Ljubljana Travel Guide

Ljubljana is the quintessential fusion of old-world charm and modern sophistication, where magnificent Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture speaks to 5,000 years of fascinating history, and a lively cultural scene leaves no doubt that it is in tune with the times. The destination is also one of Europe's most environmentally friendly capitals and was awarded the coveted Green Capital of Europe title in 2016.

A devoted centre of culture, Ljubljana has thousands of art and music events gracing its calendar each year, including the Summer Festival, Jazz Festival, and the Druga Godba Festival, a celebration of world music. Indeed, music is the lifeblood of the city, which boasts one of the oldest established philharmonic orchestras in the world, not to mention some very accomplished street musicians.

Classical culture is not all that's on offer, however. With its large student population, Ljubljana knows how to party and after nightfall, visitors are just as likely to hear the throbbing beat of club music or rock and roll as they are the strains of violins.

Ljubljana is also home to an expanding culinary scene, where all the best of Eastern European cuisine seems to have merged into a of delights, from delicate Viennese-style pastries to hearty Hungarian goulash.

Things to do in Ljubljana

Whether travellers are after relaxation or adventure, Slovenia's charming capital is the perfect destination. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely holiday in Ljubljana, soaking up the country's history and culture, sampling the unique cuisine, or relaxing at an open-air cafe on a balmy summer evening.

They can take a stroll through the historical centre, admiring the Renaissance and Art Nouveau facades, while enjoying the Baroque architecture of the Cathedral of St Nicholas or the medieval Ljubljana Castle, which watches over the city. The National Museum is home to Slovenia's only Egyptian mummy, while Pleanik House shares information on the renowned architect who helped shape the identity of Ljubljana.

Visitors can make the most of the outdoors in 2016's Green Capital of Europe by cycling alongside the Ljubljanica River or strolling through one of the city's many peaceful parks or forests. Kids will love interacting with the animals at the Ljubljana Zoo and running around as their parents picnic in the beautiful Tivoli Park.

Those who want to get active can enjoy the natural beauty of Ljubljana's surrounding areas with a trip to Lake Bled, just 45 minutes away, where they can go fishing and horse riding, or explore the Triglav National Park's fantastic walking and hiking trails.

National Museum of Slovenia photo

National Museum of Slovenia

Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of Ljubljana being extremely neat and well-planned, with his insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned architect's home and studio is open to the public a few days a week, furnished and equipped just as he left it. However, his influence is visible everywhere in the city and can be admired at sites such as the wide Shoemaker's Bridge and the colonnaded market beside the river.

Plečnik House photo

Plečnik House

Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of Ljubljana being as neat and well planned as it is, with his insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned architect's home and studio is open to the public a few days a week, furnished and equipped as he left it. However, his influence is everywhere in the city and can be admired at sites like the wide Shoemaker's Bridge and the colonnaded market beside the river.

Ljubljana Castle photo

Ljubljana Castle

The imposing Ljubljana Castle towers over the city, offering spectacular views of the Ljubljanica River and old town skyline, with the distant Alps providing a stunning backdrop. A steep cobbled street winds its way from the old town to the medieval fortress, which dates back to the 11th century. The castle complex includes a museum, restaurant and chapel, with access to the castle provided by a scenic funicular ride. Visitors can admire the view from the castle's impressive tower, stroll through the tranquil grounds, learn about Slovenian history at one of the museum exhibitions, or attend one of the many cultural events hosted at the fortress.

Cathedral of St Nicholas photo

Cathedral of St Nicholas

Dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, the magnificent Cathedral of St Nicholas is built in the Baroque style and dates back to the early 18th century. It was renovated and had beautifully carved bronze doors added for the Pope's visit in 1996; the doors depict the development of Christianity in Slovenia and give way to a richly ornate interior below the impressive cupola and stunning Giulio Quaglio frescoes. Other artworks include Angelo Putti's statues of four Bishops of Emona, Putti's painting of Dean Janez Anton Dolnicar, and Francesco Robba's altar angels.

Ljubljana Zoo photo

Ljubljana Zoo

The quaint Ljubljana Zoo is situated in a forested area just a short walk from the city centre. The small size of the zoo gives visitors a more intimate experience, with a range of animals that includes wild cats, lions, sea lions, giraffes, elephants and over 100 other species. Feeding times and training exhibitions are staged throughout the day, a schedule for which is available on the website. The zoo offers a welcome break from all the cultural and historical attractions of Ljubljana, providing family holidaymakers a wonderful way to entertain the children.

Tivoli Park photo

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is a massive wooded area in Ljubljana and covers an impressive five square kilometres. The park is the perfect place for a picnic or evening stroll, boasting a number of ponds, playgrounds, sporting facilities, flowerbeds, grassy patches and fountains. This popular spot allows visitors to relax and really admire the beauty of wonderful Ljubljana. Tivoli Park is also a wonderful place to take the kids, allowing them to run around and let off some steam.

Lake Bled photo

Lake Bled

One of the most popular attractions in Slovenia, the charming town of Bled is located just 45 minutes' drive from the capital Ljubljana and is the base for many travellers in Slovenia. A town with gorgeous surrounds and an ancient history, Bled's foremost attraction is the glacial Lake Bled: a cobalt-blue expanse of water with a forested island in the middle, which is accessible by traditional rowboats known as pletnas. Overlooking the lake is the photogenic Bled Castle, while the island itself is home to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, one of Slovenia's most impressive sights. Bled also offers a range of outdoor sporting activities, such as golfing, fishing and horse riding, while the nearby Triglav National Park has fantastic walking and hiking trails.

