Is Ljubljana Worth Visiting? 11 Reasons Why You’ll Love It!

Wondering whether Ljubljana is worth visiting? Read on to find out our honest opinion.

When thinking of European capitals, Ljubljana is unlikely to be the first that pops into your head. In fact, we’d never even heard of it before planning our trip to Slovenia. It would be fair if that left you wondering: Is Ljubljana even worth visiting?

We’re very happy to say we took the risk and spent several days exploring the city. We can safely say that this is one of the most beautiful and peaceful capital cities we’ve ever visited, and yes, it is worth visiting.

In this post, we’ve outlined all the reasons why we think you should visit Ljubljana.

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In a rush and don’t have time to read the whole post? Here’s the top 3 reasons why Ljubljana is worth visiting:

It’s the Green Capital of Europe, with a car-free city centre
The architecture is stunning
It’s a great place to base yourself to explore more of Slovenia

11 Reasons Why Ljubljana Is Worth Visiting

1. Ljubljana Is The Green Capital Of Europe

Ljubljana is one of the cleanest cities we have ever visited. In 2016 it was awarded the prestigious title of Green Capital of Europe, highlighting its high environmental standards and sustainability initiatives.

Ljubljana is one of the few cities in Europe that has a completely pedestrianised centre. This means you’re not surrounded by the constant fumes and noise that inevitably comes with roads in city centres.

Everywhere feels so clean and peaceful. You can stroll the streets and hear the birds chirping. You can go to a park and see otters swimming in the rivers. It is so easy to forget you’re in a capital city.

This was one of the things that amazed us most about Ljubljana, and is one of the main reasons why we think Ljubljana is worth visiting.

2. The City Centre Is Easily Walkable

Ljubljana is a pretty compact city. As the centre is a pedestrian zone, it’s important to know that you can reach virtually anywhere on foot. All the main attractions, such as the Ljubljanica River and Ljubljana Castle can be reached easily on foot.

One of the joys of visiting Ljubljana is simply wandering its cobblestone streets, seeing what you discover.

If you have mobility issues, however, there are also ‘Kavalirs’. These are small electric-powered vehicles that are free to use. They can take you through the pedestrian zone to where you need to be. You can simply put your hand out to stop them wherever you see them, there are no designated stops.

No need to worry as a pedestrian either – they only go a maximum of 25km/h making them super safe and quiet. There are only four of them, so you won’t be bothered by them if you’re not using them.

3. The Cuisine Is Delicious

Whilst it may not be the most renowned foodie destination, Ljubljana is home to some delicious dishes. It has a way of blending traditional Slovenian cuisine with modern and international flavours that just seems to work.

For a comfort food, you need to try Štruklji. It’s a type of rolled dumpling, with either a sweet or savoury filling.

Ljubljana is also famous for its hearty meat stews, perfect if you’re visiting in winter. It’s also renowned for its ‘Kranj style’ sausage. If you’re a meat eater, you’re not going to go hungry!

For the sweet tooth amongst you, you have to give prekmurska gibanica a go. This is a traditional layer cake with a recipe dating back to 1828. It’s regarded as one of the European gastronomic delicacies and is actually under European protection.

It consists of 9 layers sandwiched by strudel dough. The layers vary, but traditionally consist of poppy seeds, steamed apple, raisins and groundnuts. Don’t miss out on trying it!

4. The Locals Are Super Friendly

Generally, we find most capital cities to be a little cold and a little unwelcoming. This couldn’t be further from the truth in Ljubljana.

The locals in Ljubljana are genuinely so happy and friendly. They’re proud of their country and want to show it off to you. If you have any questions, they’re always happy to help.

They particularly love it if you learn a few words in their language, even if it’s just hello (dober dan) and thank you (hvala). If you use these, expect to see their faces beaming back at you. It really means so much to them.

The warm nature of the locals in Ljubljana really makes this city worth visiting.

5. The Architecture Is Stunning

We’re suckers for a pretty city, and Ljubljana is beautiful. It really is like stepping into a fairytale, with authentic old-world charm. The streets are cobblestoned and the buildings are tall and colourful.

One of the best things to do in Ljubljana is simply to wander the streets, admiring the beautiful buildings at every turn.

Make sure you head to the triple bridge, designed by the architect Jože Plečnik in the 20th Century. This is an area where three bridges sit side-by-side, connecting the old town with the new. They are truly stunning, and the views down the river are beautiful.

6. There Are Plenty Of Beautiful Green Spaces

Being the Green Capital of Europe, it’s no surprise that Ljubljana is filled with beautiful green spaces. In fact, it has 542m2 of green spaces per inhabitant. That’s crazy.

If you want to relax in nature for a few hours, head to Tivoli Park, the largest green space in the city. Tivoli Park is huge, you could easily spend hours exploring and still not see it all. It is home to stunning manicured gardens, a boating lake, forest paths, and even museums.

If you want to head a little off the beaten path, we found a hidden gem during our time in Ljubljana. On the outskirts of the city is the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship. This 35km path encircles the city centre, following the course of the barbed wire fence that encircled Ljubljana during the Second World War.

The path is made of mostly gravel, and is great for running, walking, or cycling. There are over 7000 trees planted along the path, and plenty of wildflowers to attract bees. It is so peaceful, and we never saw another tourist on it.

7. Ljubljana Is A Great Base For Day Trips

One of the major reasons why Ljubljana is worth visiting is it is a fantastic base for exploring Slovenia. The city is relatively central, and has good transport links, making it the perfect place to base yourself.

We would highly recommend hiring a car to explore Slovenia. This will give you the most flexibility and the ability to get off the beaten path. The roads in Slovenia are impeccably maintained, and the drives are so beautiful.

