This Scenic Destination Has a Hilltop Castle, Riverside Cafés, and Is Known for Its Dragon Bridge
All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
The best things to do in Ljubljana show why Slovenia’s capital has become one of Europe’s most charming destinations, welcoming over 1 million visitors annually. From its emerald-green Ljubljanica River to its mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, this compact city captures hearts at first sight.
Imagine sipping coffee at riverside cafes along the cobblestone streets of Old Town, or climbing the medieval Ljubljana Castle that has watched over the city since the 11th century.
We’ve curated these 12 activities by combining local expertise with traveler reviews and recommendations from leading travel guides. Each selection highlights the city’s unique character, from its dragon-adorned bridges to its vibrant cultural scene.
From browsing fresh produce at the Central Market designed by famous architect Jože Plečnik to taking day trips to the pristine Lake Bled just 55 kilometers away, these must-do experiences in Slovenia’s capital will show you why it’s called one of Europe’s greenest and most livable cities.
Highlights at a Glance
Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend
Planning a Ljubljana trip? Which must-do spot are you hitting first?
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© Tamas / Adobe Stock
© Tryfonov / Adobe Stock
© zgphotography / Adobe Stock
© Bruno Coelho / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
🎧 Listen Instead: Your Article in Podcast
Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.
Visit Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle is arguably Slovenia’s capital city’s most famous tourist attraction. Initially constructed in the 11th century, this beautiful medieval castle stands proudly above the Ljubljana on Castle Hill, surrounded by lush foliage. Visiting Ljubljana Castle is a must for two reasons.
Firstly, the castle is fascinating. It offers a fascinating insight into Ljubljana’s rich history, which features Romans, knights, and emperors. You’ll even learn about a dragon from the Middle Ages.
Secondly, Ljubljana Castle offers marvelous city views. You can see most of Ljubljana from the castle, making it an excellent place to take panoramic photographs. At night, the castle is brightly lit by colorful lights.
Read also: Unique Castle Hotels in Europe
Explore Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park, also known as Tivoli City Park, is the largest park in Ljubljana. Located on the outskirts of the Center District, the park covers an area of approximately 1.9 square miles (5 square kilometers). It offers the perfect escape from the city’s busy streets and an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
Pack a picnic and get ready to spend a few hours relaxing, wandering, and taking photographs in the park. Inside Tivoli Park, you’ll find well-maintained walking paths lined with lush lawns, flower beds, and fountains.
It’s also worth noting that Tivoli Park is a peaceful place to jog, should you want to go running during your city break.
Read also: European Capitals with Stunning Parks
Walk Across Dragon Bridge
Dragon Bridge is one of Ljubljana’s most fabulous tourist attractions, so ensuring you walk across it is a must. Constructed in the 1990s, this arched bridge was Slovenia’s capital’s first reinforced concrete structure. Despite only being 109 feet (33 meters) long, it’s also one of the largest bridges of its kind in Europe.
However, Dragon Bridge is most loved by tourists for its stunning dragon sculptures. Four sheet-copper dragon sculptures stand on the bridge, two at each end, as if standing guard. They look fantastic and help give the bridge a more unique appearance and magical feel.
They aren’t something you want to miss.
Read also: Medieval European Towns
Tuck Into Local Delights at Central Market
One of the top things to do in Ljubljana if you’re a food enthusiast or shopaholic is to visit the Central Market. Located in the Vodnikov trg and Pogačarnev trg squares, Ljubljana’s Central Market consists of an open-air market, a covered market, and a shopping center. Open year-round, this market is an excellent place to try local cuisine and buy Slovenian goods to take home.
A significant highlight is the Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna), which is held every Friday from mid-March until the end of October. During the Open Kitchen, chefs from Slovenian restaurants prepare delicious food from various cuisines. Other delights you can find at the Central Market include dried fruit, baked bread, homemade pastries, and local cheeses.
Read also: Top European Spots for the Best Food Tours
Have Fun at Ljubljana Zoo
Ljubljana Zoo is one of the best family-friendly tourist attractions in Ljubljana. Perfect for animal lovers and families with children, this 48-acre (19.6-hectare) zoo is Slovenia’s national zoo. It’s home to hundreds of exciting species from across the globe, including Siberian tigers, brown bears, and golden-faced gibbons.
Open year-round, visitors can freely walk around the zoo, visiting the animals they want to see most. However, various educational shows also take place throughout the day, so you’ll want to time your visit carefully. For example, you don’t want to miss the lynx and chimpanzee feedings.
It’s also worth noting that Ljubljana Zoo’s Safari Restaurant serves food, drinks, and snacks, so you don’t necessarily need to take anything with you.
