We spent two days in Slovenia on our Balkan road trip; starting with a day exploring the country’s capital, Ljubljana. With a population of just 300,000, it’s unlike many capital cities. However, Ljubljana has an pleasant old town which run along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, scattered with parks and squares. All dominated by the medieval castle which sits on a hill overlooking the city.
How to get to Ljubljana
We drove to Ljubljana as part of our Balkan road trip, arriving from Croatia and departing the following morning for Bled. In Slovenia, you need a to purchase a Vignette to drive on the motorway, which costs €16 for a week for a small car. Vignettes can be purchased online. Further details can be found here.
Slovenia is a small country, measuring a maximum of just 100 miles by 150 miles. It neighbours Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, so is well connected to Europe by road and rail. Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport is located 15 miles north of the city. It offers flights to several European destinations, including London, Paris and Frankfurt, plus Dubai.
Getting around Ljubljana
This compact capital is best explored on foot, particularly the old town, with its cobbled streets, squares and bridges. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill to the castle, there is a funicular railway. You could also drive or take the bus, but where’s the fun in that?
Where to stay in Ljubljana
We stayed at Penzion Pod Lipo, which is less than a 10 minute walk from the old town. We chose it because it is as centrally located as you can get, yet still park easily. The property is set over two floors, with the guest rooms on the second floor above a restaurant. It offers free wifi and tea/coffee. It’s a lovely guest house with a very accommodating host.
Ljubljana in 1 Day itinerary
| Day 1 | Drive to Ljubljana Ljubljana Congress Square Park Zvezda (Star Park) Republic Square National and University Library Cathedral of St Nicholas Ljubljana Castle Dragon Bridge Mesarski Most (Butcher’s Bridge) Prešeren Square Triple Bridge Dinner at Druga Violina Accommodation – Penzion Pod Lipo |
Day 1 – Ljubljana
Today, another country, we are going to Ljubljana in Slovenia. Things I know about Ljubljana; it’s the capital of Slovenia.
Drive to Ljubljana
When we reach the Slovenian border, we have to queue for 20 minutes. This came as a surprise, as both countries are in the EU. At least I’m not a lorry driver; the lorry queue snakes for miles down the motorway. Approaching the border by car requires zigzagging round the collection of lorry drivers standing in the road chatting and smoking cigarettes.
In Slovenia, you need a to purchase a vignette to drive on the motorway, which we plan to obtain at the first petrol station. This plan causes the old man significant distress, as not having a vignette carries a fine of up to €800 and in his mind, the whole of the Slovenian police force is lying in wait in the few hundred metres between the border and the petrol station. Luckily, there are vignettes for sale at the border, so the old man can relax.
Note: As of February 2024, physical stickers are no longer sold; only electronic vignettes are available. A vignette costs €16 for a week for a small car. Further details can be found here.
We drive the final 50 miles to Ljubljana, park up and take a walk around the city. It’s not a very big city, so it doesn’t take long. We walk along the river, across various bridges and through various squares. All presided over by Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hillside some 400 metres above the city.
Congress Square
Congress Square sits between the castle and Park Zvedva. It is apparently named in honour of the Congress of the Holy Alliance, convened by Austria, Prussia, Russia and Naples, which took place in Ljubljana in 1821. It was the first of many historic events which took place here, including demonstrations for independence in 1918 and 1988 and speeches by Yugoslav President Tito in 1945 and US President Clinton in 1999.
After periods of being named Revolution Square (during the Communist era) and Liberation Square thereafter, it has subsequently reverted to its original name of Congress Square.
Park Zvedva
Park Zvedva (Star Park) is a tree lined park adjacent to Congress Square. The ideal place to sit and relax for a while.
Republic Square
Republic Square is the city’s largest square. It was here that independence was declared in 1991. It contains some interesting revolutionary sculptures. The National Assembly Building stands on its northern side and Cankar Hall (a convention and cultural centre) sits on the southern side.
National and University Library
The National and University Library was built in the 1930s. Designed by Slovenian architect, Jože Plečnik, it is accessed via an imposing metal door. Enter and you find yourself in darkness, surrounded by black marble. Climb the steps to emerge into ‘the Light of Knowledge‘. It was closed when we visited, so no light of knowledge for us…
Cathedral of St Nicholas
The Cathedral of St Nicholas dates from the 18th century. Two bronze doors were added in 1996 to commemorate a visit by Pope John Paul II. In fact, it has an impressive selection of doors. My favourite is the Ljubljana Door, which depicts six bishops, who appear to be teleporting from an early episode of Dr Who.
Ljubljana Castle
Next, we take the Funicular Railway up to Ljubljana Castle, from where you get a great view of the city. The lower station of the Funicular is located on Krekov Square, opposite the Main Market. It is also possible to walk to the castle via a network of trails.
Much of the castle dates back to the 16th Century, with some more modern additions. You can wander round the grounds for free or pay to enter the castle and climb the 95 steps to the top of the Watchtower.
The castle also houses a Slovenian History Exhibition and a Puppet Museum. Other activities on offer include a Time Machine guided tour and a Castle Escape adventure game.
The castle is open from 9 am until 6 pm (8 pm during the summer). There is a range of ticketing options. For example a package including a return ride on the Funicular plus the Watchtower, a 4D movie, the Slovenian History Exhibition and Puppet Museum costs €19 (€17.10 online).
Dragon Bridge
We descend from the castle to visit the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge. The Art Nouveau style bridge is guarded by four dragon statues, which sit on stone plinths either side of the bridge.
Mesarski Most
Mesarski Most (Butcher’s Bridge) is a modern bridge. It has some sculptures and an impressive selection of padlocks.
Prešeren Square
Prešeren Square is the city’s main square. The square is surrounded by beautiful old buildings. In the centre is the Prešeren Monument, dedicated to Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Prešeren, who stands beneath a lady holding a branch, presumably for some important symbolic reason.
Triple Bridge
The Triple Bridge is another structure designed by Jože Plečnik. He introduced two pedestrian side bridges to the original 19th Century bridge and furnished all three with fancy stone balustrades.
Stairways on each of the side bridges lead down to terraced pathways along the Ljubljanica River.
Dinner at Druga Violina
In the evening, we go to Druga Violina for dinner. Three good things about Druga Violina; (1) the food is excellent, (2) it’s a social enterprise providing employment for people with disabilities, so you can bask in the warm, fuzzy glow that your custom is helping a good cause and (3) allergens are marked on the menu.
Accommodation – Penzion Pod Lipo
Time to check into tonight’s accommodation, Penzion Pod Lipo, which is situated around 500 metres south west of Congress Square. First impressions are good. There are plates of cookies and sweets in reception. The old man abandons me to work his way through the food on offer. The receptionist proceeds to produce apple and pear brandy. I check in and head for our room (which is clean and comfortable). When the old man finally reappears, he’s somewhat the worse for wear.
We’ve enjoyed our day in Ljubljana, it’s an intimate little capital. Tomorrow, we move on to see Slovenia’s top tourist attraction – Lake Bled.
- Trip taken: September 2018
- Updated: November 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For guides to more destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full list of Independent Travel Itineraries here.
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