Wander the enchanting streets of Slovenia’s capital to discover a blend of medieval history and youthful exuberance. Visit a castle, galleries and museums.
Ljubljana is a friendly city, where old meets new effortlessly. This 5,000-year-old cultural heart of Slovenia straddles the Ljubljanica River. In this popular holiday destination, find cafés, galleries, museums and theatres scattered along cobblestoned streets lined with art nouveau and Baroque masterpieces.
Start at Prešeren SquareOpens in a new window, the city centre’s focus, framed by landmarks including the 17th-century Franciscan Church of AnnunciationOpens in a new window. Watch street performers from a café terrace or the steps of the Prešeren Monument. From here, streets lead deeper into the city centre and bridges cross the river to the medieval Old Town.
Triple BridgeOpens in a new window, one of many city monuments designed by Slovene architect Jože Plečnik, is the Old Town’s historic gateway. Cross the bridge and stroll through the riverfront halls of the Central Market to Dragon BridgeOpens in a new window. Appreciate works by Italian artists at the St. Nicholas’ CathedralOpens in a new window. Stroll along café-lined lanes to the Town Hall. Notice a replica of the Robba FountainOpens in a new window.
Ride the funicular to the mighty Ljubljana CastleOpens in a new window for sweeping city views from the castle’s watchtower and battlements. Visit a former prison and browse exhibits on topics ranging from puppetry to Slovene history.
On the river ’s northwest banks, visit Congress SquareOpens in a new window and see a performance at the Slovenian Philharmonic building. Marvel at the National and University Library of SloveniaOpens in a new window, one of Plečnik’s finest achievements. The National Gallery of SloveniaOpens in a new window has paintings by national and European masters. Discover archaeology and ethnography treasures at the National Museum of SloveniaOpens in a new window.
Spend an evening at MetelkovaOpens in a new window, a former military barracks, now a district filled with alternative culture. Near the district are the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova and Slovene Ethnographic Museum.
Ljubljana’s warm, sunny summers are ideal for exploring Tivoli Park and cruising on the Ljubljanica River. In winter, mingle at cosy Christmas markets.
Reach Ljubljana by flying to Ljubljana Airport or taking a romantic train ride from Venice or Vienna. Purchase the Ljubljana Card for free admission to major city attractions and unlimited city bus travel.
