How to Spend 1 Day in Ljubljana: Embracing My Slovenian Heritage

Are you planning a trip to Slovenia? Then, a stop in their capital is a must! As it’s not super large, with only 1 day in Ljubljana, you can see a whole lot.

Below I’ll break down what I did with my one day in Ljubljana, aside from the day I spent at the Ljubljana Archdiocesan Archives researching my family history, to help you plan your own trip.

Tour Bus with the Alps in the foreground — Pictured above isn’t our bus, but we were on one very similar.

How to Get to Ljubljana

My Mother and I had come from Munich and went on a FlixBus as it was a convenient and affordable way to travel. If you’re looking for a budget way to get around Europe, I highly recommend checking out bus options if you’re going to nearby cities or countries.

Not only was the bus very comfortable, but we were able to reserve seats for the top portion of the bus in front so that we could see the beautiful views of the Alps along the route.

However, the bus isn’t the only way to get to Ljubljana! You can also take a…

Airplane: The most convenient airport to the city is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU). The airport is about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Ljubljana, which is about a 20-minute drive. You can then take a shuttle or taxi to the city center. However, taking the bus is the cheapest option.
Train: Ljubljana is accessible by direct trains from many cities, such as Vienna, Munich, Zurich, Zagreb, Budapest, and Belgrade. While a bit more expensive than the bus usually, it’s an enjoyable way to train and usually pretty quick (baring any delays).
Car Rental: Of course, you could also rent a car and drive there from another one of Europe’s lovely cities. However, other than when I rented a car in Rhodes, Greece, and Rovaniemi, Finland, I tend to avoid doing this as I don’t want the hassle of getting an international driver’s permit or finding parking.

Getting Around Ljubljana + Map

Ljubljana is pretty darn walkable! It’s actually one of the many reasons I loved visiting. My Mother and I only used their public transportation system, the bus in particular, which I found easy to use.

However, they have many options beyond that as well…

Bike: BicikeLJ public bicycle system is available across the Ljubljana city center. Bicycles can be hired practically for free. Visitors can also hire bicycles as part of the Ljubljana Bike project. Available from April 1st – October 31st, they can be hired at reasonable prices and Ljubljana Card holders get access to a free four-hour bicycle hire.
Bus: City buses are operated by the Ljubljanski potniški promet (LPP) company. You need the Urbana public transport card to use the bus system, which is available at LPP ticket offices, tourist info centers, and most of the city’s newspaper kiosks, newsstands, and post offices. However, you can also download their app and use it as a digital card. A single journey fare is €1.30, which covers up to a 90-minute journey regardless of the number of bus changes needed to reach your destination, making this a super affordable option.
Taxi: You can easily find a taxi in the city. However, they can get expensive. Charges are lower when taxis are ordered by phone, and asking about the fare beforehand is advisable.
Car Rental: As I mentioned above, I don’t recommend this as it can be costly. However, if you plan on seeing a lot of Slovenia, it may be a good option for you. Just be aware you’ll likely have to pay for parking in Ljubljana.
Kavalir: You can go short distances within the car-free city center using their new environmentally-friendly electric vehicle called Kavalir (Gallant Helper). This wasn’t available when I was there in 2018; however, as my Mother has mobility issues, this likely would have been a godsend, so I’ll recommend it for those who struggle similarly!

🗺️ How to Use This Map: Get more info about each point of interest by clicking the icons on the map. To save my interactive map, click 1 Day in Ljubljana list, then hit ‘Save.’ It’ll then be accessible via desktop under ‘Saved’ and the Google Maps app under ‘You.’ Sort by ‘Distance’ to quickly see what’s open and nearby while traveling.

One Day Itinerary For Ljubljana

Preseren Square

Prešeren Square serves as the main square of Ljubljana, nestled in the Old Town, making it a great place to start your one day in Slovenia’a capital. You might recognize it from Instagram, particularly the stunning salmon-pink building at the square’s edge, which is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation.

If my memory serves me well, we didn’t have the opportunity to enter the church because it was undergoing renovations or something during my 1 day in Ljubljana.

Prešeren Square is also the location of many festivals, such as the annual Ljubljana Dragon Carnival, where concerts, sports, and other events take place.

Triple Bridge

Right by Prešeren Square, you’ll find the Triple Bridge, comprised of three bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River.

It links the historic medieval town on the southeast bank to the central Prešeren Square on the northwest bank. Established in the 13th century, it is the oldest bridge in Ljubljana.

