Ljubljana (meaning “the beloved” in Slovenian language) is the capital of Slovenia with only 280.000 inhabitants. Situated between Vienna and Venice, at the crossroad of important transport routes, Ljubljana has been an important settlement for traders and armies for centuries. Today Ljubljana is a small vibrant capital with modern lifestyle, a place of numerous business events, trade fairs and international festivals.
Legend about Ljubljana origin
It is said that Ljubljana was founded by the Greek mythological hero Jason, who had stolen a golden fleece from King Aetes and fled on the ship Argo across the Black sea and up the rivers Danube, Sava and Ljubljanica. Together with his fellow Argonauts he stopped in Ljubljana marshes, where Jason fought and killed a dragon, still the symbol of Ljubljana today.
Ljubljana’s location
Ljubljana is situated in the centre of Slovenia. You can easily reach it by plane (airport Joze Pucnik, Brnik), by train, by bus or by car. It is a good starting point for visits around Slovenia. There is only 100 km from Ljubljana to the Adriatic coast, 80 km to the Julian Alps and 120 km to Maribor in the East.
Sightseeing in Ljubljana
Great thing about Ljubljana is that you can visit all the most important sights by foot. Starting in the Old town, you will walk through the the oldest, medieval part of Ljubljana. Do not miss: 15th century Town hall, Francesco Robba’s fountain, Joze Plecnik’ s Cobblers’ bridge, Central market (open every morning except on Sunday), St.Nicholas cathedral, Dragon bridge and Butchers’ bridge if I mention just a few.
If you walk along the Ljubljanica river, you will find many stoned narrow streets and street cafés, very lively on sunny days. On the other side of the river you will find the Plecnik’s National and University Library and Krizanke, former monastery and today a summer theatre, University of Ljubljana and Slovenian Philharmonic. The most famous bridge in Ljubljana is the Triple Bridge at the Presernov square, named after the greatest Slovenian poet, France Preseren, whose statue is in the middle of the square.
Of course you can not forget the Ljubljana castle, placed on the hill behind the main market area, that you can reach by foot, by a funicular railway or a tourist road train.
Getting around Ljubljana
If you don’t want to walk or you want to explore also the suburbs, you can hire a bicycle from the Ljubljana Tourist Office (by the Triple Bridge) or you can use Bicikelj, a self-service bicycle hire with 30 docking stations around Ljubljana.
There is also a city bus. If you buy Urbana Tourist Card (for 1, 2 or 3 days) you can ride a bus, you can visit the castle, all major museums and galleries, hire a bicycle, get a free guided city tour, you can visit Ljubljana ZOO, Ljubljana Botanic garden etc.
If you travel by car, be aware that the centre of Ljubljana is mainly a pedestrian zone and you have to pay to park on the streets (if you find a space), the price depends on the zone where you are, but you will find all the information on the parking meters (have some change ready, because not all parking meters give change back nor take credit cards). There are also several parking garages close to the centre, but they are quite expensive. When you book your hotel, do not forget to aks if they offer a parking place.
Accommodation
There is a big variety of accommodation in Ljubljana city centre or its suberbs. Hostels, hotels of all categories, private accommodation, apartments and campsite. Check our offer, compare more than 100 websites to book the best offer in town or contact us for recommandation.
City break and guided tours
If you are flying to Slovenia (or any airports nearby) or you are coming by car, you can check our city break packages that include airport transfer, accommodation and guided city tour.
If you would like to explore also the rest ofSlovenia, we are offering guided tours around Slovenia for individual guests or groups. Based in Ljubljana, you take daily tours to different parts of Slovenia: Julian Alps, Karst region and Adriatic Coast, Soca valley, Est of Slovenia, visit of Postojna cave and Predjama castle etc. We organise also a trip to Venice by boat from the Slovenian coast.
While English tours are scheduled daily, other languages are available on request. Regarding accommodation you can choose from youth hostels, 3*, 4* or 5* hotels, in the centre or out of town.
If you come as a group, contact us for a special offer.