by Marcel Haring / CC BY-SA 2.0
Rediscover Picturesque Ljubljana: From the Ashes of 1895 to the Art Nouveau Revival
Table of Contents
A. About Ljubljana
Nickname: The Dragon CityWith a lovely, laidback feel to it, Ljubljana combines all aspects that make a charming city the ideal weekend destination.
The capital of Slovenia features an interesting mix of Gothic, Baroque, and art nouveau architecture, some interesting museums, and pulsating alternative culture.
Largely destroyed in a devastating earthquake in 1895, Ljubljana was rebuilt by visionaries such as Jože Plečnik with numerous Art Nouveau masterpieces.
➕ The Good
Ljubljana enjoys a scenic location on the pasture-lined river Ljubljanica.
The city delights visitors with great sights and delicious food.
Furthermore, the city is very safe, clean, and possesses numerous pedestrian zones, mainly in the old town.
➖ Negative Aspects
Luckily, Ljubljana doesn't fall into any category with a low rating, showcasing its exceptional all-around appeal as a city.
B. Best Things to Do in Ljubljana in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than fifteen sights in Ljubljana. The following sights contribute to an impressive score of 6.10/10 in this most important category:
# TRIPLE BRIDGE (TROMOSTOVJE) 6
Made up of three elegant bridges, Tromostovje connects the historic medieval town to the modern city.
Slovenia's most renowned architect Jože Plečnik flanked the original bridge in 1930 with two pedestrian bridges.
Bridge 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 2021 (Part of "Iconic Ljubljana architectural works designed by Jože Plečnik")
by Bultro / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Ljubljana Castle 6
Standing on a hill surrounded by trees above the city for about nine hundred years, Ljubljana Castle offers the most beautiful views of the city.
To reach the summit you can take the property's funicular from Krek Square or hike to the top.
by Ramón from Llanera / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Old Town 5
Tucked away between the steep hill upon which Ljubljana Castle is set and the gushing Ljubljanica river, the city's, traffic-free historic core features a charming mix of Gothic, Baroque, and art nouveau architecture.
by Andrew Milligan Sumo / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) 5
Opened in 1901, this famous bridge in the Viennese Secessionist style features four intimidating dragons, which stand sentinel on each corner.
by Thomas Ledl / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Cathedral of Saint Nicholas 5
This early 18th-century Baroque cathedral with its distinctive green dome and twin belfries is one of the most recognizable symbols in Ljubljana.
Note the exceptional wall paintings, the magnificence of its altar, and the gilt decoration of the organ.
by Pedro Szekely / CC BY-SA 2.0
# National Gallery (Narodna galerija) 5
The fine collection of this art museum gathers outstanding exhibits of Slovenian artistic creation from the Early Middle Ages up to the 20th Century as well as European artists of the 19th and 20th Century.
by Michael R Perry / CC BY-SA 2.0
# National Museum of Slovenia (Narodni muzej Slovenije) 5
Housed in a grand neo-Renaissance palace, this museum displays an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts and a permanent exhibition on the Slovenian language.
Among its treasures is a famous Neanderthal flute, which was made out of a bone.
# Prešeren Square 5
Named after France Prešeren, Slovenia’s greatest poet, this beautiful square in the heart of the historic city center is lined by beautiful buildings.
by Wolfgang Moroder / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Tivoli Park 5
Take a walk along the winding peaceful paths of this large park and visit the Tivoli Castle, a rose garden, a botanical garden, and the Museum of Contemporary History.
Park Land Area: 5 km2 / 1235 acres | Created: 1813
by kajikawa / CC BY-SA 3.0
#10 | Mestni trg 5
This charming, elongated square takes you back to the medieval past and offers a beautiful view of the castle.
by Ramón from Llanera / CC BY-SA 2.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Ljubljana
#11 | Central Market 5
Established in 1939, the market spans across several buildings and outdoor stalls, showcasing an extensive array of fresh produce, local delicacies, handmade crafts, and souvenirs, providing a true taste of Slovenian culture and cuisine.
by Tiia Monto / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Nebotičnik 5
Nebotičnik, completed in 1933, is a historically significant high-rise building, known for its architectural value and modern-day commercial use.
Today, it houses various commercial offices, shops, and a café offering panoramic views of the city.
by miran_k / CC BY-SA 0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Ljubljana
Postojna Cave System 6
Postojna Cave in Slovenia is a vast underground labyrinth renowned for its stunning formations, thrilling train ride, diverse ecosystem, and significance in geological and biological research.
3.2 km of the beautiful cave can be visited by an electric train.
Cave Distance from Ljubljana: 57 km
by Ziva / CC BY-SA 4.0
SKOCJAN CAVES 6
Be amazed as you tour the enormous, subterranean system of limestone caves.
The Škocjan Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest underground canyons in the world.
Caves 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1986 | Distance from Ljubljana: 58 km
by Lander/ CC BY-SA 3.0
Lake Bled 6
This small bluish-green lake is one of Slovenia's most breathtaking natural wonders.
It features a pretty little church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff, and stunning peaks of the Julian Alps in the background.
Lake with Island Distance from Ljubljana: 55 km
by Edwardwexler / CC BY-SA 3.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Ljubljana (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Ljubljana for at least two entire days. If you plan to do some of the excursions, you will need more time.