Best Ljubljana attractions and tourist destinations

After The Republic of Slovenia joined European Union in 2004 and started to use Euro currency, more people, especially from EU countries, started to visit Ljubljana. This small capital city with approximately 280.000 citizens has many picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica river, beautiful medieval old part with many Baroque façades, small shops and number of restaurants with delicious Slovene cuisine (try for example this great recipe for Adriatic Shrimps in tomato sauce) where you can taste the impact of Alps, Adriatic and and other near-by areas.

Distances in Slovenia are short - that is why Ljubljana, located in the centre of Slovenia, can be a good base for exploring surrounding areas. 

Ljubljana can also be reached very fast from some other EU cities. For example - it will take you no longer than 3,5 hours by car to visit Ljubljana if you start your journey in Munich, Venice or Vienna...

What are you waiting for? Read this page, see the photos (all by M. and A. Simčič) and then just start your engine and go!

In the castle you can visit a permanent exhibition called Slovenian history or climb upstairs the tower to have the best overview of the city. Numerous events are organized here throughout the year, especially in the summer time. 

Exceptional Baroque buildings, monuments, bridges, City Hall, restaurants, small shops, churches and the Cathedral, Slovene Philharmonic Orchestra building, Art Nouveau - fantastic combination of different styles from various periods of history. 

There is exceptional Mediterranean atmosphere, especially on summer nights when people occupy numerous  restaurants by the river. 

The Prešeren Square is the main meeting point in Ljubljana and is very popular also among street musicians and different artists.

On the other side of the bridges there is also a Marketplace and Fish market - worth to see especially on Saturdays.

On Sundays all this area becomes The Flea market.

The river Ljubljanica is connected with the myth of Argonauts, the heroes who sailed with Jason on the Argo boat along this river all the way to the Adriatic sea. 

From Roman times to the 19th century this river was important supply and trade route. 

Nowadays you can join a tourist boat cruise along the river or hire a canoe and see Ljubljana and its numerous interesting bridges from different angle (See the Butcher's Bridge). 

Many lively restaurants and cafes by the river Ljubljanica offer outdoor seating. This area is known as the hearth of Ljubljana's social life.

Interesting place with alternative culture, self-declared as 'Autonomous Culture Zone', can be  compared with Copenhagen's Kristiania.

Seven buildings in former military barracks are now art galleries and artist studios, clubs and spaces for live music. Former prison is now popular Celica Hostel. Many social and cultural activities are organized on a regular basis, especially for those looking something unique.

Other Slovene museums can be found in this area, too, like Slovene Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and National Museum of Slovenia. 

Definitely a place to visit!

Zoological garden (ZOO) is only half an hour walk from the city centre and is situated within the natural forest under the Rožnik hill. It is easily reached also by bike, car or bus. Several wild animals from all around the world can be seen there, you can also help out feeding some of them.

Opened every day!