Best attractions in Ljubljana: Top 21

After reading this review, you will learn about the main attractions in Ljubljana. Our recommendations will allow you to develop a great sightseeing itinerary. If you do not know what to see in Ljubljana every tourist should see, study our rating right now.

What to see in Ljubljana first

The capital of Slovenia is famous for many cultural and architectural monuments. The most frequent guides in Ljubljana advise to visit:

1. Old Town

A top view of Ljubljana Old Town on the right bank of the Ljubljanica River Andrew Milligan sumo

The central part of the capital that you can get around on foot. It is in the Old Town where the legendary Venetian Triple Bridge is located. The tiled streets and stone cottages of the district are made in classic European style. There are many cafes and souvenir shops.



2. Presherna Square

Monument to Franz Presherna on the square surrounded by old houses of the early 20th century Wolfgang Moroder

The central square of the capital was laid out back in the 17th century, originally named after the Mother of God. Since then only the beautiful Baroque Church of the Annunciation has survived. One of the main attractions of the square is the statue of the famous poet Prešeren. It was he who wrote the Slovenian national anthem. The statue is mounted in such a way that the poet’s gaze is directed at the cottage where his beloved once lived. Your journey through the city should definitely include a trip to this square. Nowadays there are regular mass festivities and performances by famous artists.



3. Ljubljana Town Hall

Fountain "Rivers Carniola" opposite the old Ljubljana Town Hall building Jorge Láscar

The building was built in Venetian architectural style in the 15th century. In the 18th century after the reconstruction it also received baroque features. Visiting such interesting places in Ljubljana is worth a visit first of all. The Town Hall is famous, for example, for its unique courtyards, which include: a monument to the mayor of the city and the fountain created by F. Robba. Nowadays, exhibitions are held in the building and the offices of representatives of the capital’s authorities are located there.

4. Central Market

View from Ljubljana Castle to the Ljubljana Central Market building Elekhh
Open shopping rows of the Ljubljana Central Market on Pogacar Square Andy L

This bazaar was not included in our list of things to see in Ljubljana in 1 day as a must-see, for a reason. The huge complex is represented by many covered rows, designed by Plecnik in the mid-20th century. Currently, the area is divided into a closed and open part. You can buy here decor, handicrafts, glass souvenirs, any kind of food, including already prepared national dishes and delicacies.

5. Ljubljana Castle

A medieval XII century fortress on the hill above the city of Ljubljana Ramón
Night view of Ljubljana Castle and its surroundings

A medieval castle built on top of a hill in the 12th century. In the 15th century the fortress was almost completely destroyed. However, it was later rebuilt and made into a defensive complex. The palace was severely damaged during the attacks on the city by Napoleon’s army. Until the 20th century the Ljubljana Castle was a prison. Now it is an excellent example of something worth visiting in Ljubljana.

Official site: https://www.ljubljanskigrad

Check out the wonderful views of Ljubljana in this fascinating video!

6. Funicular to Ljubljana Castle

The cable car connects Krek Square and Ljubljana Castle in Ljubljana Ramón

The cable car system was opened more than 12 years ago. The glass cabins offer a climb up the hill on which the medieval palace rises. The lower station is on Creque Square. The travel time is only a minute (the distance between the lower and upper stations is a couple of tens of meters). If you take a seat by the glass, you can see and photograph the best sights of Ljubljana from a panoramic height.

7. The Triple Bridge

An ensemble of three pedestrian bridges across the Ljubljanica River in the historic center of Ljubljana PetarM

Few engineering landmarks in Ljubljana can boast such an unusual design. The complex includes three separate bridges at once, united by a common beginning. The shape of the Triple Bridge is fan-shaped. In the middle of the 19th century, the old stone bridge could no longer withstand the flow of pedestrians and vehicles. However, the authorities did not dare to demolish it, as it was a valuable historical monument. Therefore, a unique project was developed. Several more modern concrete bridges decorated with snow-white Venetian-style railings began to adjoin the ancient structure. From the Triple Bridge you can go to see the most significant places of the capital.

8. Dragon Bridge

Figures of stone dragons guard the road bridge over the Ljubljana River Thomas Ledl

This bridge is included in all the “best sights of Slovenia“ reviews. It was started to be built in 1901 after the previous wooden structure was destroyed by an earthquake. At the time of construction, it was one of the first bridges in Europe to be made of reinforced concrete. It is also known for its enormous arch. It is easy to guess that the bridge is decorated with sculptures of dragons.

9. Butcher’s Bridge

Butcher's Bridge - Lover's Bridge in Ljubljana Jorge Láscar

Romantic couples like to gather on this bridge. Lovers hang locks here, which are supposed to secure their feelings. Initially the authorities of the capital city tried to remove these locks. But then they abandoned these attempts, as their number did not decrease. If your trip to Ljubljana is with your “other half”, come to Butcher’s Bridge and hang your lock.

10. St. Nicholas Cathedral

Frescoes by Giulio Cavallo on the walls and vault of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Ljubljana Pedro Szekely

When thinking about where to go in Ljubljana, be sure to think of the active St. Nicholas Cathedral. The 18th century building replaced the old Romanesque cathedral. The building is decorated with frescoes by the famous M. Langus and D. Kvalho. The interiors are represented by numerous sculptural compositions and the bishop’s pulpit and baptismal font. The unique copper door of the cathedral deserves special attention. Sculptor M. Begac applied an unusual engraving - an illustration of the history of Christianity in Slovenia - to it for the meeting with Pope Paul II. Reviews about the visit to the magnificent temple are invariably rapturous.

