Ljubljana city trip
The receptionist at our hotel explains the layout of Ljubljana using a map. She mentions that the city has a skyscraper. Or does she mean just one skyscraper?
The lonely apartment building is characteristic of this Slovenian capital with less than three hundred thousand inhabitants. It seems more like a provincial than a country’s capital, a friendly, enchanting little town surrounded by low hills. The size is fine for a leisurely city trip with plenty of time to enjoy Slovenian wine and food.
Melania’s city
This is the city where Melania Trump, the former US first lady, grew up. Her statue is in the town, but we have yet to see it during our explorations. The rest of Ljubljana’s sights can be seen in a day unless you visit all the art galleries and museums, as there is one on every street corner.
Sights Ljubljana
Ljubljana has various architectural styles, including baroque, neoclassicism, art nouveau, and modernism.
The city is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, such as
- the Ljubljanski Grad (Ljubljana Castle),
- the iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge),
- and the beautiful buildings along the Ljubljanica River.
In addition, there are many modern architectural highlights, especially in the Metelkova district and around Tivoli Park.
A green city
The city prides itself on its green image, which is why it was the European ”Green Capital of 2016”. Visitors are continuously reminded to separate waste. Inside the centre, there is no or little motorised traffic.
If you prefer to avoid walking, cycling is a great way to see the city, given the number of cycle paths.
The main sights of Ljubljana can be seen within a few hours.
Ljubljana Castle
The mediaeval castle of Ljubljana is on a hill in the city centre. It dates back to the 11th century and has undergone several renovations and expansions. From the fort, there are sweeping views over the city.
Take the cable car up the hill or take a short walk uphill of approximately fifteen minutes. The castle’s walls contain various exhibitions, museums, and restaurants. The doll museum is excellent for children and includes the castle’s entrance fee.
Book a tour of the castle with a guide and ticket for the cable car.
Triple bridge
The Triple Bridge in Ljubljana is an iconic bridge that spans the Ljubljanica River. The bridge is known for its design, which consists of three parallel bridges connected by pillars and a richly decorated fence. The bridge was built in the late 19th century and has undergone several renovations.
Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge, or Zmajski Most in Slovenian, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and main thoroughfares. It connects the centre with the castle. This bridge, built in 1901 on behalf of Emperor Francis Joseph I of Austria, owes its name to the four dragon statues on both sides of the bridge. These dragons symbolise the rulers who ruled the city in the Middle Ages.
Market Ljubljana
Ljubljana Market is located in the city centre, at Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 6, on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. It offers vegetables, fruit, cheese, meat, fish, and flowers.
Cyril Church
St. Cyril Church, also known as Sveti Ciril in Metod Church, is an Orthodox Baroque church built in the 18th century. It is dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, two brothers considered the founders of Slavic script and theology. The interior is beautiful, with frescoes, paintings, and sculptures.
Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park is the largest and oldest park in Ljubljana. It is A great place to enjoy birdsong, have a picnic in the summer or have a drink and a snack at Bistro Švicarija.
Bistro Švicarijahoused is in a former hotel built in Art Deco. Art exhibitions can be visited for free in the remaining part of the building. Another property is the Tivoli Castle, a historic building now a modern art gallery.
Emona, Roman Quarter
On the edge of Mirje’s are the remains of a Roman quarter known as ‘Emona’. Emona was a Roman colony founded in the first century AD and was an important urban centre in the region. Today, one can see the archaeological remains, including parts of the city walls, streets, and the central forum.
Practical information Ljubljana
Ljubljana card
- With the Ljubljana card, visitors have access to more than 20 museums and galleries, the Ljubljana Zoo, and many other attractions on a free guided city tour;
- In addition, travel unlimited on city buses during the card’s validity period (24, 48, or 72 hours);
- Plus, have 24-hour access to WiFree Ljubljana, the city’s wireless internet network;
- A cable car ride to Ljubljana Castle and entrance to the castle;
- A boat trip and;
- Bicycle rental of 4 hours.
Hotel Ljubljana
If you arrive by car, spending the night outside the historic centre is the most economical option as you must pay for parking in the city. Some places are even impossible to reach by car.
We stayed in a studio in an old tobacco factory called Gami Ex-Factory, where guests park for free. The studios have a dishwasher, washing machine and comfortable beds. The building is within walking distance of the centre.
Drink and eat
- Bistro Švicarija in Tivoli Park is an excellent place for lunch. The restaurant closes at six o’clock o’clock.
- Altroke on Stari trg 19 serves tasty food, including an affordable lunch menu.
- Gostilna Sokol on Ciril-Metodov trg 18 is a traditional Slovenian restaurant with oompah music.
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