Postojna Cave photo

Postojna Cave

Slovenia's Postojna Cave is the most-visited cave complex in Europe and has welcomed nearly 200 million visitors to gape at its incredible karst formations, cavernous chambers and interesting collection of cave art animals. Stretching for 13 miles (20km), one of the best things about visiting the astounding Postojna Cave Complex is its top-class infrastructure: the cave is well-lit and visitors access the underground walkway by train. Guided tours of the cave last about 90 minutes, during which visitors are treated to a wealth of glittering calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites. The Postojna Cave is also home to a subterranean concert hall with celebrated acoustics, and hosts regular summer concerts of classical music.

Triglav National Park photo

Triglav National Park

The only national park in Slovenia, Triglav National Park is named after the highest peak in the country and the Julian Alps: Mount Triglav. Appearing on the Slovenian flag, the mountain is a symbol of national identity.

Its craggy, snow-covered summit provides a wonderful backdrop to a holiday spent exploring quiet forests and hiking to pristine waterfalls. The trail that leads out to the 240-foot (78m) Slap Savica Waterfall is particularly popular, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the continent.

Slovenia is fast becoming the go-to destination for skiing in Europe, with Triglav National Park providing some easy and affordable alternatives to those found in France and Switzerland. Vogel is probably the most popular resort, its powder descents surrounded by untouched sprawls of beautiful mountain forest, while there are also runs in the nearby towns of Kranjska Gora and Krvavec.

Triglav National Park is also perfectly set up for mountain bikers and keen mountaineers keen to tackle its rocky slopes. The park offers affordable camping, and its close proximity to Italy and Austria makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers wishing to experience the Alps.

Getting Around

Ljubljana is a small, compact city that is easy to explore on foot, especially for those intent on appreciating the architecture. The next best option is the inexpensive and efficient bus service. To ride the bus, passengers first need to purchase an Urbana card from self-service stations near the larger bus stops and load it with credit.

Cars are a liability in the city, which is largely pedestrianised, and parking is at a premium. Bicycles provide a fun and convenient way of getting around, available to rent for a nominal fee and small deposit. Taxis are available and are a good option after dark, when the bus service is radically reduced. Hopin Taxi is the most popular transport app.

Ljubljana Climate and Weather

Ljubljana has a humid subtropical climate influenced by its location in a large basin, surrounded by sub-Alpine and karst mountain regions. Balmy breezes blow in from the Mediterranean, adding extra warmth in the summer (June to August) when average high temperatures peak at about 81F (27C). During winter (December to February), temperature inversions cause the foggy air to hang heavy over the city, bringing cold, moist conditions. Winter temperatures average between 27F (-3C) and 39F (4C).

Slovenia travel info

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are most common.

Language

The official language of Slovenia is Slovene. Italian and Hungarian are also spoken in some communities.

Money

The euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Banks offer the best exchange rates for cash. Banking hours are generally 9am to 5pm during the week, with some banks closing for a lunch hour at midday. Numerous bureaux de change are open outside banking hours throughout the country. Major ATMs are readily available in major cities; credit cards are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Tipping

A 10 percent tip is expected in restaurants, hotels and by taxi drivers.

Health

Travel insurance for medical treatment is recommended. Slovenia has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, providing emergency healthcare on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.

Safety

There are very few risks involved in travel to Slovenia but sensible precautions are still advised. Travellers should guard their valuables from pickpockets and petty thieves, lock their cars and avoid protests, strikes and other public demonstrations. A copy of their passports or some other form of identification should be carried at all times.

Local customs

The majority of the population is Roman Catholic and visitors should respect religious customs. Penalties for drug offences can be severe in Slovenia. A copy of one's passport or other form of identification should be carried at all times.

Doing business

Business etiquette in Slovenia is similar to the rest of Western Europe. Men and women should dress conservatively in formal business suits. Shaking hands with both men and women is the norm and it's considered polite to greet women first. Business cards are often exchanged after introductions, with Slovenians usually referred to by their title and surname. Business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers to Slovenia from within the European Union may import the following goods duty-free: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, and one kilogram tobacco; 10 litres spirits, 20 litres fortified wine or liqueur, 90 litres wine (no more than 60 litres sparkling wine), 110 litres beer.

Visitors from non-EU countries who are 17 and older may import up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco. In addition, one litre spirits, or two litres fortified wine, liqueur or sparkling wine, as well as four litres wine and 16 litres beer will not be taxed. Visitors are also restricted to 50ml of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette, and medicinal products for personal use. Other goods up to the value of €430 (€150 for those under 15 years old) will not be taxed.

Communications

The international dialling code for Slovenia is +386. Restaurants, cafes and hotels offer WiFi; travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Passport & Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the departure date. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

UK passports must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the departure date. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Canadian nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Australian nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required. Schengen "C" type visas must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State. This is specified in the "valid for" field of the visa.

Irish nationals require a passport valid upon arrival, but no visa is required.

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Useful contacts

Slovenian Tourist Information Centre, Ljubljana: +386 1 306 4575 or www.slovenia.info or https://www.slovenia.info/en

112 (General emergency)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 386 6601.

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7222 5700.

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 565 5781.

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6290 0000.

Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia, Cape Town, South Africa: + 27 21 970 2447.

Embassies / consulates in Slovenia

United States Embassy, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 5500.

British Embassy, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 3910.

Canadian Consulate, Ljubljana: +386 1 252 4444.

Australian Consulate, Ljubljana: +386 1 234 8675.

South African Honourary Consulate, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 6300.

Embassy of Ireland, Ljubljana: +386 1 300 8970.

Consulate of New Zealand, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 9337.