Should You Visit Ljubljana?

Is Ljubljana worth visiting?

This capital city is a good place to visit for one to three days. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in The Rough Guide's Best Travel Destinations for 2023. Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. It's a university city with many parks and green spaces. In particular, Tivoli Park is a beautiful place to explore. The city sits along the Ljubljanica River and the riverside has many cafes that you can enjoy. On one side of the river you'll find the old town, with the more modern commercial district on the opposite side. The city is filled with museums and culture, and its surrounded by natural beauty. While it's often overlooked for some of Europe's more popular capital city's, Ljubljana offers an authentic and rewarding experience for those who visit.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Reasons to Visit Ljubljana

Historical Sights
The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Shopping
The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Museums
Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

Food
The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Nightlife
Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Authenticity
Ljubljana has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Ljubljana worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Ljubljana is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.

The weather in Ljubljana is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 22°C (72°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (83°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable capital city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.

Is Ljubljana worth visiting in the Autumn?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 13°C (56°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Ljubljana, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Ljubljana is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, admire the historic sights, and wander through the museums. Also, you can enjoy the city's energy.

Is Ljubljana worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Ljubljana. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather in Ljubljana can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 1°C (34°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife and the big city activities.

Is Ljubljana worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Ljubljana. Even though Ljubljana is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 12°C (54°F).

Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the quaint shops, the famous sights and museums, and the gorgeous scenery. Also, you'll be able to learn about the history of the town and enjoy an evening out.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Ljubljana

Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Ljubljana might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Ljubljana here or see if Ljubljana is expensive here.

Related

What is Ljubljana most famous for?

Ljubljana is most famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. People visit this impressive capital city for its great historical sights and shopping. It is also known for its great museums, food, and nightlife. It is often described as authentic, historic, charming, and under-rated.

What is the most famous sight in Ljubljana?

The most popular sight in Ljubljana is The Ljubljana Castle. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Ljubljana on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Ljubljana Castle and other attractions here.

How touristy is Ljubljana? Is it a popular capital city to visit?

Ljubljana is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• City Tour of Ljubljana: $173
• 8-Hour Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Waterfall Savica Tour: $87
• Axe Throwing Experience in Ljubljana: $36
• Postojna cave, Predjama castle and Piran tour from Ljubljana: $129
• Broken Bones Gin Experience: $37
• Ljubljana - Personalized Private Tour: $147
• Private Ljubljana City Tour & Ljubljana castle from Ljubljana: $76
• Full Day City of Piran and Škocjan Cave Tour fom Ljubljana: $107

How long should I spend in Ljubljana?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Ljubljana is one to three days. Since Ljubljana has activities such as historical sights and shopping, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Ljubljana? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Ljubljana?.