Ljubljana is the beautiful Capital City of Slovenia, and is often overlooked by travelers visiting Europe. For a Capital City, it is relatively small, at only around 300k residents, and those passing through often pass it by, heading for their final destination in other countries. This is a great pity, as Ljubljana has much to offer, with unique things to do and see, a beautiful pedestrian only CBD, and a history that weaves beautifully into mythology, such as you would struggle to find in Athens or Rome. In this Guide to Ljubljana, I will endeavor to cover it all, and show you why this amazing Slovenian Gem should be included in your next European Travel plans.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Ljubljana
- About Ljubljana
- Ljubljana weather – Best time to visit
- How to get to Ljubljana
- Things to do in Ljubljana
- Ljubljana to Lake Bled
- Ljubljana Hotels – Where to stay
- Summary
Where is Ljubljana
Ljubljana can be found right in the geographical center of the European country of Slovenia. It is the Capital City, and is located at an important historical crossroads between the Germanic, Slavic and Latin Cultures. The City itself sits in a large basin surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, and beside the Ljubljanica River
Ljubljana is not very far from many other major European Cities, with Zagreb only 143km away, Munich 320km, Venice 250km and Zurich 477km.
About Ljubljana
Ljubljana is not just the Capital City of Slovenia, but also its cultural and political heart. Slovenia is only a small country, and doesn’t boast many “big” towns. As the Capital, Ljubljana itself only has around 300k residents, yet the city itself holds a prominent position of importance, not only Slovenia itself, but the entire region surrounding it.
Ljubljana is located in a wide basin in the center of the country, surrounded by towering Alps. Geographically it has always been a natural crossroads for those traveling through the region from all points of the compass. It has therefore always been a center for trade and commerce.
This has also made the locals very amenable and friendly toward travelers and outsiders. By European standards, the city could be rated as a “medium” sized city, yet it has always managed to maintain that small town feel. You will always feel welcome, safe, and at home in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana has a very interesting history as well, something that many are surprised at when they first arrive. It revolves around the mythical Dragon as being the symbol of the city. And there is a very captivating story that surrounds it.
Most followers of Greek Mythology would be aware of the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece. He and his Argonauts traveled across Europe in search of the Golden Fleece, and along their return journey were said to have come across what is the modern day site of Ljubljana. There was a large Dragon guarding the area, and to continue the journey, Jason was forced to slay it. Hence the Dragon becoming the symbol of the city in modern times.
Today, Ljubljana is a very “young” city at heart, with thousands of students among the population attending the world class Universities. It is also a very Green City, and has even won European awards for such. Everywhere you go during the warmer months in Ljubljana, you will find green spaces, parks, and large flowing trees draped over the river, boulevards and walkways.
Ljubljana weather – Best time to visit
Ljubljana has a temperate climate, and doesn’t really vary wildly in one direction or another. In fact, it has about the temperatures that you would expect for a city surrounded by Alps.
Summer in Ljubljana sees temperatures hitting around 27°C, with only a handful of days actually peaking at about 30°C. In Winter, you can expect temps in January to bottom out at around 0°C. By and large, the winters are cold, and the Summers are hot and dry.
The best times to visit Ljubljana is July to August where the temps will see a high of 27-30°C, and a low of 15°C. This is the peak season however, so if you are looking to save money, then consider the shoulder seasons around May-June or September-October. Prices are lower, and Ljubljana weather is almost perfect for sightseeing and walking around the city.
As far as extremes go in Ljubljana, expect snow around in December to February, and in the Autumn and Winter months you will often get fog. My last visit to Ljubljana was in January, and it was very foggy on a couple of days I was there.
The other thing to note is that Ljubljana is one of the wettest European Capitals, so expect rain in some form or other during your stay!
Guide to Ljubljana tip – My favorite time to visit is in the spring. The temperatures are perfect, and the city looks beautiful. Ljubljana is a very green city, and the views down across the city from the castle are perfect in Spring.
How to get to Ljubljana
Getting to Ljubljana is easy, as it is traditionally a large crossroads on the trade routes between what are modern day Germany, Italy, and the Balkans. Many roads lead toward and through the city, so getting to Ljubljana is not hard if you are traveling by road. Here are the Guide to Ljubljana picks on the best and easiest ways to get to Ljubljana.
Train to Ljubljana
Catching the train to Ljubljana is a very convenient way to arrive, as the train station is located just near the heart of the city. Trains run regularly, and travel to destinations all over Europe. You may just have to check the times though, as they only run to particular destinations at certain times.
Daytime trains from Ljubljana run locally within Slovenia, to Zagreb in Croatia, Budapest, Belgrade, Munich, Salzburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Vienna. If you want to go to Zurich however, you will have to catch a night train, which is also available to go to Munich and Belgrade.
Are you planning on renting a car or driving when you are overseas? Then make sure you are fully covered by having your International Driver’s Permit. Find out more, or pick one up easily at THIS LINK.
