Ljubljana in One Day: 8 Things to Do to Discover the Capital of Slovenia at Its Best

Ljubljana is one of the lesser-known and smallest European capitals, yet it holds a special charm mixed with a convivial, youthful atmosphere. Since it’s not huge, it can easily be visited on foot in a day or a weekend, and it makes it easy to reach other destinations in the country (which you’ll find conveniently here).

So here are the 8 things to see in Ljubljana on a walking tour, so you don’t miss anything of this fantastic capital!

1. The Krakovo and Trnovo districts

Our visit to the capital can only start from Krakovo, one of Ljubljana’s oldest districts, separated from neighbouring Trnovo by the Gradaščica canal and a scenic bridge. Here, besides enjoying a pleasant stroll among the locals, you can admire some Roman remains and take in some truly picturesque views.

read also Slovenia by Campervan: 5 Days Between Mountains and Historic Villages

2. Congress Square

Located near the river, Congress Square is one of the city’s main squares. It stands on the ruins of a Capuchin convent, and it was right here that the Slovenian people declared independence from Austria-Hungary in 1918. Today it’s overlooked by the university, the Ursuline Church and the Philharmonic.

3. French Revolution Square

French Revolution Square is a short walk from the National Library. In the middle of the square there’s an obelisk dedicated to Napoleon and a monument commemorating the French Revolution.

4. Republic Square

Trg Republike hosts the Parliament and two genuine skyscrapers, once home to the Communist party headquarters. It was in this square, in 1991, that the country’s independence from Yugoslavia was declared.

5. Old Ljubljana

Of medieval Ljubljana only the walls remain, but you can admire Prešeren Square, home to two famous bridges: the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge.

The first is adorned with four winged dragons, the city’s symbol. The second, originally a single bridge and now one of the most distinctive bridges in Europe, leads to the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (the “Pink Church”) and the monument honouring Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Prešeren.

This district is also home to the Ljubljana Central Market.

6. The Castle

Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad) is one of the city’s symbols, and having been built atop the hill known as Grajska Planota, it overlooks the capital from above and is visible from practically anywhere in the city. It can be reached on foot with a twenty-minute uphill walk, or via the handy funicular.

Built in 1200 and used for various purposes, including as a prison, it’s now home to a museum and a bar with a beautiful view over the city.

7. Metelkova Mesto

Metelkova Mesto is an arts and culture complex born in the 1990s, where festivals, alternative concerts and exhibitions are now held. Every façade of the once-occupied buildings is decorated with graffiti and artwork. In the evening this district turns into a gathering spot for young students, while we visited it early in the morning to take in its artistic side. We’d compare it to Copenhagen’s Christiania, though much safer and cleaner than the Danish district.

8. Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park covers a fifth of the capital’s land and offers trails branching off in various directions, as well as tree-lined avenues, a botanical garden, an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, two castles (Tivoli Castle, home to an art gallery, and Cekin Castle, home to the Museum of Contemporary History) and a zoo. Every corner makes you want to sit down and enjoy nothing but the sounds of nature. Even if you have little time, it’s worth a walk!

Feeling hungry?

If after all this walking you’re feeling hungry, we recommend not missing one of the most famous street foods of the Balkans, burek, a puff-pastry-like dough, filled and rolled up.

We bought ours from Nobel Burek, an institution in the city, open 24 hours a day and a destination for everyone, from early-morning workers to students coming back from a night out. Which flavour to choose? The most typical seems to be cheese, but you can also try the version filled with potatoes, spinach, meat, and even a pizza flavour!

If you’re not tired yet, discover our tour of the city with us!