16 Awesome Things to Do in Ljubljana for First-Timers

16 Best Things to Do in Ljubljana

1. Check Out the View from Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hilltop and overlooking the beautiful old town of Ljubljana, is probably one of the most popular tourist attractions here and one you should not miss.

Constructed in the 11th Century, Ljubljana Castle was used as a fortress by the ruler of the Carantania region, which is now present-day Slovenia, before the Habsburgs took over, expanded it, and used it as a luxury residence.

In the 19th Century, the castle fell into disrepair as it was used as a military barrack. However, it was later converted into a museum and has been open to the public to this day.

Due to its location on top of a cliff, the castle offers us travelers an excellent view over Ljubljana's old town as well as the surrounding city and landscape. You can even see the Julian Alps and all their snowy peaks from here.

Inside the castle, you will find a few museums, as well as restaurants and cafes for you to indulge yourself in. Even if you don't want to eat anything, the view from the castle wall is worth the entrance fee, in my opinion.

There are 3 ways you can get up to Ljubljana Castle. First, you can drive up with a car and park in the parking lot behind the castle. Secondly, you can hike up from Študentovska Pot, and it will take you up to the castle in just a few minutes.

You can also go up Castle Hill with a funicular, which will take you up there in 5 minutes. The roundtrip ticket, which includes the entrance fee to the castle, should cost about 16 EUR. Without the funicular, the entrance ticket to Ljubljana Castle will be 13 EUR per person.

If the weather is good that day, make sure you get to the top by sunset for an incredible golden hour. The funicular operates between 10 AM and 8 PM every day, while the castle opens from 10 AM to 7 PM every day. Definitely one of the best things to do in Ljubljana.

2. Be Amazed at Ljubljana Cathedral

Ljubljana Cathedral is one of the most well-known landmarks in the city, thanks to its beautiful blue-colored dome and twin towers. It stands right in the middle of Ljubljana's Town Square.

This Roman Catholic cathedral was built in the 18th century in a beautiful Baroque architectural style. The interior is decorated with Baroque decor, frescoes, statues, and gilded pulpits that will blow your mind away.

The cathedral door itself is a work of art, and it will either blow you away or scare the bejesus out of you. It certainly did for me when I walked past it at night!

Like most churches and cathedrals here, Ljubljana Cathedral is typically open to the public only from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 6 PM every day except Sundays when it opens only from 1 PM to 4 PM. Mass services are performed outside of these hours, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

3. Hang out in the Town Square

Ljubljana's Town Square is a major meeting point in Ljubljana, where you will see the highest concentration of people, as well as the colorful architecture that has made Ljubljana so charming.

The town square is constructed as a curved plaza surrounded by a centuries-old town hall, Baroque-style buildings, and a beautiful fountain built in the 17th century.

At the plaza, you will find tons of restaurants, cafes, and shops for you to indulge yourself in. I often go and sit at the fountain every evening and people-watch.

The town square connects all the tourist attractions in Ljubljana together, and it is impossible to miss it as you explore the beautiful streets of Ljubljana. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Ljubljana, and if you are looking for a nice place to sit, relax, and enjoy people-watching, Ljubljana's town square is the way to go.

4. Check out the architecture at Prešeren Square

Prešeren Square is another square located not too far from the Town Square. But this time, the plaza is circular and surrounded by some of the most stunning pieces of architecture in Ljubljana, such as the pink-colored Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, Prešeren Monument, and more.

To get to Prešeren Square from the Old Town, you will also have to cross the Triple Bridge, a 19th-century bridge adjacent to two modern bridges, which is something you don't see every day. Hence the name Triple Bridge.

The bridge connects the Old Town and the new part of the city together, and along both sides of the river, you will find plenty of awesome riverside restaurants and bars you can enjoy. If you are not sure where to go out for the night, Prešeren Square and the riverside street are great places to start.

5. Walk Across Dragon Bridge

One of the most popular bridges that every traveler has to see in Ljubljana is the Dragon Bridge, a beautiful concrete bridge adorned with iconic dragon statues straight out of a fairy tale on both ends.

The bridge was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century when Ljubljana was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it was designed in this beautiful Vienna Secession style.

Currently, the road is still used for motorized traffic, so you won't be able to just stroll around like the other bridges in Ljubljana. That said, the dragon statues are on both sides of the road on both ends, so you should be pretty safe taking photos of them. Be sure to check out the Dragon Bridge at night for an extra immersive experience 😉.

6. Shop for Souvenirs at Central Market

Not too far from the Dragon bridge, you will find the Central Market, a lively market where you can find all kinds of products, from fresh fruits to handmade souvenirs. You will also find small stalls selling street foods, coffees, and many outdoor seating areas to relax in on a sunny day.