Here are the approximate driving times to reach the main attractions from Ljubljana:

Lake Bled – 50 minutes
Vintgar Gorge – 40 minutes
Lake Bohinj – 1hr 15 minutes
Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle – 36 minutes
Triglav National Park – 1hr 10 minutes
Piran – 1hr 20 minutes
Maribor – 1hr 20 minutes

8. Ljubljana Has A Vibrant Café Culture

One thing that really surprised us about Ljubljana is that it has a thriving café culture. If you know me, this is one thing that will always convince me a city is worth visiting.

The café culture in Ljubljana is different than most capital cities. It’s not just a ‘grab and go’ culture, but a ‘sit down, sip, and chat’ culture. The city is full of charming little cafés where you can sit for hours, sipping espresso, watching the world go by, and just being.

The best part? Most of them have outdoor seating right by the river, so you’ve got dreamy views of the water, bridges, and colourful old buildings as your backdrop.

There’s a nice mix of cafés too — from trendy spots serving specialty brews to cosy, old-school cafés with retro furniture. Honestly, it’s one of the things we love most about Ljubljana — it just makes you slow down and enjoy the moment.

9. Ljubljana Castle Offers Incredible Views

One of the highlights of Ljubljana, and one of the reasons it’s worth visiting, is its spectacular castle. Ljubljana Castle is an iconic feature of the skyline, perched on a hill towering over the city.

You can either walk up through the forest paths, or take the funicular if you want to travel in a more unique way.

Once you reach the castle, you’ll be treated to unreal views from the castle courtyard. You can see over the entire city, with the red rooftops surrounding the winding Ljubljanica River. You can even see the distant Accursed Mountains on a clear day.

The castle itself is also really fun to explore, with a mix of historic rooms, a small museum, a printing press, and even a cute café. Whether you’re there for the history or the views, Ljubljana Castle is 100% worth visiting.

10. The Ljubljanica River Is Stunning

The Ljubljianica River winds right through the heart of Ljubljana, giving the city so much of its charm. The calm water reflects the beautiful buildings and bridges that line its banks. Its one of those places that just makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.

One of our favourite things to do in Ljubljana was to walk along the riverside, stopping at one of the cute riverside cafés for a drink. It’s so beautiful, especially in the evenings when the lights dance across the water’s surface.

There are loads of spots where you can stop and enjoy the view, or you could consider taking a boat tour along the river to see it from a different perspective. Either way, the Ljubljanica River is part of what makes Ljubljana so special, and is part of the reason we think Ljubljana is worth visiting.

11. Festivals & Events Happen Year-Round

There’s no doubt that Ljubljana is a city buzzing with life. There is always something going on, and maybe that’s why the locals are always so cheerful.

No matter when you visit, there’s a good chance there will be something fun going on. From vibrant markets to street theatre, film festivals, and open-air concerts, there is so much to get involved in.

In the summer, the city comes alive with the Ljubljana Festival, one of the oldest music festivals in Europe. There’s a mixture of jazz, classical, opera, and pop music, as well as dancers and theatre performances.

In the winter, Ljubljana transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. At every turn, you’ll find twinkling Christmas lights and traditional wooden stalls selling a variety of handmade gifts and delicacies. The smell of mulled wine wafts through the air, and everyone is in the Christmas spirit. It’s a truly magical time to visit.

The city’s festivals and events are one of the best reasons why Ljubljana is worth visiting.

Where To Stay In Ljubljana

Ljubljana is filled with some beautiful accommodation options catering to every budget. Here are our top picks:

Best Budget Stay – Azur Rooms Ljubljana – This hotel is situated in a quiet residential area, with bright comfortable rooms and a restaurant on site. Click HERE To Book
Best Mid-Range Stay – City Hotel Ljubljana – Located right in the heart of the city, this hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms, an onsite restaurant, fitness centre, and incredible views. Click HERE To Book
Best Luxury Stay – Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel – This is by far the best hotel in Ljubljana. Just steps away from all of the main attractions, this 5-star hotel offers uniquely decorated rooms with views over the city and castle. Click HERE To Book

FAQs

Still have a few questions about whether Ljubljana is worth visiting? We’ve answered the most common questions below.

How Long Should I Spend In Ljubljana?

To get a good taste of the city, and do all the main activities, we would recommend spending at least two nights in Ljubljana. If you want to make the most of it’s central location and visit more of Slovenia, we would recommend spending a week.

Does It Snow In Ljubljana?

Yes! Slovenia receives a large amount of snowfall every winter. Whilst, of course, it is heavier and deeper in mountainous locations, snowfall is common in Ljubljana from December through to February.

Is Ljubljana Safe For Tourists?

Ljubljana is one of the safest capital cities in the world. In fact, Slovenia as a whole is ranked amongst the safest countries in the world.

Crime rates in Ljubljana are incredibly low, but as always it’s best practice to be mindful of your surroundings and your belongings. We’re confident you’ll encounter no issues in Ljubljana.

Can I Visit Lake Bled From Ljubljana?

Yes, visiting Lake Bled is easy from Ljubljana. We would recommend hiring a car to drive to Lake Bled, though organised day trips are also a fantastic option. Public transport is available from Ljubljana bus station, but this will take you 1hr 15 minutes, plus walking time too and from the bus station, so would be our last choice for a day trip.

Wrap Up

Whilst often overlooked by travellers, Ljubljana is definitely worth visiting. It is one of the most laidback, peaceful cities we’ve ever visited, and the locals are so friendly. With a car-free centre and sustainability at its core, the city feels clean, calm, and incredibly easy to explore.

Whether you’re wandering through the charming Old Town, relaxing in one of the many green spaces, or enjoying a slow coffee by the river, Ljubljana has a way of making you feel at home. It’s the perfect mix of culture, nature, and good vibes. We can’t wait to go back, and we’re sure you’ll love it too.