Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and is the country’s largest city. It is famous for its exceptional and positive environmental practices as well as its many green spaces such as Tivoli Park and Ljubljana Botanical Garden. One of the top things to do in Ljubljana is to visit these areas where you can go on relaxing strolls while admiring the gorgeous scenery. Other popular activities include museum hopping, passing by and crossing its many bridges, hanging out at riverside cafes, and taking a cruise along the Ljubljanica River.
Ljubljana Castle is one of the top places to visit in Ljubljana and is one of the city’s most important landmarks, so much so that it is depicted with a dragon on top of it in its coat of arms. It is situated on top of a hill and it has a viewing tower where you can enjoy jaw-dropping views of downtown Ljubljana. There are also a wide variety of exhibits that showcase art works both old and contemporary as well as historical artifacts and information about the city and country’s past. If you want to work up a sweat, you can hike up to the castle, or you can ride the funicular to get there.
Ljubljanica is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ljubljana. It’s a river that spans 41 kilometers and is known for being a treasure hunting site in the past. It has been said that thousands of objects have been recovered from it. Now, it’s a famous area for cruises, and strolling by the riverside is a popular activity for tourists and locals because of the scenery and there are many restaurants lined up along the way.
Dragon Bridge is one of the must-sees of Ljubljana. It’s an iconic landmark that can be found just a little bit to the north from Vodnik Square and connects Kopitar Street and Ressel Street. It is a popular photo stop and is famous for its bronze dragon statues. The bridge and its dragon statues are important symbols of the city because the dragon is represented as an empowering protector of Ljubljana.
Tivoli Park is one of Ljubljana’s most important attractions and it is the largest of the parks in the city. The park is popular among locals and tourists as a place of respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can relax by simply sitting on a bench, taking a stroll and admiring the scenery, having a picnic, and even go birdwatching since the park is home to different kinds of birds. There are also numerous attractions within the park that you can visit, like the Greenhouse and Botanical Gardens, Tivoli Pond, Tivoli Castle, and the Cekin Mansion.
Prešeren Square is Ljubljana’s central square. There, you’ll find the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation as well as the Prešeren Monument, which is a statue of the Slovene poet France Prešeren. You’ll find many restaurants, fruit shops, and even musicians making the area more lively with their tunes. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to attend music festivals here or witness shows by the Ljubljana carnival. If you visit during the holidays, you can visit the Christmas market.
Ljubljana Cathedral, also known as St. Nicholas’ Church, is an iconic holy site in the city that was blessed by Pope John Paul II back in 1996. It used to have Gothic architecture but it was transformed into a Baroque building back in the 18th century. It is known for its impressive interior decorations, some of them being intricate frescoes created by Guilio Quaglio. It’s a nice place to visit if you’re looking to spend a few minutes of silent reflection away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Metelkova Art Center is a wonderful place for trendy, art and music-loving tourists. Everywhere you go, there’s a visual treat waiting for you. They can take the form of graffiti and even murals. Locals are even nice and enthusiastic enough to tell you all about the history of the place and the importance of street art. At night, you can take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the center’s alternative and underground culture by visiting nightclubs and watching local musical gigs.
The Ljubljana Central Market can be found in Vodnik Square. It’s a small farmer’s market where you can shop for fresh local produce like cherries and berries, souvenirs, handcrafts, and clothes. If you fancy yourself a foodie, you’re going to have an exciting time exploring this place because there are stalls offering street food as well as local delicacies like dried fish and cevapcici.
Cerkev Marijinega Oznanjenja, or the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation is one of the Baroque churches in Ljubljana and can be found in Prešeren Square. It is notable because of the striking pink color of its facade. Inside, you’ll find intricate interior decorations and beautiful religious art on the walls and ceiling. If you visit during the holidays, you can wander around the Christmas market outside and marvel at a recreation of the nativity scene.
Ljubljana Zoo spans over 19 hectares and is the country’s national zoo. It serves as home to hundreds of animals across over a hundred species. Animal lovers, especially kids, will enjoy exploring this massive wildlife sanctuary and observing animals like giraffes and lynxes. It makes for a perfect day trip destination for families. It also has a free sea lion show that you can watch.
Ljubljana is known for being a green city because of its positive environmental efforts. You can see this reflect in its well-maintained parks and botanical gardens. It’s also more than just its picturesque areas. It is also known for its many cultural and historic sites, like churches, bridges, museums, and even a castle.
The best times to visit Ljubljana are the months of April to May as well as September and October. These encompass the spring and autumn months, when the weather is cool, making them the great times to go sightseeing in and around the city. These are also the months when the hotel prices are low, so if you have a tight budget, these are definitely the best times for you to visit.
If you’re visiting Ljubljana for the first time, the best area to stay in is Old Town. Staying there means you’ll be close to iconic attractions like Ljubljana Castle and the Dragon Bridge. If you want to be close to where the shops, bars, and restaurants are, staying within the vicinity of Prešeren Square is a good choice.