Slovenia
Ljubljana
Two days covers Ljubljana's old town, castle and food scene at an easy pace. Below: 5 sights, 1 activity and 2 places to eat, plus how Ljubljana fits into a longer trip.
- Places
- 10
- Curated routes
- 1
- Best season
- May – Sep
- Warmest month
- July
- Coolest month
- January
- Wettest month
- September
5 See · 1 Do · 2 Eat · 1 Drink · 1 Shop
Slovenia’s Alpine Lakes
from our route notes
27°C / 81°F avg high
4°C / 39°F avg high
about 118 mm rain
Climate: NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages.
Things to do in Ljubljana
10 places from our curated routes, grouped by what you will do there. Each one has its own page with the address and full notes.
See
5 sights worth building a day around across Old Town, Castle Hill and Tabor. 4 of them are free.
Photo: DimiTalen · CC0SeePrešeren Square
Central square with the pink Franciscan Church and the poet Prešeren's statue.
Tip Start here for a walking loop of the old town.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France · CC BY 2.0SeeTriple Bridge
Plečnik's trio of bridges linking Prešeren Square to the old town.
Tip Cross at dusk when the riverside lights come on.
Photo: Thomas Ledl · CC BY-SA 4.0SeeDragon Bridge
1901 Art Nouveau bridge guarded by four copper dragons, the city's symbol.
Tip Pair with a walk along the river from the market.
Photo: LjGrad · CC BY-SA 4.0SeeLjubljana Castle
Hilltop castle with a viewing tower over the red roofs to the Julian Alps.
Tip Ride the funicular up and walk down through the woods.
Photo: Marcino Elevators & Transport · GoogleSeeMetelkova Mesto
Former army barracks turned graffiti-covered alternative arts and nightlife center.
Tip Daytime visits show the art; bars open late.
Do
1 activity for when the group wants to do more than look in Center.
Photo: János Korom Dr. from Wien, Austria · CC BY-SA 2.0DoTivoli Park
The city's largest park, with an outdoor photo gallery on Jakopič Promenade.
Tip Walk up to Rožnik hill for a quiet forest view.
Eat
Where we would book a table in Ljubljana in Old Town.
Photo: Filka Goranova · GoogleEatOdprta kuhna
Friday open-air food market with dozens of Slovenian cooks and chefs on Pogačar Square.
Tip Runs Fridays, mid-March to October, weather permitting.
Photo: Gostilna Sokol · GoogleEatGostilna Sokol
Traditional Slovenian inn near the Triple Bridge serving štruklji, sausages and game.
Tip Book for dinner in summer.
Drink
Our picks for a drink in Ljubljana in Old Town.
Photo: Polonca Centa · GoogleDrinkDvorni Bar
Wine bar near Congress Square with a long list of Slovenian wines by the glass.
Tip Ask for wines from Brda or Vipava.
Shop
Markets and shops worth the detour in Old Town.
Photo: Szeder László · CC BY-SA 4.0ShopCentral Market
Open-air and covered market along Plečnik's riverside colonnade.
Tip Go Saturday morning for the busiest stalls; closed Sundays.
How to fit Ljubljana into a trip
Ljubljana is stop 1 of 3 on our Slovenia’s Alpine Lakes route. Follow it as-is or lift Ljubljana into your own plan.
Stop 1 of 3
Slovenia’s Alpine Lakes
Green rivers, quiet lakes & Adriatic evenings
- Trip length
- 5 days
- Best season
- May – Sep
- Pace
- easy
- Next: Lake Bled
Getting here and onward
- Ljubljana to Lake BledLake Bled is about 46 km / 29 mi away in a straight line
Distances are straight-line estimates between destination centers, not road distances.
Ljubljana month by month
Average daily highs run from 4°C / 39°F in January to 27°C / 81°F in July. September is the wettest month, with about 118 mm of rain. Outlined months fall in the best season on our routes.
- Jan4° / 39°F average high
- Feb6° / 42°F average high
- Mar11° / 51°F average high
- Apr16° / 61°F average high
- May21° / 69°F average high, in our recommended season
- Jun25° / 77°F average high, in our recommended season
- Jul27° / 81°F average high, in our recommended season
- Aug27° / 81°F average high, in our recommended season
- Sep22° / 71°F average high, in our recommended season
- Oct16° / 61°F average high
- Nov10° / 51°F average high
- Dec5° / 42°F average high
Average daily highs, NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages. Ljubljana weather and the best time to visit →
Near Ljubljana
8 other destinations from our guides within about 300 km (186 mi), measured in a straight line.
Ljubljana questions, answered
How many days do you need in Ljubljana?
Our route notes suggest 2 days in Ljubljana. On our Slovenia’s Alpine Lakes route it is stop 1 of 3 in a 5-day trip. The listed visit times for our 10 places add up to roughly 10 hours, before travel between them, so you will need to choose.
What is Ljubljana best known for?
Two days covers Ljubljana's old town, castle and food scene at an easy pace. Standouts on our list: Prešeren Square (Central square with the pink Franciscan Church and the poet Prešeren's statue); Triple Bridge (Plečnik's trio of bridges linking Prešeren Square to the old town); Dragon Bridge (1901 Art Nouveau bridge guarded by four copper dragons, the city's symbol).
When is the best time to visit Ljubljana?
Our Slovenia’s Alpine Lakes route is best May – Sep. NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages put the warmest highs in July (27°C / 81°F), the coolest in January (4°C / 39°F) and the most rain in September (about 118 mm).
What are the best things to do in Ljubljana?
Start with Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana Castle and Tivoli Park. Our guide lists 10 places in all, from 5 sights, 1 activity, 2 places to eat, 1 bar or café and 1 shop.
Where should a group eat in Ljubljana?
Our picks: Odprta kuhna (Old Town); Gostilna Sokol (Old Town). Runs Fridays, mid-March to October, weather permitting (Odprta kuhna).
What is near Ljubljana?
The closest destinations in our guides are Lake Bled (about 46 km / 29 mi), Piran (about 93 km / 58 mi) and Hallstatt (about 180 km / 112 mi). Distances are straight-line estimates, not road distances.
Plan Ljubljana with your crew
Open the Slovenia’s Alpine Lakes route in TripsCircle, invite friends with a link, settle which of these 10 places make the cut with a quick poll, then split costs and share one packing list.