The perfect weekend in Ljubljana, Slovenia

I fell in love with Ljubljana about 25 years ago – how can one resist a city whose name is partly derived from the Slovenian word for love?

With its charming old town dominated by a majestic hilltop castle and bisected by the tranquil River Ljubljanica, the Slovenian capital boasts an array of museums, stunning architecture, lush green spaces, and excellent dining and drinking spots.

It’s one of the most rejuvenating places I know, and I've returned time and again. Here’s what you need to plan an unforgettable weekend in Ljubljana.

Best time to visit: If possible, aim for a long weekend by arriving Thursday evening, giving you an entire day to explore Ljubljana on Friday.

Getting to the city from the airport: A regular bus service connects the airport to the bus and train stations in the city center; tickets are €3.70, with a travel time of 30 to 50 minutes. Catch bus number 28 and purchase tickets on board. Look for Brnik Airport Ljubljana on the timetables. Alternatively, GoOpti offers a reliable shared minivan shuttle service starting at €14 (book online).

Exploring Ljubljana: Much of the old town is pedestrian-friendly, making walking the best way to navigate. There’s also an excellent bike rental program and a local bus system that’s useful for reaching areas outside the city center.

Accommodation options in Ljubljana: There are fantastic places to stay right in the city center, ranging from the quirky, budget-friendly Hostel Celica to the stylish design hotel ONE66 and the ultra-luxurious AS Boutique Hotel.

Essentials to bring: Make sure to pack comfortable shoes for wandering around the city. During summer, temperatures can soar to 27°C or more. Don’t forget your swimwear if you're interested in trying a stand-up paddleboarding adventure on the Ljubljanica River.

Travel advice: Reserve your accommodation ahead of time and purchase a Ljubljana Card online, which offers 25, 48, or 72 hours of free bus travel, tours, and complimentary entry to major attractions.

Friday

Utilize Friday to check off some of the must-see attractions before the weekend crowds arrive.

Breakfast

Kick off your day with breakfast at the charming Le Petit Café, or if you're in a hurry, grab a quick coffee to go at the specialty coffee roasters Stow2Go located on Prešerenov trg.

How to enjoy the day

Stroll through Ljubljana's enchanting old town on foot. Begin at Prešerenov trg and take in the stunning Art Nouveau architecture along Miklošičeva cesta, then admire the vibrant facades of Mestni trg (the main square) and Stari trg (the old market square), known for its 19th-century wooden storefronts. Afterward, visit the baroque Cathedral of St Nicholas and enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenades lining both sides of the Ljubljanica River.

For lunch, indulge in a delightful dish at the Open Kitchen, Ljubljana’s renowned food festival held every Friday from March to November, weather permitting. Top restaurants from all over the country showcase their culinary creations at stalls situated between the river and the cathedral, where you can enjoy your meal at nearby benches and tables.

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, make your way to the castle, the city’s iconic landmark. The castle has stood in various forms since at least the 13th century, though the majority of its current structure dates back to the 15th century.

Dinner

For dinner, we recommend AFTR, where you typically order several dishes from a concise menu and pair them with exceptional Slovenian wine, all while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere. This former Michelin-starred restaurant has reinvented itself to focus on globally inspired street food and relaxed vibes. Opened in 2023, AFTR has already earned a Michelin recommendation, so make sure to reserve a table ahead of time.

After dark

If you’re interested in tasting more of Slovenia’s fantastic wines along with some tapas-style bites, head over to TaBar, conveniently located just off the riverside promenade. Alternatively, for cocktail enthusiasts, the iconic AS Aperitivo boasts an extensive mixology menu and plenty of outdoor seating. For a more intimate experience, visit Kolibri, famous for its homemade tinctures, cordials, and lovely floral decor.

Saturday

Dedicate the second day to exploring culture, enjoying meals, and experiencing the nightlife.

Breakfast

Start your day at the popular Kavarna Rog, located in the newly renovated Rog Centre, which was once a bicycle factory, later a squat, and now a vibrant cultural hub.

How to spend the day

Exploring museums will occupy a significant part of your day. Make sure to visit the Moderna galerija, which boasts Slovenia’s finest collection of 20th-century art, the new Cukrarna Gallery set in a beautifully renovated sugar refinery, and Plečnik House, the former residence of Slovenia’s most renowned architect (guided tours are available hourly).

If time permits, add the Ethnographic Museum to your itinerary, or check out the Jakopič Gallery, a charming photography gallery. For lunch, enjoy one of the many eateries along the river – Most is a personal favorite, known for its incredible red wine risotto, conveniently located next to the famous Butcher’s Bridge, adorned with love locks and quirky sculptures.

Dinner

Make your way to Gostilna pri Škofu, a cozy, unpretentious eatery just a short stroll from the city center, where you can savor delicious traditional Slovenian cuisine and experience a warm atmosphere.

After dark

For a taste of Ljubljana’s counterculture scene along with live music and drinks, head to the bars and clubs located in Metelkova, the city’s vibrant arts district.

Sunday

Dedicate your third day to a more leisurely exploration of the city.

Morning

Kick off your day with breakfast or brunch at Tozd for sandwiches and shareable plates, or indulge in delicious omelets at Kavarna Zvezda.

How to spend the day

Take a relaxing walk to Park Tivoli, a vast green space that extends into the city center. Alternatively, utilize Ljubljana’s efficient BicikeLJ bike-sharing system and ride down to the Trnovo Embankment to enjoy more of the riverside.

For a unique river experience, consider joining a SUP tour—these tours depart in the morning and late afternoon from the park near Špica Caffe, just across from the Ljubljana Music and Ballet Conservatory.

While in the old town, savor a late lunch at Güjžina, the premier spot in Ljubljana for traditional dishes from Slovenia’s Prekmurje region. Known for its hearty fare, this restaurant offers a creative twist by using plant-based ingredients in all its dishes.

A weekend in Ljubljana, even a lengthy one, can fly by. Remember that Slovenia’s vibrant, charming capital also serves as a fantastic launching pad for excursions to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and other stunning locations in Slovenia. Once you catch the Slovenia spirit, you may find yourself returning sooner than expected!