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. Here is my pick of the top 10 things to do on a visit to Ljubljana.
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 a few European destinations, including London, Paris and Frankfurt, plus Dubai.
Getting around Ljubljana
This compact capital with a population of less than 300,000 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.
First impressions were good. There were plates of cookies and sweets in reception. The old man abandoned me to work his way through the food on offer. The receptionist proceeded to produce apple and pear brandy. I checked in and headed for our room (which was clean and comfortable). When the old man finally reappeared, he was somewhat the worse for wear. A lovely guest house with a very accommodating host!
Ljubljana: Top 10 Things to do
| 1 | Get your bearings in Congress Square |
| 2 | Relax in Park Zvedva |
| 3 | Wander round Republic Square |
| 4 | Take a peek inside the National and University Library |
| 5 | Visit the Cathedral of St Nicholas |
| 6 | Take the Funicular to Ljubljana Castle |
| 7 | See the iconic Dragon Bridge |
| 8 | Stroll across Mesarski Most |
| 9 | Relax in Prešeren Square |
| 10 | Cross the Triple Bridge |
No 1 – Get your bearings in 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.
The square is presided over by Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hillside some 400 metres above the city. In between is the Ljubljanica River.
No 2 – Relax in 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.
No 3 – Wander round 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.
No 4 – Take a peek inside the 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…
No 5 – Visit the 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.
No 6 – Take the Funicular to Ljubljana Castle
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).
No 7 – See the iconic Dragon Bridge
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.
No 8 – Stroll across Mesarski Most
Mesarski Most (Butcher’s Bridge) is a modern bridge. It has some sculptures and an impressive selection of padlocks.
No 9 – Relax in 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.
No 10 – Cross the 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.
- Trip taken: September 2018
- Updated: November 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For more top picks from other destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full Top 10 Things To Do list here.
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