11. Franciscan Church

Tourists at the Prešerenska Square in front of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation Cezar Suceveanu
Interior of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in Ljubljana SteinundBaum

One of the architectural and historical monuments of the country. The church was built by representatives of the Augustinian order. Since the “builders” were very limited in finances, the work lasted more than half a century. Later, the more powerful Franciscans took the building from the Augustinians by force. Thereafter, the temple acquired its Baroque lines and its present appearance.

12. Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity

Facade of an old 18th century baroque Catholic church in Ljubljana Selena N. B. H.
White walls with gold trim inside Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity Oliver-Bonjoch

Catholic church of the 18th century, which is rightly called one of the most colorful sights of the city. baroque building with an original facade and intricately curved roof was created according to the design of an italian architect. The temple is decorated with impressive columns. In the interior there is a marble altar.

13. Slovene Opera and Ballet Theatre

The ornate semi-circular façade of the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre Mihael Grmek

Such tours in Ljubljana will be of interest to all opera lovers. A tour of the neo-Renaissance building, decorated with statues and monumental Ionic columns, can also be recommended to connoisseurs of architecture. The opera house began its work in the late 19th century. Not so long ago, the city administration has reconstructed the hall, as a result of which the acoustics of the stage has improved many times.

14. National Museum of Slovenia

The main entrance to the Central Slovenian Historical Museum in the central district of Ljubljana Žiga
The collection of archaeological finds at the National Museum of Slovenia Tiia Monto

Talking about the main attractions in Ljubljana, it is also worth briefly mentioning this complex from 1821. The museum has several interesting exhibitions - with the tools of the local population, with graphics, paintings and engravings, with archaeological specimens of ancient times, with coins and banknotes.

Official website: http://www.nms.si

15. National Gallery of Slovenia

The National Gallery of Slovenia in a stately building in the center of the Slovenian capital Michael R Perry
One of the rooms of the National Gallery of Slovenia in Ljubljana Francisco Anzola

One of the main art museums of the whole state. The date of opening is 1918. At the heart of the modern complex is an exhibition of paintings by European and Slovenian artists, created in different times, from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.

Official website: https://www.ng-slo

Ljubljana sights: what else to visit in Ljubljana?

If you have already seen all those sights of Ljubljana, photos with names and descriptions of which we have given, take some free time to see such objects as:

16. Museum of Illusions

At the Museum of Illusions in Ljubljana Chris Sammis
Optical illusions at the Ljubljana Museum of Illusions Chris Sammis

The exhibition halls contain about four dozen samples - photographs, installations on various topics, visual illusions, holograms. Other attractions include an “upside down” room, where objects are arranged in the most unexpected ways, a room in which you will visually shrink and grow in size, a constantly moving vortex tunnel. All museum specimens and halls have descriptions in four languages, including English. If you’ve already finished your sightseeing and shopping, don’t go to hotels in Ljubljana. Come here - have fun with your free time as a family.

Official website: http://muzejiluzij

17. Railway Museum of Slovenia

Vintage railway locomotives at the Railway Museum of Slovenia Bahnfrend

The museum was opened in the city in the mid-20th century. It was set up in a former boiler house. Guests are invited to look at the ancient trains and other transport of different eras. Moreover, the exhibition includes telegraphs, telephones and other devices for transmitting information. In a separate collection are antique steam engines.

18. Ljubljana Skyscraper

The famous 13-story building in downtown Ljubljana

The high-rise building was built in the mid-20th century. The 70-meter high-rise used to be a shining example of the capital’s technological progress. The thirteen-storey building had all the innovative innovations of those years: centralized heating system, high-speed persons, air conditioning. Now the skyscraper houses offices and boutiques. Several levels are reserved for residential apartments. On the upper floors there is also a café with an open terrace and a bar with panoramic windows.

19. Ljubljana Zoo

The inhabitants of the Ljubljana Zoo Tiia Monto

A zoo worth visiting with the whole family. In addition to getting to know the different inhabitants, you can visit the children’s playground and the café, which serves national Slovenian cuisine. Feeding the animals is also allowed (food can be purchased on site). For younger children are organized fun holidays and competitions. The zoo is open every day.

20. Tivoli Park

The Picture Gallery at the entrance to Tivoli Park Johan W
Autumn landscape in Tivoli Park János Korom Dr.

This park complex, which was laid out in 1813 by the French during the Napoleonic occupation, is beloved by tourists and city dwellers alike. The area with flowerbeds and well-kept paths covers about five square kilometers. There are benches and sculpture groups everywhere. Guests of the park, open around the clock, can admire the old castle, which in the 18th century was used as a temporary residence of the bishop of the capital. The castle now houses a center for graphic art.

21. Ljubljanica River

The Ljubljanica River flows through the city of Ljubljana Petar Milošević
The Ljubljanica River embankment in the evening in Ljubljana TravelingOtter

The length of this natural landmark is more than 40 kilometers. It divides the territory of the capital into several parts. On the coast you can fish (there are different kinds of fish in the local waters) and relax. There are river walks of different duration (average duration - 1 hour).

We hope that when you come to Ljubljana you will see all the sights you have just heard about in person.

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