3-Day Adventure-filled Itinerary for Friends in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
3 days
About Ljubljana, Slovenia
Discover the enchanting city of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, nestled in the heart of Europe. This green city, awarded the European Green Capital 2016, is a blend of rich history and modernity. Explore the medieval Ljubljana Castle, offering panoramic views of the city, or stroll along the Ljubljanica River, lined with outdoor cafes. Visit the vibrant Central Market for local flavors and the Dragon Bridge, a symbol of Ljubljana. The city's compact size makes it a perfect walking city. Don't miss Tivoli Park, the city's largest green space. Ljubljana is also a great base for exploring Slovenia's diverse beauty, from the stunning Lake Bled to the mesmerizing Postojna Cave. Experience the warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and the unique charm of Ljubljana.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Hiking to Ljubljana Castle and Relaxing in Tivoli Park
Morning
Kick off your second day with a hike up to Ljubljana Castle. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and explore the historic castle's exhibitions.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local bistro, tasting 'žganci', a traditional buckwheat spoonbread, and 'potica', a rolled pastry with various fillings.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Tivoli Park, the largest park in Ljubljana. Enjoy the greenery, visit the outdoor photo gallery, and relax by the pond.
Dinner
Dine in a local restaurant, trying 'kranjska klobasa', a delicious Slovenian sausage, and 'kislo zelje', sauerkraut stew.
Evening
Experience the vibrant nightlife in the city center. Enjoy live music, dance, and mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
Day 3
Discovering the Central Market and Contemporary Art
Morning
Start your final day with a visit to the Central Market. Discover local produce, traditional Slovenian foods, and unique souvenirs.
Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a local café, sampling traditional Slovenian dishes like 'potica' and 'žganci'.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art. Discover the works of local and international artists and immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene.
Dinner
Have your final dinner in a traditional Slovenian restaurant. Try 'kranjska klobasa', a delicious Slovenian sausage, and 'kislo zelje', sauerkraut stew.
Evening
End your trip with a relaxing evening stroll along the Ljubljanica River, taking in the beautiful city lights and reflecting on your adventure.
Attractions in Itinerary (7)
1Ljubljana's Old Town
The old town of Ljubljana is a charming and vibrant area filled with narrow, winding streets, beautiful architecture, and numerous cafes and restaurants. It's a perfect place to explore and soak in the city's history and culture.
2Kayak tour on the Ljubljanica River
Experience the beauty of Ljubljana from a different perspective by kayaking on the Ljubljanica River. This tour is a great way to see the city and get some exercise at the same time.
3Metelkova
An autonomous social centre in the centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia. It is located on the site of former military barracks and was squatted September 1993. The site consists of seven buildings and is 12,500 square meters in area, making it one of the largest urban squats in Europe. The site is named after the street on which it is located, which is named after the 19th-century Slovenian Roman Catholic priest, philologist, and unsuccessful language reformer Fran Metelko.
4Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle is a key landmark of the town. Offering stunning views, a museum, and several attractions, it's a must-visit.
5Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park is the largest park in Ljubljana. It's a beautiful place to relax, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll.
6Central Market
A bustling marketplace where you can buy fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts.
7Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Ljubljana is a must-visit for art lovers. It houses a collection of modern and contemporary art from Slovenian and international artists.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Potica
A traditional Slovenian rolled pastry with a variety of fillings, often served during celebrations and festive seasons in Ljubljana.
Kranjska Klobasa
A popular Slovenian sausage made from pork, recognized as a cultural heritage dish in Ljubljana.
Prekmurska Gibanica
An iconic Slovenian layered pastry from the Prekmurje region, often found in bakeries and restaurants in Ljubljana.
Kremšnita
A delicious cream cake that is a must-try dessert in Ljubljana, known for its puff pastry top and bottom, and thick layers of custard and whipped cream.
Žganci
A traditional Slovenian dish made from buckwheat spoonbread, often served as a side dish in Ljubljana.
Kraški Pršut
A dry-cured ham from the Karst region, often served as an appetizer in Ljubljana.
Idrijski Žganci
A hearty dish from the town of Idrija, made from buckwheat spoonbread and often served as a main course in Ljubljana.
Zgornjesavinjski Žganci
A traditional dish from the Upper Savinja Valley, made from buckwheat spoonbread and often served as a main course in Ljubljana.
Refošk
A rich, full-bodied red wine from the Slovenian coastal region, popular in Ljubljana's wine bars and restaurants.
Zelen
A unique and aromatic white wine from the Vipava Valley, often enjoyed in Ljubljana's wine bars.