Bus to Ljubljana
Traveling by bus is one of the most popular ways to get to Ljubljana. Especially for those traveling on a budget. On my last visit, I arrived by Flixbus from Budapest. It truly is one of the easiest ways to travel!
The main bus station, or terminal, is located right outside the train station in the very heart of the city, and on the northern edge of the main CBD. It is within walking distance to all the major hotels, and also sees the local buses going in every direction stopping there. If you catch the bus to Ljubljana, then getting to your hotel is easy.
Flights to Ljubljana
Ljubljana is served by the Joze Pucnik International airport, located a short distance away from the city. Flights arrive and depart regularly from all over Europe, however it is best to check ahead of time for flights from your local airport, as they may only run a few times a week. For example, it is easy to get to Ljubljana from London with EasyJet, but if you are coming from Amsterdam, there are only 3 flights per week with Transavia. Check flights from your destination with the handy Skyscanner tool below.
During the Summer months there are more flights than in Winter. You can even charter flights if you like, and charters are available to many locations all around the Mediterranean.
Once you arrive at Ljubljana airport, you can arrange your own transfer into Ljubljana, or even catch the local bus that stops right outside the main terminal. This bus will also take you to Lake Bled, however times vary running in either direction, so you may have to check on these when you arrive.
If you want to book an easy airport transfer, try THIS LINK.
Guide to Ljubljana tip – Unless you are traveling from several countries away, then catch the bus. The trip from most nearby capitals is only a few hours, it’s cheap, and drops you right in the heart of the city.
Things to do in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is a wonderful city to explore, and if you are there in any of the warmer months, you will find that it is also a beautifully green city as well. In fact, in 2016 it won the title of European Green Capital, which is no mean feat when there are so many incredibly green cities in Europe. Ljubljana also has plenty of amazing architecture to admire as well, thanks to an earthquake in 1895 that destroyed a large part of the city.
Modern day Ljubljana therefore provides an incredible contrast between modern, forward thinking designs, right alongside historical remnants of the past.
There is much to see, as well as do in Ljubljana, so let’s take a look at the Guide to Ljubljana list of things you HAVE to try when visiting.
- Meet up in Preseren Square – The very center of Ljubljana is Preseren Square, and several of the major roads lead directly there. It is the perfect place to meet up, and you can often see groups congregating around the steps of the famous, pink Church of the Annunciation that is an iconic sight in Ljubljana.
- Stroll across the Triple Bridge – The Triple Bridge leads directly off of Preseren Square, heading across the river toward the Town Hall and Castle. It is a strange sight at first, but one that is very popular for tourists and photographers. Originally, it was a single bridge, until two flanking bridges where added for pedestrians to avoid the problem of congestion.
- Take photos on the Dragon Bridge – The Dragon Bridge is one of the most famous places in Ljubljana, and features four dragons, posing on each corner of the bridge as “sentinels”. The Dragon is the symbol of the city, and the Dragon Bridge therefore holds a special place in the hearts of Ljubljana locals.
- Admire the views from the Castle – Ljubljana Castle presides over the entire city, and you can see it from nearly anywhere down below. The walk up is steep, but worth it. Otherwise there is a funicular you can catch to get to the top. Admire the views and wander around for free, or pay to enter the Castle itself and enjoy the views from the tower and explore the museum.
- Enjoy the local cafes – All along the edge of the Ljubljanica River you will find Cafes, bars and restaurants. Take a stroll, stop in at one or two and enjoy an hour or two admiring the views and atmosphere, watching the world go by in one of the most beautiful spots in Europe.
- Visit Ljubljana Cathedral – This incredible Cathedral is located on the main pedestrian street not far from Town Hall. It has been around in one form or another since the 13th Century, with its latest design hailing from the 18th Century. Check out the doors before entering, and take in their beautiful designs that tell the story of Ljubljana.
- Take a stroll in Tivoli Park – This beautiful Green Space is not very far from the main CBD in Ljubljana, and in the warmer months is full of locals out enjoying the parkland. There are many walking trails through the gardens and then up the hill for joggers, walkers and even hikers to enjoy.
- Search for a bargain in the Markets – The markets can be found alongside the river, not far from Preseren Square, between the Cathedral and the Dragon Bridge. Search for a bargain in the bazaar, or get the freshest fruit and veg in the area. Take your own bottle, (or buy one there) and you can even have it filled with fresh milk direct from the farm!
- Take a River Cruise – The Ljubljanica River is a gorgeous waterway that bisects the entire city. You can take a short cruise along the river, which can be a wonderful way to check out some of the incredible architecture that is built alongside it.
- Check out the Museums – Like most cities, there are plenty of Museums on offer in Ljubljana. Museums of note are the National Museum of Contemporary History, National Gallery of Slovenia, Plecnik House, and the quirky Museum of Illusions!
