Ljubljana is the capital and biggest city of Slovenia. It is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe and one of the most charming. It is small and compact with no major points of attraction that will take you from one place to another.
The best way to tour the city is by foot since the top attractions are located close to each other. The city is also currently the cultural, educational, economic, and political center of Slovenia.
Geography
Ljubljana is located in the middle of the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. It is located in the center of Slovenia, on the banks of the Ljubljanica River.
How to Reach (Modes of Transportation)
By Plane – The airport serving the city is the Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Aiport or also known as Brink Airport. Located 26 km northeast of the city center, the airport only serves routes to different European destinations.
By Train – The Ljubljana Rail Hub connects the city to major parts of Europe as international lines intersect here. Local trains are available for Slovenian destinations, where no point on the country is more than 3 hours away. All international passenger trains stop at the railway, with 6 stations and 9 stops within the city.
By Bus – The Ljubljana bus station is located next to the railway station. The buses are run by the Ljubljana Passenger Transport Company. It is the most widely used mode of transportation in the city, with 26 lines that run from 5:30am to 10:30pm everyday. Different bus lines also operate in the evenings.
By Kavalir – An electric vehicle operating since 2009, this free public transport runs through the car-free zones in the downtown area. There are about 3 Kavalirs in the city, all with the capacity to ride 5 passengers, who are mostly the elderly and tourists.
By Taxi – There are a few taxi companies operating in the city. Calling a cab for pick up is more ideal than waiting for one in the street as the latter is more expensive.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ljubljana is during the summer. The months of August to October have the warmest temperatures and the perfect weather for sightseeing and strolling around the city. Summers are also abundant with major festivals, so expect to rub shoulders with plenty of crowds in the top points of interest in the city. Avoid visiting the city during winter as the weather can get really cold and fog is common in the city center.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions
Ljubljana Summer Festival – From July to August every year, the Summer Festival is held in different venues across the city. It is the premier artistic event in the country, with over 70 performances in music, ballet, theater, and plenty of exhibits. Over 80,000 spectators and attendees come to the city for this annual event.
Ljubljana Marathon – Over 20,000 runners from 40 different countries join this biggest running event in Slovenia. There are different categories wherein recreational runners can join for fun.
Noise Festival – The longest-running annual event of its kind in the world. this festival is a gathering of international musicians and artists who practice experimental art and music. A two-day event in April, lectures, workshops, photo exhibits, DJ sets, live music, and all kinds of performances with the DIY ethics occur in one single venue.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit)
Cop Street – Copova Street is the central promenade in Ljubljana. It is a pedestrian street with an eclectic mix of shops and cafes that give the city its charming and vintage character.
Triple Bridge – The most unusual and most frequently crossed bridge in the city, the Triple Bridge is an architectural monument of Ljubljana. It’s a structure of 3 picturesque bridges that connect major historical parts of the city.
Old Town – There are 2 squares in the city’s Old Town, both filled with medieval buildings, local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Ljubljana Castle – This medieval fortress is the place for many of the city’s cultural, historic, and entertainment events. It offers magnificent views of the city and that of the Sara River and Kamnik Alps from afar.
Accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay in the city but they have the highest prices in the whole of Slovenia. For tight budget travelers, higher quality hostels are aplenty in the city. If staying for a few days, the most ideal accommodation are private apartments. There are more hostels in Ljubljana than hotels, with apartments the most popular place to stay.
Pranjska Gora