One Day in Ljubljana – The Best One Day Ljubljana Itinerary

1 Day in Ljubljana might not seem like much time when, in fact, it’s quite enough to get acquainted with the city. And to help you make the very most of your time, I’ve put together the best 1 Day Ljubljana Itinerary. We cover all of the Ljubljana hotspots, where to eat, sleep, and party, as well as all of our top tips, to ensure you have the best possible time exploring the city.

It’s impossible to skip past Ljubljana when planning a trip to Slovenia. The capital serves as a gateway to Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and other areas of the country. Ljubljana (pronounced loob-yah-nah) appears like a whimsical little town. Legends of heroes and dragons add to its charm, and you can’t help but feel you’ve stepped into a make-believe children’s book.

Ljubljana is a small and compact city, but it has a lot to offer. Beautiful architecture, charming cobbled streets and an alternative side with street art, cool restaurants, and quirky cafes. You can easily cover the main attractions in one day; however, if you find yourself with more time to spare, it won’t be wasted. We could never tire of relaxing days alongside the Ljubljanica River drinking coffee and immersing in the laidback vibe of the city.

Sound good? Well, let’s get to it then! Here’s the best Ljubljana Itinerary for 1 Day in the city. 

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1 Day in Ljubljana at a Glance

There is a lot to cover in this Ljubljana itinerary & guide. So, for those who may have limited time to read, here is a taster of the best things to see in Ljubljana in One day.

• Save money with a Ljubljana Welcome Card
• Book accommodation in Ljubljana with Booking.com
• Stay connected in Ljubljana with a local e-sim 
• Explore Ljubljana on a best-selling tour.
• Don’t forget travel insurance.

1 Day Ljubljana Itinerary

• Climb up to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views over the city
• Meander the quaint cobbled streets of the Old Town
• Cross the Famous Ljubljana Bridges
• Marvel the unusual pink architecture of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
• Explore alternative Ljubljana at Metalkova Street
• Stroll along the Ljubljanica River and stop for coffee on Cankarjevo Nabrezje
• Try the Local Produce at the Central Market

Day 1 of this Ljubljana Itinerary

OK, let’s dive into our suggested itinerary for one day in Ljubljana. I’ve tried to make it as strategic as possible, so to minimise your travel time, and ensure you experience as much of the city as you can. However, remember what I said; it’s also quite enough to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, so feel free to switch up the itinerary as you see fit.

Free Walking Tour

If you don’t want to explore Ljubljana alone, why not join one of the free walking tours. Not only will you cover all the city highlights, but you’ll learn all about the history of Ljubljana from a licensed local guide. The tours are completely free to join, but be sure to tip your guide generously if you enjoy it! Book Your Tour: Ljubljana Free Walking Tour

Ljubljana Castle

After an energising breakfast at your hotel or one of the restaurants I recommend further down, it’s time to start your day at Ljubljana Castle. Set on a 375-metre hill called ‘Castle Hill’, you can often spot the medieval fortress as you’re wandering the old town.  

The castle grounds are vast, boasting a wide range of entertainment from museums and exhibitions to restaurants and nightclubs. Furthermore, the castle’s outlook tower and fortifications offer some of the most spectacular views of the city.

To get up to the tower, you can walk as we did, which took us around 15-minutes, moving at a steady pace. Otherwise, you can take the funicular railway. As we were on a budget, we didn’t go inside the castle on this occasion. But we marvelled the grounds and breathtaking views which is completely free. To explore inside, you can go alone, take an audio tour, or even try the castle escape room.

Entrance Fee: €10
Allow: 1-3 hours

Central Market

Next up you are going to make your way over to Ljubljana’s old town, stopping by the Central Market on the route. Made up of an outdoor and indoor section, this is your opportunity to buy and sample locally produced goods.   

When we visited Ljubljana in Winter, there wasn’t much going on at the outside market; however, you’ll generally find a variety of stalls selling fruit & veggies, clothes, souvenirs, and other locally produced items.  

On the other hand, the indoor section (look out for Plecnik’s Covered Market), you’ll find a vast selection of traditional cheeses, meats, and bakery items.

Keen to sample all the flavours of Slovenia? Why not consider a food and wine tour? You’ll get to taste a variety of local cuisine while learning about the local history from an expert tour guide. 

Dragon Bridge

Your next stop will be the fantasy-themed Dragon Bridge. Celebrating the mythical history of the city, Dragon Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Featuring 4 ornate dragons, two on either side, it’s gothic appearance is enough to conjure up all the Game of Thrones vibes! While there are many famous bridges in Ljubljana, this one was by far our favourite.

Entrance Fee: Free
Allow: 15 mins

Butchers Bridge

Our next famous bridge of the day will be the Butchers Bridge. While the name might sound quite aggressive, its current purpose is anything but. Nowadays, the bridge is famous for the thousands of love locks attached to it. It might be tacky, but we have a soft spot for anything with love locks. All those declarations of eternal love add to the romance of idyllic Ljubljana. 

