What Is There to Do in Ljubljana?

Ljubljana, the capital of the Republic of Slovenia, is a beautiful city of green spaces and historic charm, suitable for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, fine dining, cultural experiences or simply to wander the streets, this guide will help you out so you can get the most out of your time in Ljubljana.

Outdoor activities

Being surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the sea, Ljubljana is a great base for practically any kind of outdoor activity. From biking and walking to kayaking and white-water rafting in the picturesque outlying countryside there is a vast range of activities to get your heart racing.

For a unique experience, visitors must make sure to check out the wonderful Lake Bled, an hour’s drive from the city borders. Here, visitors can take a boat tour of the lake’s stunning views and its small island, home to the Church of the Assumption of Mary.

Biking

Exploring Ljubljana by bike is a great way to take in the city’s sights. There’s plenty of bike-friendly routes, from rolling hills to flat riversides – perfect for both beginner and experienced cyclists. Here are a few recommended routes:

• Old Town Loop: 2 hour route starting and ending at Prešern Square, taking in the Ljubljanica River, Congress Square, Plečnik’s Banks of the River Ljubljoiana promenade and Dragon Bridge – giving you a comprehensive overview of the city.
• Choirs Loop I: 5 hour route which stretches from Old Town along Ursuline Church and National Museum before descending to Rožna Dolina – Ljubljana’s secret haven.
• Choirs Loop II: 9 hour route starting from Rožna Dolina, past valleys and rivers to Zbiljsko Jezero – giving you a window into the city’s rich history.

For detailed descriptions of the routes, Goslovenia has some wonderful maps and descriptions to make your trip even better.

Cultural Experiences

Ljubljana is rich in culture and history stretching back centuries and this is evident throughout its streets, parks and monuments. From history museums to small galleries and beautifully preserved streets, there is something to discover around every corner.

Tivoli Park

One of Ljubljana’s main attractions is Tivoli Park. Located near two of the city’s main points – the Ljubljanica River and Trnovo Borough – this 300-acre expanse of urban parkland is especially worth visiting for its rose garden, an outdoor amphitheatre, a botanical garden and luscious greenbank grounds. It sits in stark opposition to the hustle and bustle of other urban parks, making it an ideal haven for the weary traveller.

Museums

Ljubljana has some wonderful museums covering various topics from history and art to sports and crafts – perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves further into Slovenian culture. The City Art Gallery (Gredičeva Street 2) is a must-see, offering an impressive permanent collection as well as engaging rotating exhibitions and displays.

Meanwhile, few buildings have become such symbols of Slovenian history as The National Museum (Muzejski trg 1), located in the city centre on Prešernovega Square. It houses exhibitions on Slovenian history from prehistoric to modern times with both permanent and rotating displays offering diverse perspectives on the city’s colourful past.

Dining Out

Ljubljana also offers plenty for foodies to explore. From traditional farm-to-table Slovenian cuisine to vibrant international fare, the eateries add a vibrancy to the streets of this charming city. Whether it be hearty stews served in rustic restaurants or elegant fine dining spots, visitors can find anything they desire at reasonable prices.

One must-try is Gostilna Na Gradu, which serves up traditional Slovenian dishes using locally sourced produce in a stunning setting atop a hill overlooking Ljubljana Castle. For something more modern try Šank Pub (Lindley Street 12) which boasts local brews and laidback atmosphere, have a plate of zesty Italian cuisine at Spaghetteria (Mačkova ulica 10) or sample some Spanish tapas La Tapa Tratoria (Miklošičeva Ulica 30).

Shopping

For shoppers looking for something a bit different than your typical mall fare, Ljubljana is heaven on earth for its eclectic mix of shops selling vintage clothes, bookshops stocking up on rare editions and alternative jewellery shops selling quirky finds from around Europe.

Head down to Metelkova (Metelkova Ulica 1), an alternative Autonomus Culture Zone where many of the city’s rebellious residents frequent. The streets are filled with streetwear shops like Culture Freaks (Gosposka Street 10), vintage couture boutiques such as Judy’s (Breite Street 10) and interesting record stores such as Dnevna Soba (Metelkova Ulica 8).

Final Thoughts

Although a relatively small city in size, Ljubljana is bursting with things to do, see and taste. From outdoor activities such as biking and white water rafting to cultural experiences like museums and galleries to dining out at some of Slovenia’s most celebrated restaurants – there is something for everyone. Shopping is also great here with an unusually large selection of alternative shops so whatever you’re looking for you will be sure to find something to take home as a souvenir. So why not take a break from your busy life and immerse yourself in Slovenia’s capital by booking yourself a trip to Ljubljana – you won’t regret it!