Have you ever fallen madly in love with a place and felt at home there instantaneously? Good, then youâve already been to Ljubljana.
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By
Ivana Bole
Published: 13/04/2021
Updated: 12/04/2022
Have you ever fallen madly in love with a place and felt at home there instantaneously? Good, then youâve already been to Ljubljana. If not, then feel free to turn that question into a premonition. Whether youâre in Ljubljana for a short city break, an extended holiday in Slovenia, or are looking for things to do in and around our stunning capital, this city simply possesses a special kind of magic, and the top attractions in Ljubljana are its Cupidâs arrow(s).
Ljubljanica River and Ljubljana
The first thing you notice as you explore the cobblestone streets in the greenest capitalâs traffic-free centre is the casual fusion of modern meets old. Itâs been an important crossroads in this part of Europe since it was called Emona during the Roman occupation, and time has only made it prettier. The second thing you notice isâŚ
Ljubljana Castle
A short hike or funicular ride up the Castle Hill is the number one place to go in Ljubljana. The Ljubljana Castle has been overlooking the capital for centuries. It houses a museum with an overview of the buildingâs history, including a quick-and-dirty virtual castle recap, and often an interesting exhibition or two. The views from this popular wedding venue are spectacular. From the castleâs tower you can get a superb 360â° panoramic display of Ljubljana and its surroundings. Thereâs even an escape room up there and a lovely restaurant, while festivals and an outdoor cinema are organized during the summer.
Ljubljana castle over the city
Ljubljanica River
Besides the obligatory stroll and people-watching from the cafes that line its banks, a boat tour down the Ljubljanica River is a great way to see Ljubljana from a different angle. You can spend some time around Ĺ pica (trans. The Point), a gathering point with a cafĂŠ, where you can learn more about the spirit of the river, admire the local wildlife (nutrias, swans, ducks, cranes, etc.) or just sit under the weeping willows at PleÄnikâs terraced embankment and relax. Legend has it, Jason and the Argonauts cruised down the Ljubljanica, and now you can do the same in a kayak or on a SUP board. Really unique ways of sightseeing, by the way.
SUP trip on Ljubljanica River
PreĹĄeren Square
Sloveniaâs most famous romantic poet was France PreĹĄeren. Weâve even borrowed one of his poems to sing as our national anthem. Itâs no wonder then that one of Ljubljanaâs top sights, the cityâs main square, is named after him. Unveiled in 1905 and standing proud in PreĹĄeren Square, the statue of the great poet faces a window of his unrequited love, Julia, and is basically Ljubljanaâs version of Piccadilly Circus. You can sit under the statue and observe life, admire the impressive âpinkâ Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, or glance over to the river and the next thing to visit in LjubljanaâŚ
PreĹĄeren Square at night
Triple Bridge
The central bridge was built in 1842, with inscription dedicated to Archduke Franz Karl, while the other two smaller bridges were added by famous architect JoĹže PleÄnik in 1932. PleÄnik removed the metal railing from the main bridge and embellished the Triple Bridge with huge stone balustrades and peculiar-shaped lamps. Today, the Triple Bridge is still the main connecting bridge between the old and modern sides of Ljubljana. And speaking of bridgesâŚ
Triple Bridge
Dragon Bridge
The Ljubljanica River is crisscrossed with numerous road and foot bridges, but the most popular one is undeniably the Dragon Bridge. Built in 1901, this symbol of the city is a must visit Ljubljana attraction. Tourists and locals alike love making selfies in front of the four sheet-copper statues that guard the bridge. One legend says that Jason, the ancient Greek mythological hero, founded the city of Ljubljana by slaying a dragon. The second legend claims that the four dragons wag their tails every time a virgin passes by.
Ljubljana dragon on the Dragon Bridge
Central Market
Staying by the Ljubljanica River, another incredible design by JoĹže PleÄnik that you simply must visit in Ljubljana is the Central Market. Built in 1939, the market consists of three parts: the covered area supported by pillars that houses butchers and sellers of traditional Slovenian products, such as cheese, pumpkin oil, bread, etc, the open market with tons of local produce, and the fish market on the riverbank. If you happen to be visiting from the US or Australia, make sure you check out the raw milk machine â itâs quite legal here in Slovenia.
Central Market Ljubljana
Town Hall
Built in the 15th century, this lovely building is the seat of the Municipality of Ljubljana, and it's doors are open to the public. Town Hall features four exhibition spaces: the Glass Atrium, the Historical Atrium, and the Central and Right Atriums. Interesting exhibitions are constantly on display. The façade reflects Venetian style architecture, while the vestibule has a late Gothic plaque with a coat of arms dating back to the 17th century. In the Town Hall's arched courtyard stands Francesco Robba's Narcissus Fountain (Narcisov vodnjak) and another fountain, the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers, is in front of Hall. This place is also a traditional wedding venue.