Entrance Fee: Free
Allow: 15 mins

Prešeren Square

If you’ve ever seen photographs of Ljubljana, it’s likely you’re already familiar with picturesque Prešern Square. The recognisable landmark here is the Franciscan Church of Annunciation. With its baroque pink facade, the church is one of the most popular Slovenia photography spots.  

If any events are happening in the city, the square is where it’s at. For us in December, it was the Christmas markets, but throughout the year there are concerts, festivals, parades and political events amongst others.

The area surrounding Preseren Square is entirely pedestrianised, so you can walk around at ease, taking in all of the beautiful architecture. Several roads sprout off from the square, which are worth wandering if you like to shop or browse.

Entrance Fee: Free
Allow: 1 hour

Cankarjevo Nabrezje

By this point, you should be edging towards lunchtime, or at the very least you’ll be needing a coffee or refreshment. Thankfully, Cankarjevo Nabrezje is just a 2-minute walk from the square – A scenic and pedestrian-only street that runs adjacently to the Ljubljanica River.  

The area is a popular spot amongst locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy a drink or a meal overlooking the river. Regardless of the time of year, the cafes spill out onto the scenic cobbled street so you can enjoy the view all the way up to Preseren Square.

Triple Bridge

As the name suggests, Triple Bridge is a collection of three bridges across the Ljubljanica River. It’s the most famous of bridges in Ljubljana, thanks to its distinctive design, connecting Preseren square with the modern city. 

Historically, the central bridge was built to replace a medieval wooden bridge in the mid-1800s. Later, in the early 1900s, they extended it to include the two side bridges, intended for pedestrians. They serve no real purpose as no vehicles are permitted to cross the bridge; however, the result is a unique architectural gem.  

Entrance Fee: Free
Allow: 15 mins

Town Square

Ljubljana’s Town Square is one of the most picturesque spots in the city boasting a wealth of charming architecture. The square houses the Town Hall, City Art Museum, the Lichtenberg House and a replica of the Baroque Robba Fountain. Not to mention various boutiques and restaurants which make it the ideal spot for an afternoon stroll.

Entrance Fee: Free
Allow: 1 hour

Metalkova Art District

The only thing I would say is perhaps it isn’t wise to visit alone. Although we never experienced it ourselves, many recent reviews claim to have been offered drugs or witnessed drug-related activity. 

Nevertheless, I hope you get to experience the weird and wonderful vibe at Metalkova, as it’s a very unusual place that was a highlight of our Ljubljana itinerary.  

Entrance Fee: Free
Allow: 1-2 hrs

Additions to this Ljubljana Itinerary

If you have longer than a day in Ljubljana, that’s great. You have time to check out some of the less touristy stuff to do in the city, and perhaps even take a day trip to other areas of the country. Here are a few suggestions for inspiration. 

Art Galleries

We are both art lovers, and considering its size, I was surprised to learn that there are many art galleries in Ljubljana. Unfortunately, our itinerary didn’t allow enough time to visit any on this occasion, but next time, and there will be a next time, we will make it a priority. If this is something you might be interested in, check out this guide to best art galleries in Ljubljana. 

River Cruise

Arguably one of the best ways to appreciate this peaceful and romantic city is on the water. With many significant landmarks set upon the banks of the Ljubljanica river, a river cruise is a perfect way to kick back, relax, and enjoy the view.  

Depending on your budget, there are several tours you can choose from. Some provide 1-hour of sightseeing, others are private tours, and there are even romantic dinner cruises. Ljubljanica River Cruises offer a variety of boat trips at a competitive rate, so it’s worth checking them out before your trip.

City Bike Tour

Another way to enjoy Ljubljana from a different perspective is with a city bike tour. A bike tour allows you to experience this lively capital on two wheels and learn all about the cities history from a registered local guide. Not only will you explore the cities main attractions, but the tour will lead you outside of the city centre where you’ll discover some of Ljubljana’s hidden gems. Book Your Tour: Ljubljana: 3–Hour Bike Cruise

Ljubljana Food & Wine Tour

This Ljubljana food tour will take you through the old Ljubljana town. During a 3-4 hour guided slowly paced walk you will learn about the city, stories of the people, architecture, the history of Slovenian nation and of course – local and national gastronomy.

During the food tour, you will be served 9 traditional dishes from a variety of different cuisines from all parts and circles of society of Slovenia and 4 sorts of wine. At the end of the tour, your tummy will be full, your thirst will be gone, and you will know more about the history of Slovenes then some of the fellow citizens. ​Book Your Tour: 3.5-Hour Ljubljana Food & Wine Tour

Day Trips from Ljubljana

If you have the time, you won’t regret taking a day trip or 2 to see other areas of this glorious country. Many choose to rent a car when travelling in Slovenia, as it’s super easy and quick to drive everywhere. However, you can also take public transport to many places, or otherwise, go on an organised tour. Below are some locations we recommend visiting on a day trip from Ljubljana, or you can check out the full list here. 

