All citiesLjubljana Things to do and walking itinerary
Slovenia Ljubljana travel guide
30 things to do in Ljubljana, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Ljubljana
- Ljubljana Castle — castle in Slovenia (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Ljubljana Cathedral — cathedral (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Dragon Bridge — arch bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Gallery of Slovenia — art museum in Ljubljana (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Emona — ancient city in Roman Italia, now Ljubljana (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Prešeren Square — central square in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Museum of Slovenia — Slovenian museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Ljubljana Zoo — zoo in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Arch. Plečnik's Marketplace — marketplace at Ljubljana (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Tivoli City Park — park in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Ljubljana Botanical Garden — botanical garden in Slovenia (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Congress Square — square in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Opera Ljubljana — theatre in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Museum of Modern Art — art gallery in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church — Eastern Orthodox church in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Ljubljana Mosque — mosque in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Republic Square, Ljubljana — the square between the Parliament and the Cankar Cultural Centre in Ljubljana; the venue of nationally important events; formerly called Revolution Square (visit ≈ 15 min)
- St. James' Church — church in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Robba Fountain — Baroque fountain from the 18th century at Town Square in Ljubljana (Slovenia); replica, the original is kept in the National Gallery (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Assembly Building — modernist palace at Republic Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia (1959) (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Path of Remembrance and Comradeship — memorial walkway in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity — church building in Ljubljana City Municipality, Slovenia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Navje — memorial park in Slovenia (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Slovenian Computer History Museum — museum in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- International Centre of Graphic Arts — museum in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- City Museum of Ljubljana — museum in Slovenia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St. Peter's Parish Church — Roman Catholic church in Ljubljana, Slovenia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Joseph's Church — church building in Ljubljana City Municipality, Slovenia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Argentina Park — park in Ljubljana (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Vodnik Square — town square in Ljubljana with the central Ljubljana market (visit ≈ 15 min)
2-day Ljubljana walking itinerary
Starting point: Old Town (Stari trg). The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 3.1 km · 4,230 steps · 43 min on the way): Ljubljana Castle → Ljubljana Cathedral → Dragon Bridge → Prešeren Square → National Gallery of Slovenia → National Museum of Slovenia
- Day 2 (≈ 7.2 km · 9,750 steps · 1 h 37 min on the way): Ljubljana Zoo → Emona
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Ljubljana
- Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova — Museum in a restored barracks building focused on Eastern European and post-Yugoslav contemporary art. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Where to stay in Ljubljana
- Old Town (Stari trg): Historic streets on the river below the castle.
- Prešeren Square / Centre: Triple Bridge and all sights within walking distance.
- Metelkova: Alternative culture centre; nightlife and hostels.
- Station Area: Train and bus station; airport buses leave here.
- Trnovo / Krakovo: Quiet area with garden plots and canal-side paths.
Getting from the airport to Ljubljana
- Ljubljana Jože Pučnik (LJU): Bus or shuttle ≈ 30-45 min
Getting around
The centre is car-free and walkable; a funicular goes up to the castle. Buses use the Urbana card, and BicikeLJ bikes are available.
Classic places to eat
- Gostilna Sokol: Traditional Slovenian dishes; Carniolan sausage.
- Gostilna Šestica: Open since 1776; homestyle Slovenian cooking.
- Osrednja tržnica: Central Market; Open Kitchen street food on Fridays.
- Klobasarna: Tiny shop for Carniolan sausage.
- Cacao: Ice cream and cakes by the river.
- Kavarna Zvezda: Cakes and cream slice on Kongresni trg.
- Hot Horse: Famous horse-meat burger in Tivoli Park.
- Pivnica Union: The Union brewery's own beer hall.
Romantic views
- Ljubljana Castle (Sunset): The castle hill looks over red rooftops towards the Alps.
- Butchers' Bridge (Evening): Couples hang padlocks on this bridge lined with riverside cafés.
- Triple Bridge (Evening): The bridges over the Ljubljanica glow in the evening lights.
- Tivoli Park (Afternoon): A large park next to the centre with tree-lined paths and a pond.
Football stadiums in Ljubljana
- Stožice Stadium: Home of NK Olimpija Ljubljana
- Domžale Sports Park: Home of NK Domžale, NK Radomlje
Day trips
- Postojna Cave — 38 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Ljubljana
- Fine: Motorways require an e-vignette.
- Fine: Headlights must be on during the day.
- Fine: Flying drones in Triglav National Park is banned.
- Fine: Smoking indoors is banned.
- Ljubljana buses don't take cash; use the Urbana card or contactless.
- The currency is the euro.
- Emergency: 112 (police 113)
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping is optional, around 10%.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Slovenia, Wikivoyage — Slovenia, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Ljubljana travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Ljubljana?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Postojna Cave).
- What are the top things to do in Ljubljana?
- Highlights: Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljana Cathedral, Dragon Bridge, National Gallery of Slovenia and Emona. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Ljubljana?
- Old Town (Stari trg): Historic streets on the river below the castle. Other options: Prešeren Square / Centre, Metelkova, Station Area and Trnovo / Krakovo.
- How do you get from the airport to Ljubljana city centre?
- Ljubljana Jože Pučnik (LJU): Bus or shuttle ≈ 30-45 min
- How do you get around Ljubljana?
- The centre is car-free and walkable; a funicular goes up to the castle. Buses use the Urbana card, and BicikeLJ bikes are available.
- What is the emergency number in Ljubljana?
- Emergency: 112 (police 113).
- Do you tip in Ljubljana?
- Tipping is optional, around 10%.
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