our opinion:
Boutique Hotels: Vander Urbani Resort – a Member of Design Hotels is located in a quiet place in the very center of Ljubljana. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool. The hotel is situated in a pedestrian zone and is not accessible by car.
Antiq Palace – Historic Hotels of Europe, this family-run boutique hotel is located in a former aristocratic residence in a quiet location in the center of Ljubljana. Member of the Association of Historical Hotels of Europe.
As we planned to spend only one day in Ljubljana and had our own car, after an evening stroll through the city, we decided to head halfway to our next destination. Honestly, during the holidays, we couldn’t find a suitable hotel that satisfied us; everything was booked, and that was expected. So, we booked a hotel online in the town of Vrhnika, which is 20 km away, just a 20-minute drive from the center of Ljubljana. Hotel Mantova. The advantages for us were that it is conveniently located along the route, offers spacious family rooms, has its own restaurant, and includes a very good buffet breakfast. Additionally, there is free parking available at the hotel. It was also more affordable than options in the capital. So, we can recommend it.
Booking.com
Where to Eat
In Ljubljana, there are many excellent restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious meals. Here are a few popular and interesting places worth visiting:
Julija Restaurant $$ (Stari trg 9), specialized in modern Slovenian cuisine, cozy with traditional elements.
Gostilna As $$$ (Čopova ulica 5a), a famous restaurant that offers modern and traditional Slovenian cuisine, taking into account seasonal products.
Špajza $$ (Gornji trg 28), a restaurant with a traditional Slovenian atmosphere, serving dishes made from the freshest local products.
Ek Bistro $$$ (Petkovškovo nabrežje 65), a restaurant with a creative approach to creating dishes that impress with their originality and taste.
TaBar $$$ (Ribji trg 6), wine bar with a large selection of Slovenian wines and snacks.
Pri Škofu $$ (Rečna ulica 8), an old gastronomic cafe that allows you to taste real Slovenian desserts.
What to See Near Ljubljana
This could be additional or an alternative to the second day in Ljubljana. All the places we will tell you about are, on average, 50-60 km away, which is a 30-40 minute drive or a little over an hour by public transport. Therefore, it is quite accessible, and you can explore something more within the framework of a single day.
Postojna Cave (Postojnska jama)
If you’re planning a day trip from Ljubljana to Postojna Cave, it’s an excellent choice, as it is one of the most impressive cave systems in the world. We personally went here on the next day after visiting Ljubljana. Since we had a car and stayed outside Ljubljana overnight (more on that later), we got here very quickly, aiming to arrive for the opening.
Tours of Postojna Cave are organized by the tourist facility itself. They offer guided walking tours and cave train rides. Independent visits to the caves are not allowed, only as part of a group. During the walking tour, you’ll explore impressive galleries, stone formations, and ice structures in the caves. The Postojna Cave train takes you through the most interesting parts of the cave, providing a comfortable and exciting overview.
Keep in mind that the temperature in the caves is stable, and even in the summer months, it can be cool. It is recommended to wear warm clothing.
– Visit to Postojna Cave: Adults 28.50 euros, students aged 16-25 22.80 euros, children aged 6-15 17.10 euros, children under 5 years 1.00 euro.
– Visit to Postojna Cave + Predjama Castle: Adults 40.90 euros, students aged 16-25 32.70 euros, children aged 6-15 24.50 euros, children under 5 years 2.00 euros.
You can purchase tickets both on-site at the ticket office and in advance online.
By car:
– By car, from Ljubljana to Postojna Cave, it’s 50 km on the A1/E70 route, taking approximately 40 minutes. When approaching the cave, there are parking attendants who will guide you to the appropriate parking. The cost is 5 euros, payable at the parking meter, and card payment is accepted.
By train:
– By train, from Ljubljana train station to Postojna station on train LPV 1824, it takes 1.5 hours. Ticket prices: adults – 6.20 euros, children – 3.10 euros, weekend tourist round-trip (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) – 8.60 euros. When you arrive at Postojna station, the cave itself is another 2 km away. You can either walk or take a bus or taxi.
You can also book a tour from Ljubljana. They will pick you up from your hotel and fully organize your excursion. The cost of such a tour already includes entrance tickets to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. It’s safe to book a tour from Ljubljana. here.
We recommend visiting Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle together; it’s truly worth it.
Predjama Castle (Predjamski grad)
This unique castle is located near the village of Predjama, just 10 km from Postojna Cave. The castle’s main feature is its integration into the rock of the cave, giving it an unparalleled appearance and making it one of the most interesting castles in the world. It was constructed in the Middle Ages, with its first known owner dating back to 1274. However, its mostly current appearance, as we see it today, was reconstructed in the 16th century.
The castle is open to tourists, and you can visit various rooms, including armed halls, living quarters, and a bakery.
Visiting the Predjam Castle: adults 17.50 euros, students 16-25 years old 14.00 euros, children 6-15 years old 10.50 euros, children under 5 years old 1.00 euros
Visiting the Postojna Pit + Predjam Castle adults 40.90 EUR, student 16-25 years 32.70 EUR, child 6-15 years 24.50 EUR, child under 5 years 2.00 EUR
You can buy tickets both on the spot at the box office and in advance at site, or you can safely order an excursion from Ljubljana here.
Also, do not miss the small museum located in the building where the cash desk and souvenir shop are located, this museum is included in the price of the ticket.
Another magical place to visit from Ljubljana, it can be visited either separately or together with Postojna Pit and Predjama Castle, as part of a single tour that can be safely booked Online.
Lake Bled (Blejsko jezero)
It is one of the most beautiful natural places in Slovenia, located near the city of Bled. It is located in the Alps, surrounded by mountains and forests. The lake has turquoise water and is located under the cliffs on top of which stands Bled Castle. The view of the lake from the castle tower is one of the most impressive.
In the middle of the lake there is an island that can be reached by boat. The island is home to the Church of St. Martin, known for its Byzantine architecture. There are walking paths around the lake, ideal for leisurely walks.
How to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled:
By car from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is 55 km on the A2/E61 highway, which will take about 40 minutes.
Bus, there are regular bus routes from Ljubljana to Bled. Bus Station Ljubljana (Bus Station Ljubljana) is located near the railway station. The bus ride will take about 1.5 hours.
By train from Ljubljana train station to Bled station on LPV 2402 or LP 4211. The train journey can also take about 1.5 hours. The price of a ticket for an adult is 6.20 euros, a child is 3.10 euros, tourist weekends (weekends and holidays) there and back costs 8.60 euros. When you arrive at the Bled station, you have to walk another 400 meters to the lake itself, and 600 meters to the castle.
You can also order a tour from Ljubljana itself, you will be picked up from the hotel and your tour will be fully organized. It is safe to order an excursion from Ljubljana you can here.
Also, renting a car is a great option for independent travel in Slovenia, especially if you plan to visit different regions and natural attractions such as Lake Bled, mountains, castles and other tourist attractions. Traveling in your own car can be convenient and comfortable, especially if you are traveling with luggage or with your family.
Where and how to find a car rental company.
First of all, we use aggregators to find the best rental offers and book a car in advance via the Internet, it will always be cheaper.
I use these two sites for searching. Detailed instructions on how to rent a car can be found in our article here.
Where to buy a safe tour of Ljubljana
Where to stay
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