Day Trip to Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj

If you only have the time to take one day trip from Ljubljana, we highly recommend you visit Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj. We visited Lake Bled in Winter, and the snow-capped mountains made this location even more picturesque. Located just 30-minutes from Bled, Lake Bohinj is another crystalised alpine lake. Book Your Tour: Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj Group Tour

Day Trip to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Located within Postojna Cave Park, both Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are considered national gems in Slovenia. Firstly, Postojna is said to be one of the most captivating and impressive caves in the entire world. To explore the millions of years old subterranean, you must take a magical underground train ride where you’ll encounter a variety of unique cave formations, wildlife, and fauna.

Located within the same national park, Predjama Castle looks like something out of a twisted fairy tale. Perched amid a 123-metre-high cliff, it is the largest cave castle in the world. The medieval structure is both mysterious and magnificent, inspiring several feature films, including the Game of Thrones. Book Your Tour: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Day Trip

Where to Stay for One Night in Ljubljana

Naturally, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Ljubljana, regardless of your budget or taste. However, if you only have 24 hours in Ljubljana, it makes sense to locate yourself centrally.

• Hostel $ – Turn Hostel – Set in an excellent location, walking distance to all the main attractions, Turn Hostel provides the ideal base for your adventures in the city.
• Budget $ – Homestay Rosa Lia – It’s a little bit outside of the city centre, but if you don’t mind the short walk, this is a fantastic budget option in Ljubljana.
• Mid-Range $$ – Art Hotel – Located in the heart of Ljubljana, Art Hotel is a 3* establishment that offers divine comfort and incredible facilities.
• Luxury $$$ – Intercontinental Ljubljana – Situated in the city centre, this luxurious hotel features a comprehensive wellness and spa centre, an indoor pool, a rooftop restaurant, and an onsite bar.

Alternatively, you can compare all hotels here or by using the map below.

Booking.com

1 Day in Ljubljana – FAQs

Here I’ll list some of the travel tips that we accumulated during our stay in Ljubljana. Hopefully, they will help you have a hassle-free break in the city. 

Is 1 Day in Ljubljana Enough?

Let’s face it, one day isn’t a lot of time. But if you plan your 24 hours in Ljubljana wisely, you should find it enough to get acquainted with the city. Thankfully, Ljubljana is compact and straightforward to navigate. You can quickly get around on foot, which means that ultimately, you end up seeing a lot more than if you were taking public transport.

If it’s your first time visiting Ljubljana, naturally you will want to see the major tourist spots. These spots are landmarks of the city and popular for a good reason. However, what makes Ljubljana so appealing, in my opinion, is how laidback and idyllic it is. So don’t feel guilty for taking some time to chill and appreciate the true essence of the city. 

The Best Restaurants & Nightlife in Ljubljana

Much to our surprise, Ljubljana is a happening city with a thriving culinary scene and diverse nightlife. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay long enough to try too many places out, but we asked our local friends Katja and Katka for a full low down on the best nightlife and restaurants in the city. So, here they are:

• Cheap & Funky: Central Station
• Vegan: Loving Hut
• Great Thai Food: Wok 
• Balkan Cuisine: Rostilj
• Breakfast:  Bistro Ek
• Coffee: Slovenska Hisa

For nocturnal things to do in the city, check out this guide to Ljubljana Nightlife. 

Getting Around

As I already pointed out, Slovenia is a relatively small country compared to most in Europe. That means, getting around is pretty straight forward. But, best of all, it doesn’t take a lot of time! For this reason, many choose to rent a car when travelling in Slovenia. The roads are quiet and in good condition, and you can cover most of the country in a week to 10 days. Not to mention, the breathtaking views you’ll be rewarded with along the way.  

If, like us, you don’t have that much time, but still want to see parts of the country other than Ljubljana, there are a couple of options. The first is to go on an organised tour like the ones we recommend above. Or you can try your hand at the public bus network.

The Best Time to Visit

There is no right or wrong time to visit Slovenia, as it highly depends on what you want from your trip. The country sees mostly dry conditions from May to September, so this is an ideal time for hiking, adventure sports, and visiting the nature parks. In December to March, however, the alpine northwest sees abundant snow, so it is perfect conditions for winter sports. We visited during December, and while we didn’t ski or anything, we loved how beautiful the landscapes were in Winter. We were fortunate enough to get some snow, and it added a sprinkle of magic to our trip. 

Enjoy your Day Trip in Ljubljana!

That concludes our One Day in Ljubljana Guide – The Best One Day Ljubljana Itinerary.

We hope you enjoy your time in this magical city. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below.

Stay adventurous and Happy travels!

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