Medica
A traditional Slovenian honey liqueur, often enjoyed as a digestif in Ljubljana.
Cviček
A traditional Slovenian wine from the Dolenjska region, known for its light, fresh taste and low alcohol content, popular in Ljubljana.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia is from late spring to early fall, specifically from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is vibrant with numerous festivals and events taking place, particularly in the summer. However, if you prefer a quieter and less crowded time, late April and early October are also good choices with mild weather.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 2 | Tue | New Year holiday |
February 8 | Thu | Prešeren Day |
March 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
April 27 | Sat | Day of Uprising Against Occupation |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
May 2 | Thu | Labour Day holiday |
May 19 | Sun | Whit Sunday |
June 25 | Tue | Statehood Day |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
October 31 | Thu | Reformation Day |
November 1 | Fri | Remembrance Day |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | Independence and Unity Day |
How to get around
Foot
Ljubljana is a compact city and most of its key attractions are located within the pedestrian zone in the city center. It's easy to explore on foot, and you'll find that many areas are pedestrian-only.
Bicycle
Ljubljana is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and paths. The city operates a bike-sharing program called BicikeLJ, which allows you to rent a bike for a short period of time.
Bus
The city's public bus system, operated by Ljubljanski potniški promet (LPP), is efficient and covers most areas of the city. You can purchase a rechargeable Urbana card to use the buses.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Ljubljana and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up from designated taxi stands. They offer a convenient way to get around, especially if you're traveling with luggage or in a group.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Bolt are available in Ljubljana. These can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
Car
While driving in Ljubljana is possible, it's not recommended due to the city's compact size, pedestrian-only zones, and limited parking. If you do choose to drive, be aware that you'll need to pay for parking in most areas of the city.
Train
Ljubljana's main train station is centrally located and offers connections to other Slovenian cities and international destinations. While not necessary for getting around within Ljubljana itself, trains can be a good option if you're planning to explore more of Slovenia.
Boat
Boat tours operate on the Ljubljanica River, offering a unique perspective on the city. While not a practical method of transportation for getting around the city, a boat tour can be a fun and relaxing way to see Ljubljana's sights.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone112
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Ljubljana, Slovenia as a first time visitor
1
The official language is Slovenian, but English is widely spoken in Ljubljana, especially among younger generations and those working in tourism.
2
The currency in Slovenia is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.
3
Slovenia is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
4
Ljubljana has a temperate climate. Summers (June to August) can be warm with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Winters (December to February) can be cold with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 45°F (-1°C to 7°C).
5
Tipping is customary in Slovenia. A tip of around 10% is standard in restaurants, while rounding up to the nearest Euro is common in taxis.
6
Public transportation in Ljubljana is efficient and reliable. The city has an extensive bus network, and the Ljubljana Card offers unlimited travel on city buses.
7
Ljubljana is a very walkable city, with many of the main sights located within a compact area. It's also a bike-friendly city, with numerous bike rental options available.
8
Slovenia is part of the Schengen Agreement, so EU citizens can enter with a valid ID card. Non-EU citizens may require a visa, so check before you travel.
9
Tap water in Ljubljana is safe to drink and of high quality, so there's no need to buy bottled water.
10
Slovenia uses the Type F power socket, the same as most of Europe. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
11
Ljubljana is generally a safe city, but like any other city, it's important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas and at night.
12
Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and workplaces in Slovenia, including bars and restaurants.
13
Ljubljana is a green city with many parks and outdoor spaces. It's common to see locals and tourists alike enjoying these spaces, especially in good weather.
14
Slovenia is a foodie destination, with Ljubljana offering a wide range of local and international cuisines. Don't miss the chance to try traditional Slovenian dishes.
15
The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. Most places stay open until at least midnight, and some bars and clubs stay open until the early hours of the morning.
16
Ljubljana has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres. Many of these offer discounted or free entry on certain days or times.
17
Slovenia is a relatively small country, making Ljubljana a great base for day trips to other parts of the country, such as Lake Bled or the Postojna Cave.
18
Ljubljana has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and apartments. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
19
Ljubljana has several tourist information centers where you can get maps, brochures, and advice on what to see and do in the city.