Read also: Big European Cities for Family Adventures
Visit Plečnik’s House
If you want to learn more about Ljubljana’s magnificent architecture, you must visit Plečnik’s House. In the 20th century, Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik played a significant role in the modern architecture of Ljubljana, as well as Vienna and Prague. Some of his most notable work includes Triple Bridge, the Slovenian National and University Library building, and the Central Market buildings.
From 1921 until his death in 1957, Plečnik lived in Plečnik’s House. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to Plečnik and his work. The museum consists of a complex of two old houses on Karunova Street. Inside, various exhibits detail the famed architect’s life.
The museum also contains Plečnik’s original, preserved home, showing how Plečnik lived and worked.
Read also: Greenest Cities in Europe
Save this
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Step Into the Past in the National Gallery
One of the most enjoyable ways to learn about Slovenia’s history is to visit the National Gallery. Founded in 1918, the National Gallery is Slovenia’s most significant historical art museum and home to the country’s most extensive fine art collection. Not to mention, the building and gallery inside are magnificent.
Once you’ve photographed the gallery, head inside. The National Gallery contains a wonderful collection of fine art from the High Middle Ages to the 20th century.
It’s also home to an exhibition of the works of Zoran Mušič, one of Europe’s leading modernist painters. Ensure you also look for medieval sacred art and works by Gregorio Lazzarini and Franc Kavčič.
Read also: Medieval European Towns
Walk Along the Ljubljana River
Walking along the Ljubljana River is one of the most romantic and relaxing things to do in Slovenia’s picturesque capital city. The Ljubljana River runs through the heart of Ljubljana, offering miles of scenic riverside walking trails. Walking along the river allows you to see the city from another perspective, pass famous landmarks, and enjoy the scenery.
Wherever you choose to walk along the river, you’ll be treated to epic views and a relaxed experience. However, there are some places you’ll definitely want to walk.
Make sure you walk along the pedestrian-only Cankarjevo Nabrežje. This charming street offers beautiful views, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of places to eat and drink.
Read also: Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are in Europe
Watch NK Olimpija Ljubljana Play Soccer
Soccer fans who enjoy ticking new stadiums off their bucket list should watch NK Olimpija Ljubljana play at Stožice Stadium. Also known as Olimpija, NK Olimpija Ljubljana is one of Slovenia’s most successful soccer teams. At the time of writing, they sit on top of the Slovenian PrvaLiga.
They play at a beautiful soccer stadium on the outskirts of the city center called Stožice Stadium. The ground has a capacity of approximately 16,000. Quite remarkably, tickets to watch NK Olimpija play can cost as little as €4 ($4.14).
Tickets to the games cost very little, so you’ll likely have some spare money to buy souvenirs from the club shop.
Read also: Unmissable Trips in Europe for Your Bucket List
Enjoy the Quirkiness of AKC Metelkova Mesto
AKC Metelkova Mesto is one of Ljubljana’s most unique tourist attractions. This quirky alternative culture center developed from a squat in a former army barracks to one of Ljubljana’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s well-known for bringing together a variety of artistic styles and events.
The center also hosts many live events, such as concerts, club nights, and underground discos. In other words, Metelkova Mesto offers heaps of fun. Visiting the center is an absolute must. You’ll quickly fall in love with the quirky artwork that covers the former barracks buildings.
Check out the AKC Metelkova City website for information regarding the latest events and performances.
Read also: Unique Places for Your European Travel
Get Lost in the House of Illusions
The House of Illusions is one of Ljubljana’s most entertaining attractions. Located on Kongresni Trg, this exciting museum tests your senses with 70+ exhibits that defy reality. You’ll defy the laws of gravity, walk through a vortex tunnel, shrink in the Ames Room, and so much more.
Unsurprisingly, the House of Illusions is an excellent place to visit with children. Your children will have endless fun throughout the museum. The Upside-Down Room is one of the main highlights. This hilarious exhibit sees visitors take photographs that make them look upside down.
The Head on a Plate and Face Mash-Up exhibit also looks incredibly entertaining. What are you waiting for?
Read also: Most Instagrammable Places in Europe
Spend a Day at Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most highly sought-after tourist destinations, only 40 minutes from Ljubljana. Therefore, going on a day trip to Lake Bled is one of the most popular things to do during a Ljubljana city break. For those who don’t know, Lake Bled is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and world-famous church.
It’s an excellent place to enjoy Slovenia’s natural scenery and historic architecture. On this Lake Bled tour, you’ll visit the lake from Ljubljana. You’ll travel with an expert guide who’ll tell you more about what you see.
You visit Lake Bled, Bled, and Bled Castle during the tour. Better yet, a Lake Bled boat cruise is included.
Read also: European Cities With Stunning Architecture
Pin It Now, Read It Later
