I first fell in love with Ljubljana around 25 years ago – how could you not fall in love with a city whose name just happens to be formed partly from the Slovenian word for love?
With a wonderfully atmospheric old town lorded over by an imposing hilltop castle and carved in half by the lazy artery of the River Ljubljanica, the Slovenian capital is packed with museums, wonderful architecture, green spaces, and some fantastic places to eat and drink.
It’s one of the most therapeutic places I know, and I’ve been coming back ever since. Here’s what you need to know to plan a perfect weekend break in Ljubljana.
When to Arrive
If you can, visit for a long weekend, arriving on Thursday night so that you have a full day in Ljubljana on Friday.
Getting to Ljubljana from the Airport
There’s a frequent bus service between the airport and the bus station and train station in the city center; tickets cost €3.70 and the journey time is 30 to 50 minutes. Take bus number 28 and buy tickets on board. On timetables, the airport is listed as Brnik Airport Ljubljana. Alternatively, GoOpti runs an efficient shared minivan shuttle service, with fares from €14.
Getting Around Ljubljana
Much of the old town is pedestrianized so the best way to get around is on foot. There’s also an excellent bike hire scheme and a local bus network, handy for getting to places beyond the city center.
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
There are some great places to stay in the heart of the city, from funky, budget-friendly options to cool design hotels and luxurious accommodations.
What to Pack
Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the city on foot. Expect temperatures to reach 27°C or higher in the summer months. Pack swimwear if you fancy trying a stand-up paddleboarding tour along the Ljubljanica River.
Travel Tip
Book accommodation well in advance and consider getting a Ljubljana Card for access to free public transport, tours, and admission to many attractions.
Friday: A Day of Exploration
Use Friday to tick off some of the top sights before things get busy at the weekend.
Breakfast
Before you start to explore Ljubljana, stop for breakfast at cozy cafés or grab a quick coffee to go at local coffee roasters.
How to Spend the Day
Explore Ljubljana’s atmospheric old town on foot, starting on Prešerenov trg. Check out the handsome Art Nouveau architecture along Miklošičeva cesta, and admire the colorful buildings of Mestni trg (the main town square) and Stari trg (the old market square) with its 19th-century wooden shopfronts. Next, drop into the baroque Cathedral of St Nicholas and wander along the promenades on both banks of the Ljubljanica River.
For lunch, consider sampling some local cuisine; various food stands may offer enticing options along the river.
After eating your fill, head up to Ljubljana’s most prominent landmark, the castle, which has been here in one form or another since at least the 13th century.
Dinner
A great spot for dinner is a restaurant that focuses on globally inspired street food plates paired with exceptional Slovenian wines. Always make a reservation in advance.
After Dark
If you fancy trying more of Slovenia’s excellent wines, a wine bar with a tapas-inspired menu is a perfect choice. Alternatively, enjoy cocktails at a landmark bar known for its extensive mixology offerings.
Saturday: Culture, Dining, and Nightlife
Use day two for engaging in cultural experiences, savoring delicious meals, and exploring nightlife.
Breakfast
Start your Saturday with breakfast at a popular café located in a bustling cultural center.
How to Spend the Day
Visit museums like the Moderna galerija for Slovenia’s greatest collection of 20th-century art, the Cukrarna Gallery, and Plečnik House. If time permits, check out the Ethnographic Museum or a charming photography gallery.
Dinner
For dinner, consider heading to a low-key restaurant to enjoy traditional Slovenian cuisine that offers a warm welcome.
After Dark
Explore Ljubljana’s vibrant nightlife scene at one of the many bars and clubs in the city’s arts district.
Sunday: A Relaxed Exploration
Use day three to explore at a more leisurely pace.
Morning
Start your day with breakfast or brunch at a café offering a delightful range of options.
How to Spend the Day
Take a leisurely stroll to Park Tivoli, a beautiful green space in the city center, or use a bike share scheme to explore the riverbanks further.
To enjoy the river from a different perspective, consider joining a stand-up paddleboarding tour.
Enjoy a late lunch at a restaurant known for its reimagined traditional dishes made with plant-based ingredients.
A weekend in Ljubljana, even a long weekend, can pass all too quickly. Keep in mind that Slovenia’s vibrant, beautiful, and lovable capital is also a great springboard for visits to other attractions in Slovenia.
This article was first published on December 4, 2019, and updated on August 9, 2024.