If you spend any kind of time in Old Town, you’re sure to see it!

Ljubljana Cathedral

Ljubljana Cathedral, also known as Saint Nicholas’s Church, began as a Gothic church. However, in the early 18th century, it was transformed into a Baroque structure, a highly favored architectural style at the time.

Entry to the cathedral is free, and you’re welcome to attend a mass if you’d like. Regardless, I strongly suggest visiting Ljubljana Cathedral. Even if just for a brief visit, the ceiling artwork alone is worth it!

Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle has been perched on a hill overlooking the city for about 900 years and is renowned worldwide for its sustainability certifications. Visiting the castle provides you with stunning panoramic views of the city.

To reach Ljubljana Castle, you take a funicular up, similar to the one at Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Inside the castle, you can explore an exhibition dedicated to Slovenian history, a puppet museum, various historical rooms like the Chapel of St. George and the Prison, art exhibitions, a café, a nightclub, a wine bar, two restaurants, and a screening area.

Another attraction is the Escape Castle, an exciting adventure that allows you to explore the city’s history through five challenges. You might even get the chance to save the dragon depicted on the Dragon Bridge, the town’s coat of arms, and the flag.

Regrettably, I goofed during my trip to Ljubljana. I assumed that by the time we reached the city from Munich, the castle would be closed. I was mistaken, which caused me to miss the chance to visit. Nonetheless, I genuinely intend to go on my next trip back and highly recommend it to visitors planning their 1 day in Ljubljana!

Central Market

Since my Mother enjoys shopping, I took her to Ljubljana’s Central Market, an open-air venue. It’s a fantastic spot to sample Slovenian delicacies, with numerous food vendors perched along the river.

From mid-March to the end of October, every Friday hosts a one-of-a-kind food market featuring chefs from Slovenian restaurants who craft dishes from around the globe. Additionally, visitors can find fresh Slovenian produce sourced from local farmers.

On Saturdays, the Ecological Market also occurs at this location.

Adjacent to this is the Plečnik’s Covered Market, an indoor market featuring shops with Slovenian goods, eateries, a fish market that includes a small restaurant, and the DobraVaga Art Gallery.

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Dragon Bridge

When I arrived in Ljubljana, one of the first landmarks I sought out was the Dragon Bridge.

This bridge spans the Ljubljanica River and was constructed in the early 20th century while Ljubljana was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its original name was The Jubilee Bridge of Emperor Franz Josef I, but it was renamed the Dragon Bridge in July 1919.

The bridge’s primary draw, of course, is the four dragons perched on pedestals at each corner. Additionally, it features sixteen smaller dragon statues. According to legend, Jason established Ljubljana, and he, along with his Argonauts, defeated a dragon represented by one of the four main dragons.

Vurnik House

Another place you’ve likely seen on Instagram is one of Ljubljana’s most famous buildings, the Vurnik House or the Cooperative Business Bank building, which is located on Miklošičeva ulica Street.

Despite being nestled in a vibrant Art Nouveau district, its elaborately adorned facade still stands out from its neighbors. Designed by architect Ivan Vurnik and completed in 1921, this building is regarded as one of the finest representations of Slovenian national-style architecture.

Note that this building is not open to tourists. However, you’re more than welcome to stroll by for photos!

If you are as intrigued by colorful architecture as I am, I highly recommend you check out Gaudí in Barcelona, specifically Casa Batlló.

Do a Walking Tour and Try Traditional Slovenian Food

After dedicating much of our time to researching our relatives at the Ljubljana Archdiocesan Archives, I suggested to my Mom that we do a walking food tour. This way, we could a) explore the city, b) learn about Slovenia, and c) sample some local dishes.

By signing up for the Ljubljana: Slovenian Cuisine Walking Tour with Tastings by RoundAbout, we were able to kill several birds with one stone!

During this tour, we explored the historic areas of Ljubljana, discovered Slovenia’s rich history, and enjoyed a variety of traditional dishes and wines from different regions of the country.

We visited several notable sites mentioned earlier, including Prešeren Square and the Dragon Bridge, so if you’re short on time, I recommend starting with this tour during your 1 day in Ljubljana!

The tour lasts approximately four hours and includes several restaurants in Ljubljana’s Old Town. One of the spots gave us the beautiful view of the city shown in the image above.

While my Mom isn’t an adventurous eater, I genuinely enjoyed the food. Our guide made a great effort to find dishes that she felt comfortable with, which we truly appreciated.

