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Diane Geddie, Product & Short Break Specialist

"Ljubljana is a wonderful, upcoming city with a laid back vibe. I recommend going up the funicular from Krekov Trg to the Castle and then climb the steps up the Tower for fantastic views. For a different outlook, explore the city in a handmade wooden boat on the River. "

Ljubljana at a glance

Slovenia’s capital combines the ancient and modern and is crowned by a magical castle and riven by a sparkling river. This intimate, walkable city, reminiscent of a fairytale village is studded with gems such as the National Museum and Gallery, the Central Market and Tivoli Park. Pedestrianised streets and cafes with riverside terraces make for a relaxing stay. The best route to the medieval castle is on the funicular from the Old Town. For day trips or longer, spectacular Lake Bled and the Julian Alps are within tantalising reach.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • History and art
  • Interesting architecture
  • Cafe culture

Getting around

Walking is a good way for exploring the sights of Ljubljana as is cycling, especially in warmer months between April and October. There is however city buses which can take you around Ljubljana, you will need to purchase the Urbana public transport card to be able to travel on these buses.

Dining in Ljubljana 

Ljubljana benefits from its location along the sea and between the Alps, which has made Slovenia a gastronomic heart for Europe’s favourite dishes, as if they were all handpicked by Slovenia! The Open Kitchen is a buzzing event, each Friday which showcases the diversity of Slovenia’s cuisine. This is a really cool event, foodies can sample excellent dishes from restaurants bringing their food to open-air street stalls. Along with the more modern and innovative foods, there are of course some specialties only found in Ljubljana.

Must-try local dishes:

  • Struklji – a boiled or baked dough roll with sweet or savoury fillings, popular fillings include tarragon, cottage cheese or apple and poppy seed.
  • Prekmurska gibanca – a traditional layered cake of poppy seed, cottage cheese, walnut and apple filling.
  • Zlikrofi – Ravioli pockets filled with fatty spiced pork, onions, marjoram and chives, often matched with melted butter, mushroom gravy or rich bakalca lamb sauce.

Shopping 

Ljubljana’s attractive city centre is abuzz with shops, shopping is a pleasant affair as there are plenty of cafés dotted around for a much needed break. Additionally, there are traditional food retailers selling some fine Slovenian foods within the centre and can also be found in Ljubljana’s Central Market. One of the largest shopping centres in Europe belong to the BTC City Ljubljana and it boasts an array of shops, a water park, a relaxation and leisure centre, a cinema and restaurants.

Get your tailor-made short break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Ljubljana designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Ljubljana hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 278,853
Languages Slovene
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Distance from airports
Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport 26 km
Railway stations
Ljubljana Railway Station

Tours and Excursions

Lake Bled Half Day Tour

This half day guided tour takes you to the shores of Lake Bled where you can take an optional trip to Bled Island on a wooden pletna (traditional boat) with free time to explore the island before heading to medieval Bled Castle where you will receive an introduction to its history, visit the museum and admire the stunning views over the lake. Small entrance charges for Bled Castle and optional pletna boat ride are payable on the day.

Ljubljana Walking Tour & Funicular

Explore Ljubljana with your knowledgeable local guide and learn about Slovenia’s history, culture and architecture while seeing the sights such as Dragon Bridge, Kongresni trg Square and the Cathedral of St Nicholas. Take the funicular rail up to Ljubljana Castle where you will have time to explore at your leisure.

Alpine Region Day Trip

This small-group tour takes in the highlights of the picturesque Slovenian countryside with visits to Lake Bled and the glacial lake Bohinji, located in Triglav National Park, the charming town of Škofja Loka and the spectacular Vintgar Gorge. The tour price includes your transportation and guide for the duration of the tour. Small entrance charges for the gorge, Bled Castle and optional pletna boat ride are payable on the day.

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.