Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and the country’s most important business hub. The city has a compact, walkable center that is easy and pleasant to explore. Along the Ljubljanica River, you’ll find many small cafés, bars, and restaurants worth visiting for their selection of Slovenian food and wines. The old town beneath Ljubljana Castle is also particularly charming and deserves a visit. In most countries, the capital city would be at the top of a bucket list—but in Slovenia, Ljubljana faces stiff competition from the country’s many other outstanding attractions.
We visit Ljubljana almost every year when we are in Slovenia. Sometimes we come just to take a walk through the city center and enjoy a coffee at a cozy café. Other times it’s to buy wine from one of the city’s well-stocked wine shops, or simply to spend time with family and friends.
A short history of Ljubljana
Ljubljana and its surrounding marshlands have been inhabited for over 2,000 years. Over the centuries, the area and the city have been shaped by various empires and cultures, including the Romans, Germans, Slavs, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and even Napoleon. As a result, the city reflects a rich mosaic of cultural influences. The first Slavs, the ancestors of the Slovenes, settled in the area in the 6th century.
For many centuries, Ljubljana was the capital of the province of Carniola within the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Later, it served as the capital of the Yugoslav Republic of Slovenia. Since 1991, following Slovenia’s independence from Yugoslavia, it has been the capital of the Republic of Slovenia. Today, Ljubljana has a population of around 295,000, and including the surrounding towns, the metropolitan area totals approximately 500,000 residents.
The origin of Ljubljana’s name is uncertain. It may derive from the Latin word Alluviana or Eluvio, meaning “river” or “flood,” or from the Slavic word Lub, meaning “hill with a view.” The city’s German name, Laibach, is thought to mean “flooding water.” Traces of its old Roman name, Emona, can still be seen in various locations throughout the city.
The symbol of Ljubljana is the dragon, and you’ll find dragon motifs throughout the city. Keep an eye out for them—most famously on the Zmajski Most (Dragon Bridge), adorned with its dragon statues. The origin of the symbol is unknown, but it is believed to be connected to Greek mythology.
Interesting places
These are some of our favorite places to visit in Ljubljana, which we think our readers will also enjoy.
- Ljubljana Castle - Situated on a high hill in the city center, the castle is visible from almost anywhere in Ljubljana. Originally a medieval fort, much of the current structure dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Triple bridge - Located next to Prešeren Square, the bridge connects the old town with the city center. It is the oldest bridge in Ljubljana and was redesigned by architect Jože Plečnik in the 1930s. Since 2021, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Town square - Located in the old town, this square is home to the Town Hall and is the perfect starting point for exploring Ljubljana’s historic center.
- Nebotičnik - “Nebotičnik” means “skyscraper” in Slovenian. Enjoy great views of Ljubljana while sipping a refreshing drink.
- Vinoteka Štorija - A unique wine shop offering Slovenian wines you won’t find anywhere else. Most of the wines come from small, lesser-known wineries discovered by the owner, David Šinigoj, during his travels across Slovenia. Many of the wines are available for tasting as well.
- Koželj Wines - Interested in Slovenian wines? Koželj is a fantastic place to visit, offering wines from all regions of Slovenia. Many of the wines are also available for tasting.
- Park Tivoli - the largest park in Ljubljana.
- Central Market - The market consists of several sections. There’s an open-air market where you can buy fresh vegetables and other produce from local farmers. It is held at Vodnikov Square and Pogačarjev Square. The Plečnik-covered section is located next to the Ljubljanica River and features several restaurants and cafés.
- Majolka - A Slovenian souvenir shop located next to the Central Market. It’s the perfect place to pick up a typical Slovenian souvenirs to remember your trip.
Where to Stay
Some selected places to stay in Ljubljana.
- Hotel Slon - A classic Ljubljana hotel located on Slovenska Cesta in the city center.
- Hotel Union - Another classic Ljubljana hotel, located just a short walk from Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge.
- Zlata Ladjica - A luxury boutique hotel located in the city center, next to the Ljubljanica River and within easy walking distance of the old town.
- Villas and apartments - Villas and apartments for rent in central Ljubljana.
Where to Eat and Drink
Here are a few of our favorite places to visit in Ljubljana, though there are many more. Take a walk through the city center, and you’re sure to discover plenty of hidden gems.
- TaBar - A modern and creative restaurant located in the historic Rog bicycle factory. It is featured in the Michelin Guide. You can reserve a table here.
- Restaurant Strelec - Located in one of the towers of Ljubljana Castle. When the weather is nice, there is also an outdoor dining area on the castle wall. This is another restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide. You can book a table here.
- Supernatural - Enjoy fresh market food and natural Slovenian wines at reasonable prices. The restaurant is located next to the Central Market. To reserve a table, call +386(0) 5 901 95 05.
- Jaz by Ana Roš - Chef Ana Roš’s restaurant in Ljubljana is well worth a visit. She is best known as the owner and head chef of the three-star Michelin restaurant Hiša Franko near Kobarid. Jaz is also featured in the Michelin Guide. You can book a table here.
- Wine bar Movia - Visit the wine bar of Slovenian producer Movia in Ljubljana. Sample their wines paired with traditional Slovenian snacks. The bar is located on the town square.
- Wine bar Šuklje - Enjoy a selection of Slovenian wines accompanied by snacks or light dishes. The bar is located next to the Ljubljanica River. You can reserve a table here.
- Gostilna Šestica - A restaurant we go to for a quick undemanding lunch. It has been around for as long as I remember.