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It was a bit gloomy and wet when we visited

Additional Things to Do in Ljubljana

Still looking for more to do? Check out these additional options for what to do during your 1 day in Ljubljana.

Slovenian Museum of Natural History: A national museum with natural history, scientific, and educational contents. Visitors can view a presentation of Proteus anguinus, dioramas of alpine, wetland and forest wildlife, an almost complete mammoth skeleton, as well as a collection of reptiles, fishes, and various vertebrate skeletons. It is the oldest cultural and scientific Slovenian institution.
National Museum of Slovenia: The museum has an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, old coins, banknotes, and displays related to the applied arts. Notably a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal flute and the remains of the ancient culture of Pile-dwellers (Koliščarji) from Ljubljana Marshes.
Park Tivoli: Tivoli City Park, or simply Tivoli Park, is the largest park in Ljubljana. Decorated with an assortment or fountains, it’s a nice place for a stroll.
Museum of Modern Art: The central museum and gallery of Slovenian artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries, such as the constructivism of Avgust Černigoj, the monumental realism of Tone Kralj, and the avant-garde provocation of Neue Slowenische Kunst.
Museum of Contemporary History: A state museum dedicated to the heritage of recent Slovenian history from the beginning of the 20th century onward. It holds collections related to the First and Second World Wars, the period between the two wars, the socialist period, and the establishment of independent Slovenia. Exhibits include museum objects, archival and library materials, fine artworks, and photographs.
Butcher’s Bridge: The Butchers’ Bridge is known as Ljubljana’s love bridge, similar to Paris’ version on the Pont des Arts bridge, where numerous couples have symbolically locked their love with padlocks, tossing the keys into the Ljubljanica River below.
Cobblers’ Bridge: Designed by architect Jože Plečnik from 1931 to 1932, this was once a covered wooden bridge linking Mestni trg and Novi trg squares, two key areas of medieval Ljubljana. It accommodated cobblers’ workshops, hence the origin of its name.

Breathtaking view of Lake Bled in Slovenia. — Photo by Laura Rieusset

Day Trips from Ljubljana

Of course, Lake Bled is likely the top of mind for day trips from Ljubljana.

While my Mother and I didn’t visit the famous site (we headed down to Zagreb, Croatia, to explore our family history further), I can still help you with plenty of day trip ideas, Lake Bled and beyond!

All you need to do is check out my post 18 Things to Do in Slovenia: Planning the Ultimate Trip for tons of fun filled ideas for every type of traveler!

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

In order to save money, we stayed on the outskirts of the city. Staying in central Ljubljana or even in Old Town, I’m sure, is lovely, but it was also far more expensive.

Azur Rooms Ljubljana, which is where we stayed, was super close to a bus stop! Making it so easy for us to get into the main part of the city.

The rooms were clean, comfortable, and safe. Their terrace also provided a perfect spot to relax and take in the city views.

Ljubljana Itinerary FAQs

Is 1 day enough in Ljubljana?

Yes and no. I would have loved another day to get to Ljubljana Castle and some of the surrounding areas. I goofed on my timings with the Castle, so I was unable to visit. As for the surrounding area, it just wasn’t possible in one day. However, if you’re better at time management, you’ll likely be able to see the highlights I’ve listed here.

Is Ljubljana worth a day trip?

Yes! Ljubljana is certainly worth a day trip. I loved checking out Slovenia’s capital, even for a short amount of time. It really has a unique flavor, even in comparison to other larger European cities nearby.

What to do in Ljubljana in 24 hours?

What you can do with 1 day in Ljubljana is see Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, Central Market, and the Vurnik House. To hit two birds with one stone, I highly recommend a food tour which’ll help you explore Old Town and taste some local dishes.

Is Ljubljana safe for solo female travelers?

Yes. Ljubljana is safe for solo travelers, especially if they are female. While I was with my Mother on this trip, I usually travel solo. So I feel that I can speak to how I would have felt if I had done this trip alone. Everyone I met was pleasant, no area felt unlit or dangerous, and I was unaware of any prevalent thief. I always recommend you still follow safety rules, however.

Final Thoughts on One Day in Ljubljana

Have any questions on how I spent 1 days in Ljubljana? Feel free to comment below or reach out via email. I’ll respond as soon as possible!

And if you have any questions on how you can embrace your own heritage, please do feel free to reach out! I really enjoyed exploring the Ljubljana Archdiocesan Archives.