- Wander through Congress Square – Whilst not considered the “main” square of the city, Congress Square is the biggest and most impressive. It features a nice grassy area in the center shaded by trees, and is surrounded by palaces and civic buildings. Many Historical moments have occurred in Congress Square over the years, which makes it a very important place in Ljubljana hearts.
- Take a Day Trip to Lake Bled – If you are visiting Slovenia, then surely you have heard of Lake Bled, or at least seen photographs. You can visit this incredible place from Ljubljana on a simple Day Trip. Get more details below.
Guide to Ljubljana tip – Take the free walking tour of Ljubljana on your first day in the city. They run 365 days a year and a great way to learn about the city. Check them out at THIS LINK.
Ljubljana to Lake Bled
Many visitors to Slovenia are here for one reason. The incredibly panoramic Lake Bled with its famous church on the island. I mean, it was the main reason that I first came here as well!
Lake Bled is not that far from Ljubljana, and very easy to reach from the Slovenian Capital. Basically, there are several ways to get there.
- By Car – You can drive easily to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. It only takes about 40 minutes, and the motorway provides an easy, comfortable drive.
- By train – From the Central Railway Station in Ljubljana you can jump on an express train right to the town of Bled.
- By Bus – From outside the train station you can take the local bus directly to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. This is the most economical way to get there, and also the easiest.
- Do a tour – If you want to visit Lake Bled and have all the hassle and arrangements taken care of by someone else, then why not do a tour? You can find a recommended tour to Lake Bled at THIS LINK.
Guide to Ljubljana tip – Catch the local bus and save yourself some money. On Sunday’s the ticket is HALFPRICE! Read up on how to catch the bus in THIS article.
Ljubljana Hotels – Where to stay
When it comes to Ljubljana Hotels, there are plenty of great places to stay. Even better, they are mostly right in the middle of the city, which is exactly where you want to be! Some of the budget places can be a bit further out, but still within easy reach or even walking distance.
Here are the Guide to Ljubljana choices of best Ljubljana Hotels.
Luxury
ZLATA LADJICA BOUTIQUE
The Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel is in the perfect location right in the middle of town. Staff are incredible, with attention to detail and friendliness really going above and beyond. There is no wonder that this is constantly rated as the best Hotel in Ljubljana, and is the guide to Ljubljana top pick as well!
HOTEL HERITAGE
The delicious home cooked breakfasts at Hotel Heritage get rave reviews from anyone that stays there. The staff are friendly and accommodating, while the rooms themselves are large, with huge beds and plenty of space. With its location in prime position in the middle of town, the Hotel Heritage is the perfect place for you to say on your trip to Ljubljana.
AB LJUBLJANA
AB Ljubljana is located in a wonderful spot only a 4 minute walk from the center of town. It features apartment style accommodation, is well appointed and extremely comfortable. If you prefer to stay away from Hotel rooms, and need a bit more space, the AB Ljubljana would be a perfect choice!
Mid Range
BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL SLON
One of the main selling points for the Best Western is the cheap shuttles they provide to the airport. If you are arriving by air, it’s almost a no brainer. Add to that the location right in the main Pedestrian zone, and only minutes walk from Preseren Square, and the Best Western is a sure fire winner.
EUROSTARS UHOTEL
Eurostars Uhotel is located in a really nice position in central Ljubljana. Along with some wonderful amenities, it also features rooms that are spacious and comfortable. Guests don’t have to go far for a nice meal as the hotel itself boasts 3 different restaurants right on the premises. There’s also a great, indoor rooftop pool with views right over the city!
CITY HOTEL LJUBLJANA
City Hotel has nice, clean and spacious rooms and a wonderful breakfast that guests are constantly raving about. The location is perfect for travelers, as it is located right in the sweet spot only a few minutes walk from the Train/Bus Station, and also the Dragon Bridge and the Market area. Perfect for someone passing through on a quick stop over!
Budget
ADHOC HOSTEL
Stay safe and secure in the Adhoc Hostel, with some of the best security you could find in Hostel like accommodation. Located right in the very heart of the city, you couldn’t possibly find better value, with piping hot water and cleanliness right at the top of the list. One other thing to note is that this is not a party hostel. So if you enjoy a good night’s sleep, Adhoc Hostel could be for you, and is the Guide to Ljubljana top choice for a budget stay.
DRAGON’S DREAM HOSTEL
Dragon’s Dream Hostel is a little out of town, but still within walkable distance. There is a bus stop right outside that will also take you right into the heart of the city. This hostel is one of the cleanest I have ever stayed in, and features pod style accommodation that is perfect if you enjoy your own space. They have single pods, but also double bed pods that you can actually stand up in!
Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed by Complete Guide to Ljubljana. This is a great city to visit, and a definite if you are passing through or visiting Slovenia. The history, and absolute beauty of the city in the warmer months cannot be beaten, along with the “small town” ambience and friendliness. You will be booking your return trip before you know it!
If you enjoyed my Complete Guide to Ljubljana, then why not take a look at my other city guides. Check them out at THIS LINK.
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