Robba Fountain
The Old Town
Stroll and (window) shop in the Old Town. Itâs definitely the place to go in Ljubljana. You can buy traditional products (honey & beekeeping, sea salt â Piran fleur de sal with an over 700-year tradition, Idrija lace, RogaĹĄka crystal, artwork, etc.). Try some authentic potica pastry at Le Potica boutique. Visit the 3muhe shop to support a good cause and in case you get hungry, you are on a strip with some fantastic restaurants and cafes. Whether down by the riverside or walking along the adjacent promenade, youâll get plenty of opportunities to try something new. And the architecture is beyond picturesque!
Old town Ljubljana
Tivoli Park
Among Ljubljanaâs top attractions is Tivoli Park. Its gorgeous green surfaces with tall, ancient trees, fountains, a rollerblade park, a sports hall and numerous hidden corners make for an excellent breather. You can have a drink at the Äolnarna cafĂŠ or in front of Tivoli castle, which is also the International Centre of Graphic Arts. The main promenade leading up to this manor features an ever-changing photography exhibition. This spacious park is minutesâ walk past the Opera House and the National Gallery. Once there, you can also venture up RoĹžnik Hill with the 16th century Church of the Visitation.
Tivoli Park Ljubljana
Ljubljana Zoo
Spread out under the RoĹžnik Hill is the lovely Ljubljana Zoo. You can take a bus there or go for a half-an-hour-walk. Yes, everything is close in Ljubljana. The Zooâs location is phenomenal. There are hundreds of interesting animals to observe, a petting zoo, playgrounds for children, and a restaurant with refreshments in the middle of it all.
PleÄnik House
Admire the life and work of the most famous Slovene architect, JoĹže PleÄnik. He left a prominent mark on Ljubljanaâs cityscape and those of other Slovenian towns as well as foreign capitals like Prague and Vienna. A permanent exhibition is housed with numerous sketches, plans, models and photographs of famous creations are on display, like the National and University Library, the Triple Bridge, Cobblerâs Bridge, the Ljubljana Central Market, and the Church of St Michael in the Marshes.
Author: Andrej Peunik
Metelkova
Ljubljanaâs centre for alternative culture and the arts, Metelkova is a quirky place everyone can enjoy. There are fascinating graffiti and art to enjoy by day, as well as lots of happenings, especially in warmer months, and when night falls, Metelkova becomes the concert hub of our capital. For some musical entertainment, the places to go in Ljubljana are also the Opera House, Cankarjev dom, KriĹžanke, Kino Ĺ iĹĄka or Slovenian Philharmonic.
Museums and other cultural institutions
The largest museums in Ljubljana include the National Museum of Slovenia, the Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia, the City Museum, and other specialised museums (ethnographic, technical, natural science). The National Gallery is where youâll find a huge collection of artworks by renowned local and foreign artists.
Ljubljana National Museum
Ljubljana Cathedral of St Nicholas
Impressive on the outside as within, the Ljubljana Cathedral has beautiful baroque frescoes, organs, statues and paintings. Itâs recommended to visit the church when there are no religious services taking place.
NebotiÄnik
When it was built back in 1933, NebotiÄnik, the literal translation of which is âskyscraperâ, was the tallest building in Central Europe. Take the elevator to its classy terrace and enjoy a fantastic view of Ljubljana. Thereâs also a nightclub up there with thematic events throughout the year.
Botanical Gardens
Located close to Ĺ pica, Ljubljanaâs Botanical Gardens are nice for a stroll. They have an open traditional beehive where you can see how the bees go about their daily lives behind a plexiglass screen. Thereâs also a lovely cafĂŠ and a greenhouse with various tropical plants.
Ĺ marna gora
If you want a proper hike, Slovenians will tell you that Ĺ marna gora or Mount St. Mary is a piece of cake but if you are unused to walking up steep hills, then maybe give it a miss. Besides wonderful views of the whole Ljubljana Basin and the Alps, there is a great traditional restaurant there, where you can replace all the calories youâd lost on the way.
Ĺ marna gora
And remember, thanks to its central location, Ljubljana is a great starting point for exploring the rest of Slovenia.
A passionate ambassador of Slovenia, who loves the outdoors, culture and travel. Her insatious curiosity equips her with all sorts of trivia and she loves to share local legends and stories. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make your trip to Slovenia a really special one.
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