Incredible Places to Visit and Things To Do in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and a beautifully architecturally walkable city designed by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnic.
Take Leisurely Strolls
Spend some time walking around the city and marveling at the architecture.
Take a seat at any outdoor eateries that serve full meals or even just desserts like Cacao for a refreshment.
Love lockets hung across the bridge.
Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral
Take in the beautiful cathedral’s baroque interior before strolling to the famous Dragon Bridge, which crosses the Ljubljanica River.
Entry is included in the Ljubljana Card.
Dragon Bridge
Admire and take photos of the visually striking dragon statues.
Even better, take a photo of yourself with these stunning dragons. They are a strong cultural symbol of this city.
Ljubljana Castle and Funicular
It is always a treat to visit a castle, but even better when you can take a funicular railway up to see the views!
You can grab combo tickets or buy each ticket separately. Or, just the railway here. It is also included in the Ljubljana Card.
There are special exhibits with dragons.
We enjoyed the views and explored the castle.
It is fun to wander.
Top of the stairs.
Ljubljana Tourist Boat
Take a lovely boat ride to see the city from a different perspective by water.
We learn many amazing facts such as how many famous important figures were associated with the Slovenian Philharmonic and where Beethoven wrote the incredible Ninth Symphony!
It’s a classical musician’s paradise!
This tour is included in the Ljubljana Card.
Music Performers and Festivals
Ljubljana seems to be such a cultural and musical city! One evening, walking back to our hotel, we saw a boat filled with musicians playing and singing beautiful classical music for all to hear throughout the old town. I love how the bridge walkways become coveted spots to watch the musicians performing by.
I tried my best to follow them down the river. During the summer, there is also a day of music all throughout Europe.
They have a music festival where musicians are located all around the city and anyone can enjoy their cultural right to music.
I happened to have caught the Statehood Day or Slovenia’s Independence Day from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Here is a special event commemorating its Statehood with then President Borut Pahor as many onlookers listened.
See what festivals they have going on now from Visit Ljubljana and Rick Steves.
Plečnik House
Plečnik House is where the famous architect Jože Plečnik lived.
He is greatly responsible for how Ljubljana is shaped.
See how the great architect lived and came up with his ideas that make up his notable work.
A great tour and be immersed in what his environment was like to help him create. You can purchase tickets here. It is also included in the Ljubljana Card.
His garden views.
Hike Šmarna Gora and Eat at Gostilna Ledinek
Hike Šmarna Gora like a local, be rewarded with the surrounding views, and rub elbows with local Slovenians. It is a hill located in the northern part of Ljubljana.
I highly recommend the Hiking Šmarna Gora tour with our wonderful local guide, Alenka. We had such a fantastic time and really enjoyed her company. The food she introduced us to was one of the more memorable things we’ve eaten in Slovenia! She also offered a multi-day hike through the Julian Alps. I would love to join her there one day!
Visit the Šmarna Gora baroque church where locals worship. It makes a beautiful lasting impression even in its tiny splendor. We rang the wishing bell three times.
Make it to the summit and eat at the amazing Gostilna Ledinek with the most hearty and heartwarming Slovenian meal of barley sausage soup, ricet.
Do I dare say that this one dish is my favorite of the entire trip?
Try the sour milk with buckwheat for dessert, which may sound eyebrow-raising but is actually quite refreshing and pleasant! The doughnut (or little mouse) was also a sweet treat.
I wish I knew the secret to making a simple rustic dish taste so amazing and just hits the soul. Through that dish, I can taste the care and love they have for their people and country.
Locals enjoying their meal after their hike.
Some more views coming back down the hill.
A beautiful and delicious hike with great company.
Here are some more recommendations on where to eat in Ljubljana.