Ljubljana
Visited in November 2013
At a glance
- Country
- Slovenia
- Region
- Ljubljana City Municipality
- Population
- 284,293
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Ljubljana Jože Pučnik (LJU)
- Coordinates
- 46.06°N, 14.51°E
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Overview
Ljubljana is one of Europe's most likeable small capitals: a green, car-free centre wrapped around the Ljubljanica river, with a castle on the hill above. Much of its character comes from the architect Jože Plečnik, who designed its bridges, embankments and market colonnades.
Life happens outdoors, on riverside terraces and in the markets. It is also perfectly placed for trips to the Alps, the caves of the Karst and the coast.
Things to see
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Photo: LjGrad, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ljubljana Castle
Take the funicular up for sweeping views of the red rooftops and, on clear days, the Julian Alps.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge
The pink Franciscan church, the poet's statue and Plečnik's three-pronged bridge make up the city's favourite meeting point.
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Photo: Szeder László, CC BY-SA 4.0 Central Market
Plečnik's riverside colonnades shelter stalls of cheese, honey and fish, with the open-air market spilling across the square.
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Photo: János Korom Dr. from Wien, Austria, CC BY-SA 2.0 Tivoli Park
A large park running from the centre up into wooded hills, with an outdoor photo gallery along its main promenade.
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Photo: Nincha8, CC BY-SA 3.0 Metelkova
A former army barracks turned into an alternative arts quarter, covered in murals and sculpture.
Things to do
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Photo: George M. Groutas from Limassol, Cyprus, Cyprus, CC BY 2.0 Open Kitchen food market
On Fridays from spring to autumn, chefs cook Slovenian and international dishes at stalls on Pogačar Square.
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Photo: Mihael Grmek, CC BY-SA 3.0 Boat on the Ljubljanica
A slow tourist boat drifts beneath the bridges and willows, ideal on a warm evening.
Find tours -
Photo: Mihael Grmek, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Lake Bled
The famous island church and clifftop castle are about an hour away by bus.
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Photo: Ivan Ivankovic from Dubrovnik, Croatia, CC BY 2.0 Postojna Cave
Ride a little train deep into one of Europe's largest show caves, then visit Predjama Castle nearby.
Find tours
Where to stay
Old Town
Right under the castle, with cobbled streets and riverside restaurants on the doorstep.
Hotels in Old TownCenter
The modern side of the river, close to the station, shops and museums.
Hotels in CenterTrnovo
A quiet, leafy residential area a short stroll south of the centre.
Hotels in Trnovo
Getting around
The centre is pedestrianised and small enough to walk. City buses use the Urbana card, and the BicikeLJ bike-share scheme is handy for longer hops.
Airport shuttles and buses reach the city in 30 to 45 minutes, and trains connect Ljubljana with Zagreb, Vienna and Venice.
When to go
May to September is warm and the riverside terraces are full. Summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals, while December has a long-running Christmas market. Winters are cold, often foggy.
Plan your trip to Ljubljana
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.