Capital city Ljubljana
In the heart of Slovenia lies its capital: Ljubljana. A charming city with a relaxed atmosphere. What can you do in Ljubljana? Discover the laid-back capital of Slovenia with our tips!
the compact capital
Ljubljana is a capital city, but don’t expect a sprawling metropolis. Thanks to its compact size, you can explore it easily in one or two days. The ambiance in Ljubljana is relaxed. The traffic-free centre is atmospheric and offers a mix of beautiful architecture, great places to eat and drink, and lovely little shops.
architectural gems
Wandering through Ljubljana’s centre, you’ll come across some striking historic buildings and structures. Which sights should you definitely see in the city centre? We’ve listed them for you.
Tromostovje bridges
The Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) forms the heart of Ljubljana’s old town. Right on the square, you’ll find the three best-known bridges in Slovenia. The three Tromostovje bridges are unique mainly because they sit right next to each other. Alongside the original 19th-century bridge, two more were built in the 20th century. This trio links the north and west of Ljubljana which, separated by the ‘Ljubljanica River’, connects to the southeast of the centre. You’ll pass these bridges whatever you do when visiting Ljubljana’s centre. Fun to see, but certainly not a world wonder.
Ljubljana Castle
There’s a hill in the middle of the city. And while that’s unusual enough, the castle perched on top is even more so. From the hill, you get stunning panoramic views across the city. But the castle itself is definitely worth the climb as well.
Dragon Bridge
Slovenia has a thing for dragons. That’s why you’ll also find the Dragon Bridge in the centre of Ljubljana. This art nouveau bridge from 1900 features impressive dragon statues at the entrance.
The story of the Dragon Bridge
An old myth tells that the Greek hero Jason was the founder of Ljubljana. And he’s said to have even slain a dragon there. That’s why there are four dragon statues on the corners of the bridge. Now, brace yourself for the most intriguing part: there’s a rumour that every time a maiden crosses the bridge, the dragons excitedly wag their tails. Do you believe it? Take a walk and see for yourself!
food & drink in Ljubljana
From traditional Slovenian treats like Kranjska klobasa and Potica to a wide range of international cuisine, Ljubljana has something for everyone. The local wine bars are the perfect place to get to know Slovenian wines.
shopping in the city
The Central Market of Ljubljana is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find a variety of local products, from fresh food to handmade souvenirs. The city centre is mainly filled with small independent shops, from local chocolate to fashion boutiques and fun souvenir stores.
Right in the city centre you’ll also find a genuine department store: Galerija Emporium. The building and its interior ooze the grandeur of a 1960s department store. Don’t expect a Harrods (translator’s note: “Bijenkorf” is a Dutch department store brand); inside, you’ll mostly find branded fashion, and the building alone makes it worth popping in.
BTC City
You won’t find the big chain stores in Ljubljana’s centre. For a proper shopping spree, there are several malls at the edge of town. The largest is BTC City. Here you’ll find popular clothes shops, as well as IKEA, DIY stores, and the electronics chain Big Bang. Click here for tips on shopping in Ljubljana.
activities and sights in Ljubljana
There’s plenty to do in Ljubljana. We’ve put together an overview of the best attractions in Ljubljana. Here are a few fun outings:
the green Tivoli Park
Within walking distance of the centre, you’ll find Ljubljana’s largest park. On warm days, it’s a wonderful place to cool down under the trees—and the ideal spot for a picnic. Part of Tivoli is a formal garden with hedges and fountains, but in the five square kilometre park, you’ll find peace, nature, and it’s even home to Ljubljana Zoo.
Ljubljana Zoo
In Tivoli Park you’ll also find Ljubljana Zoo. Like the city itself, the zoo is compact: lots of animals without needing to walk miles. Bears, elephants, and monkeys—they’ll greet you in this very reasonably priced zoo!
public transport in Ljubljana.
The centre of Ljubljana isn’t huge, so you can easily explore it on foot. If your hotel or flat isn’t central, there are plenty of options such as hire bikes and electric scooters to take you right up to the edge of the centre. You can also use public transport: buses will whisk you from the city centre to shopping malls or any other part of town you want to explore.
Ljubljana has its own travel card: the Urbana card. With this ‘prepaid card’, you can easily travel from one side of the city to the other. You buy and top up this card at a machine. If you’re travelling with a group, let the driver know, and you can all use one card for public transport. So handy!
heading to Ljubljana?
Don’t expect a huge metropolis. Expect a lovely relaxed city with plenty to discover. Come and experience the mix of culture, history, and modern amenities in this Slovenian capital for yourself.