The market is typically open from 7 AM to 4 PM every day except Sunday, and if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or if you just want to go people-watching, the Central Market is the place to be.

7. Stroll Along the Ljubljanica River at Night

If you think Ljubljana is pretty and romantic during the day, try seeing it at night when the people come out in droves and enjoy themselves in restaurants and bars along the lighted-up streets on both sides of the Ljubljanica River.

In the summer, you may also encounter a group of street performers or student bands performing on one of the many river-crossing bridges, playing their accordions and violins while the locals as well as tourists join hands and dance the night away.

That's exactly what I encountered when I randomly strolled around Ljubljana's Old Town one evening in July. It was such a memorable experience, and it really made my time in Ljubljana stand out from other places I visited in Europe.

There are also many restaurants and bars on both sides of the river where you can indulge yourself. Trust me, Ljubljana at night is like a whole different city, and the nightlife here is definitely not to be missed.

8. Walk Around Congress Square

Yes, I know! There are so many beautiful squares in Ljubljana, it is hard to pick just one. Congress Square is another incredibly beautiful square that is even more spacious than the other two squares I mentioned here. It is surrounded by even more beautiful buildings, and best of all, you have an unobstructed view of Ljubljana Castle and Castle Hill from here.

The square is named after the Congress of Ljubljana, which was held there in 1821 and marked the beginning of the process of modern nation-building in Slovenia.

The square is home to some of the prettiest buildings in the city such as the Slovenian Philharmonic Building, the University of Ljubljana, and the Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity.

Due to its spacious area, you will often find events and concerts being held in the square, especially in the summer. So, if you are there during the summer months, be sure to drop by the square and see what's happening.

9. Visit the National Gallery

If you are into beautiful historical art, The National Gallery in Ljubljana has one of the largest art collections in the region that dates all the way back to the 12th Century.

The museum collection comprises nearly 600 works by Slovenian and European artists, tons of religious artworks, and one of the largest pieces of Baroque art in Ljubljana: the Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers by Francesco Robba.

It is one of the best art galleries in this region, and you will be amazed at how many artworks the country has accumulated over the years, despite its small size. The museum opens from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, except Monday, and the entrance fee is 10 EUR per person.

10. Check Out the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is another cool museum to visit if you are interested in the natural and archaeological history of Ljubljana and the country as a whole. Both museums are inside this stunning historic building with a beautiful stairway that rivals those you see in Vienna and Stockholm.

Inside the museum, you will find a vast collection of various natural artifacts discovered by Slovenian explorers and scientists, as well as an almost complete skeleton of a mammoth and a whale.

You will also get to learn the history of Slovenia, how it was influenced by the Romans back in the day, and even a room dedicated to Egyptian artifacts that were discovered by a Slovenian explorer when the country was part of the Austria-Hungary Empire.

You can easily spend 3 hours here at the Natural Museum alone, so if you are looking for a place to kill some time, be sure to check out the Natural Museum. The place is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 3 EUR per person.

11. Discover Communist-era buildings at the Republic Square

Republic Square is a massive plaza built during the communist era of Slovenia when it was part of Yugoslavia, up until 1991 when the country broke away from the socialist state of Yugoslavia.

The plaza was built to showcase the unique aesthetic of that era of Slovenia, which often involves brutalist buildings and monuments that stand out from the rest of Ljubljana.

I love discovering these concrete utopia buildings in Eastern Europe, and there are tons of them at the Republic Square, from the intimidating entrance of the National Assembly Building to the futuristic triangular towers of the TR3 and Ljubljanska Banka buildings.

The entire plaza is an amazing time capsule of what the country went through during the 90s, and I think it is important to be aware of that fact when visiting a country like Slovenia. If you enjoy brutalist buildings as much as I do, do not forget to drop by the Republic Square while you are in Ljubljana.

12. Be Blown Away by the interior of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church

I accidentally discovered Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church on a rainy day when I was just looking for a place to wait out the rain before visiting Tivoli Park. When I got inside the church, I was completely blown away by the sheer beauty of this Orthodox artwork inside.

Every single inch of the interior of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church is entirely covered in intricate and colorful murals, which depict the stories of the Bible from top to bottom.

I was so impressed by the interior of this church that I dare say, despite its smaller size, it is even prettier than any of the other churches and cathedrals in Ljubljana.

If you are heading to Tivoli Park, make sure to stop by the church on your way there. The church opens from 8 AM to 7 PM every day, and it is free to enter and take photos.

