Ljubljana is in the heart of Slovenia and is a beautiful destination to visit year-round.
A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to experience what Ljubljana has to offer. There’s plenty to see and do in the city, and if you’re wondering how to make the most of your trip, check out my itinerary below!
Day 1 – Walk around the Historic Centre
Start your day by diving into the heart of Ljubljana’s Old Town, which is full of history and culture.
Breakfast
- My Dumplings Of Slovenia – Treat yourself to a traditional Slovenian dumplings, made from buckwheat dough. Sweet or savoury, they’re stuffed with everything from fruit to chocolate to meat. My personal favourite is the chocolate orange flavour!
Sightseeing
- Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral – This Cathedral is known for its beautiful green dome and twin towers, and this Baroque masterpiece is filled with stunning frescoes and an incredibly ornate interior.
- The Triple Bridge & Prešeren Square – The Triple Bridge is one of Ljubljana’s most photographed spots. This group of bridges connect the historic and modern parts of the city, and offer amazing views of the Ljubljanica River. Right next to the bridge is Prešeren Square, named after Slovenia’s most famous poet, France Prešeren. From here you can admire the beautiful Baroque Franciscan Church with its striking red façade.
- Stow 2 Go – grab a coffee and a snack at this speciality coffee shop. You can try coffee from all over the world, and unusual brews such as the beetroot latte!
- Butcher’s Bridge & Dragon Bridge – The Butcher’s Bridge is a romantic place, covered in love locks, with bronze casts dotting the bridge walls. Moving on, visit the Dragon Bridge, which is one of Ljubljana’s most famous landmarks because the dragon is a symbol of the city.
- Ljubljana Central Market – From the Dragon Bridge, head over to Ljubljana Central Market, where you can browse fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisan products. It’s a great place to sample some traditional Slovenian food.
- Ljubljana Castle – Next, take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle and explore the castle’s courtyards, visit the museum, and climb the watchtower for an incredible view over Ljubljana.
Dinner
- Nebotičnik – The Skyscraper – For another panoramic view of Ljubljana, head to one of the city’s tallest buildings as the sun sets. The rooftop café has great coffee and a breathtaking view of Ljubljana’s rooftops and castle. Or, unwind over a delicious dinner with a bottle of wine in their restaurant while looking out over the city. Make your reservation here!
Day 2 – Zoo and Gardens
Breakfast
- Črno Zrno – For more speciality coffee, head to this little hole in the wall. They have a very unique taste, which is delicious!
- Osem Bakery – Grab a pastry for breakfast from the best bakery in Ljubljana. Their croissants live up to their hype!
Sightseeing
- Stari Trg & Locksmith Street – After breakfast, explore Stari Trg, one of the most charming streets in the Old Town. Nearby, you’ll find Locksmith Street (Ključavničarska ulica), a short alley filled with quirky street art and a floor full of faces.
- Congress Square & Republic Square – Continue to Congress Square, a large open space surrounded by historic buildings and cultural landmarks. Carry on to Republic Square, Slovenia’s largest square, which is where Slovenia declared independence in 1991.
- Tivoli Park & Ljubljana Zoo – Tivoli Park is Ljubljana’s largest green space. Walk along the Jakopič Promenade, a tree-lined avenue showcasing outdoor photography exhibitions. If you have time, visit Ljubljana Zoo, which is a lovely place with some great exhibits. I spent a lot of time by the wolf enclosure!
Dinner
- Pop’s Pizza and Sport – I legitimately had the best spaghetti and meatballs I’ve ever had in my life here. Their pizza is also absolutely delicious! For something a bit different to the traditional Slovenian fare, order a beer and tuck in.
Evening
- Try a wine tasting at Dvorni Bar, where you’ll be taken through a few of Slovenia’s most famous wines paired with a tray of snacks. The owner is incredibly knowledgable and enthusiastic throughout the tasting, and it’s a lot of fun with a group.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Bled
Take a bus from Ljubljana’s central bus station to Lake Bled. Buses run frequently (around every 30–60 minutes) and the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Tickets cost around €7 each way during the week, but only around €2 at the weekend.
Sightseeing
- Bled Castle – Start off by exploring Bled Castle, which has great panoramic views of the lake. The museum inside provides insights into Slovenia’s history, and the castle terrace is a great spot for a coffee break.
- Lake Bled – Take a leisurely walk around the lake – there’s plenty of things to find, see, and photograph. Make sure to try Bled’s famous cream cake (kremna rezina) at one of the cafés
- Bled Island – When you’ve had your fill of walking, take a wooden pletna boat from the Mlino Port to Bled Island, home to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Apparently, ringing the church bell brings good luck, so give it a go!
Dinner
- Slovenska Hiša – Figovec – Back in Ljubljana, head here for some delicious Slovenian food and wine, and some of the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet. Make a reservation here!
Where to stay in Ljubljana
We stayed in Hotel Emonec, right by the Prešeren Square. The room was a decent size, with a modern shower and decor, and priced at around €75 a night.
How to get from Ljubljana airport into town
The best way to get into Ljubljana from the airport is by shuttle bus. It runs frequently, and takes about 30–45 minutes to reach the city centre. Tickets cost around €10.
How to use public transport in Ljubljana
The train network connects major cities and towns. Tickets can be purchased at stations or online.
You can download the Urbana App to purchase tickets for Ljubljana’s bus network, or use an Urbana Card, which you can buy for €2 at a self-service machine, newsagents, LPP sales points, and tourist information centres. You can then top them up online. A single ride costs €1.30, valid for 90 minutes with unlimited transfers.
Bikes are available to rent via the self-service BicikeLJ Rental System. Sign up with your email address (you’ll still need to buy a weekly subscription even if you’re only using it for a few days, which costs €1), then you’ll receive a pin code to unlock your bike.
You can use the bicycle for free for 60 minutes each time. Extra 60 minutes will cost €1, the second extra hour €2, and all hours after it will cost €4 each. A single journey can last up to 24 hours.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in Europe!