20
Slovenia has a universal healthcare system, but travel insurance is recommended for visitors. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Basic Slovene to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Zdravo | Zdrah-voh | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Nasvidenje | Nahs-vee-den-yeh | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | Prosim | Pro-seem | Making a request |
Thank you | Hvala | Hvah-lah | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Ja | Yah | Agreeing or confirming |
No | Ne | Neh | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Oprostite | Oh-pros-tee-teh | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Oprostite | Oh-pros-tee-teh | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Ali govorite angleško? | Alee go-voh-ree-teh an-gleh-shko? | Trying to communicate |
I don't understand | Ne razumem | Neh rah-zoo-mem | Having difficulty understanding |
Where is the bathroom? | Kje je kopalnica? | Kye yeh koh-pahl-neetsah? | Looking for the bathroom |
How much does it cost? | Koliko stane? | Koh-lee-koh stah-neh? | Asking for the price |
I would like... | Rad bi... | Rahd bee... | Making a request |
Help! | Na pomoč! | Nah po-moch! | In an emergency |
Can I have the menu, please? | Lahko dobim meni, prosim? | Lah-koh doh-beem meh-nee, pro-seem? | At a restaurant |
Water | Voda | Voh-dah | Asking for water |
Beer | Pivo | Pee-voh | Ordering a beer |
Wine | Vino | Vee-noh | Ordering wine |
Cheers! | Na zdravje! | Nah zdrah-vye! | Making a toast |
Good night | Lahko noč | Lah-koh notch | Saying goodnight |
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Pants/Jeans
Comfortable walking shoes
Sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
Pajamas
Swimwear (if you plan to visit the coast or spa)
Rain jacket or umbrella (for unpredictable weather)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Hairbrush or comb
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport or ID card
Flight tickets
Hotel reservation confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency (Euros)
Maps and guidebooks
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Universal travel adapter
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Snacks for the journey
Reusable water bottle
Travel pillow and blanket
Books or e-reader for entertainment
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Ziplock bags for organization
Tote bag for shopping
Weather Conditions
When planning a trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, it's important to consider the city's weather patterns to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Ljubljana experiences a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Summer months, from June to August, are typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This is a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions, such as Tivoli Park and Ljubljana Castle. However, do remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Autumn, from September to November, sees cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. The average temperature during this period ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). If you're visiting during this season, it's advisable to pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella. Winter, from December to February, can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, averaging between -2°C and 5°C (28°F and 41°F). Snowfall is common, making the city look like a winter wonderland. If you're visiting during this time, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring, from March to May, is a beautiful time to visit Ljubljana, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The city comes alive with blooming flowers and outdoor events. Light layers are recommended for this season. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to pack appropriately. Enjoy your visit to Ljubljana!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 4° / -2° | January is the coldest month in Ljubljana, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports and crisp, cold weather. |
February | 7° / -1° | February is still quite cold, but temperatures start to rise slightly. Snowfall is less common, but still possible. |
March | 12° / 2° | March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to warm up. It's a good time to visit for outdoor activities as the weather is generally mild. |
April | 16° / 6° | April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city and enjoy the blooming flowers. |
May | 20° / 10° | May is a beautiful month to visit Ljubljana, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. |
June | 24° / 14° | June marks the start of summer, with long, sunny days and warm temperatures. It's an excellent time to visit for outdoor activities and festivals. |
July | 26° / 16° | July is the hottest month in Ljubljana, with temperatures often reaching the mid-20s. It's a great time to enjoy the city's parks and outdoor cafes. |
August | 26° / 16° | August is another hot month, perfect for enjoying the city's outdoor attractions. It's also a good time to visit the nearby Adriatic coast. |
September | 22° / 12° | September is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to visit for those who prefer less crowded tourist spots. |
October | 17° / 7° | October sees the arrival of autumn, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. It's a good time to visit for those who enjoy hiking and nature. |
November | 11° / 3° | November is a chilly month, with temperatures dropping and more frequent rainfall. It's a good time to visit for those who enjoy indoor activities and museums. |
December | 6° / 0° | December is a cold month, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time to visit for Christmas markets and winter festivities. |
Did you know?
Places near by Ljubljana, Slovenia
Postojna Cave
A 24,340 m long karst cave system near Postojna, Slovenia. It is the second-longest cave system in the country.
Lake Bled
A lake in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia, where it adjoins the town of Bled.
Predjama Castle
A Renaissance castle built within a cave mouth in south-central Slovenia, in the historical region of Inner Carniola.
Triglav National Park
The only national park in Slovenia, located in the Julian Alps.
Maribor
The second-largest city in Slovenia, known for its wine production and vibrant cultural scene.
Piran
A resort city on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, known for its long pier and Venetian architecture.
Zagreb
The capital and the largest city of Croatia, known for its diverse economy, high quality of living, museums, sporting, and entertainment events.
Venice
A city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is known for its beautiful settings, artwork, and a part of the city is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Vienna
The national capital, largest city, and one of nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's most populous city, and its cultural, economic, and political centre.