13. Stroll Around Tivoli Park

Located on the outskirts of the Old Town, Tivoli Park is the largest park in the city, covering an area of almost 300 hectares. The park consists of beautiful gardens, a ton of greenery with many shaded areas, as well as a beautiful Tivoli Castle on a hilltop overlooking it all.

You will find plenty of walking paths and bike paths in the park, which are perfect for those who are looking to escape from the bustling city life and be among nature.

There are many benches and shaded areas, as well as all kinds of plants and trees, for you to discover here. Even if you are not so interested in gardens and parks, the Tivoli Castle and the cafe inside offer a great vantage point over the park and the city, which makes it worth a visit all in itself.

If you want to rent a bike to explore Tivoli Park, you can get one from here. It's easy with a few taps on a dedicated app, and you are all set. The park is open 24/7 every day.

14. Explore Metelkova Art Center

Metelkova Art Center is the bohemian and hip part of the city, featuring all kinds of cool things to do, such as underground events, music, and theaters, as well as bars and clubs, making it one of the best places to be for nightlife.

You won't find upscale places here. Just places with raw energy and creative spaces where anyone can be whoever they want to be. Even during the day, you will find people jamming in the pub, kids running around in the makeshift playgrounds, and tourists being amazed by all the street art here.

With beautiful street art and art installations covered from one end to another, there are tons of photo opportunities here as well. That said, there are actually people living at the art center, so be sure you respect their privacy while you are there.

All in all, if you like exploring alternative cultures and opening up your mind to the creative scene that Ljubljana has to offer, you are going to love the Metelkova Art Center. You can visit the art center all day, but I would recommend visiting later at night if you want to explore the nightlife scene here.

15. Spend a Day at Lake Bled

Last but not least, if you have a day to spare, you can also go on a day trip and visit Lake Bled, one of the most beautiful natural spots in the country. The lake is located approximately 60 km north of Ljubljana, and it should take about 1 hour one way to get there.

There are a ton of things to do in Lake Bled, from visiting the picturesque Bled Castle to hiking to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint for a stunning view over the entire lake. You can even spend overnight here, which I think is preferable, as there are way too many things to do here for one day.

From Ljubljana, you can either take the bus which runs multiple times daily, or rent a car and drive there. You can find the bus schedule from Ljubljana to Bled here.

You can also visit Lake Bled, as well as other tourist attractions around Ljubljana like Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, all in one day with an organized tour, which is perfect for those who do not have a lot of time but want to see all the highlights of Slovenia in one go. Alternatively, you can dedicate an entire day to just Lake Bled with this organized tour.

16. Go on a Day Trip to Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle

If you have an extra day to spare in Ljubljana, I highly recommend going on an organized tour to explore the tourist attractions outside of the city. Unfortunately, places like Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are not as easy to visit with public transportation, so an organized tour is the best way to see them in a day.

I highly recommend the "Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle" tour, which will take you to both places on a 6-hour day trip and allow you to learn more about the cave system and the medieval castles around Ljubljana. The tour includes the entrance fee, transportation, and an audio guide for both places.

Further Reading for Central Europe

I hope you found this Slovenia travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Slovenia and Central Europe, here are a selection of articles you might like:

• Bratislava is one of the most off-the-beaten-path capital cities to visit in Europe. It's way less crowded, small, and very charming, yet it has a lot to offer. Here are the 15 best things to do in Bratislava.
• Kosice is the second largest city in Slovakia, and it is probably one of the country's best-kept secrets. The city is much more peaceful and laid-back than the capital. The creative scene is flourishing, and it has a lot to offer for those who are looking to get off the beaten path. Here are the "13 Best Things To Do In Kosice" that you can check out on our website: 13 Best Things To Do In Kosice.
• Planning to visit Slovenia soon? Check out: 7-Day Backpacking Slovenia Itinerary.
• Lake Bled is definitely the highlight of visiting Slovenia, and with so many cool things to do, both outdoors and indoors, you are going to need this guide: 10 best things to do in Lake Bled.
• Everybody raves about Budapest, and for good reasons. The city is vibrant, affordable, and offers a ton of things to do, from its rich history to all the awesome nightlife spots that rival those in Berlin. If you are planning to go there, here is a complete travel guide to backpacking Budapest.
• Poland is also a great country to visit while you are exploring Eastern Europe. If you are heading north, be sure to check out our 2-week backpacking itinerary for Poland.
• Are you traveling to Slovenia as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
• Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe can be extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
• Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Slovenia, visit the Slovenia Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Central Europe Travel Guide, Eastern Europe Travel Guide, or The Balkans Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.