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Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. With all of the conveniences of other capitals in Europe, plus the relaxed pace of a small town, I was completely charmed by this city that no tourist can pronounce. With so many fantastic adventures, unusual castles and outdoor experiences available outside the capital city, it can sometimes be easy to forget to explore the city.
Ljubljana is very easy to explore on foot once you get into the centre. Everything is relatively close to one another and the area is pedestrian free. Or, instead of exploring on foot, grab a bicycle. There were so many bikes whizzing in and out of pedestrians and there are bike lanes everywhere. While exploring, here are 7 free things to do in Ljubljana to make the most of your visit:
Ljubljana is celebrating 2000 years of Emona in 2014, which was a Roman city that once stool where Ljubljana is today. There are plenty of special events and activities happening all year that are worth checking out as well. Thanks to Mojca for pointing this out!
Free Walking Tour
Often, when I arrive in a new city, I like going on a walking tour to see what there is to do and where they are, plus a basic understanding of the country and city. Ljubljana had a great free tour available which takes you all over the city. The tour is 2 – 2.5 hours long and offers you a glimpse into the history of Slovenia and what makes the country what it is today. Like other free tours around the continent, you can pay our guide a tip at the end of the tour if you so desire.
Walk the Ljubljanica River
The Ljubljanica River is the main river that runs through Ljubljana. It divides the medieval centre with the rest of the city. As you walk along the river, you’ll encounter all of the city’s famous bridges – each one with its own unique character and story.
The beautiful Ljubljanica River
The river had becoming an area for lost treasures, with many relics and artifacts found within its waters. Why there are so many artifacts is unknown, but most historians believe it may be related to how the locals treated the river as a sacred place and offered their items to the river in celebration and times of trouble. The Slovenian government has now declared the river a site of cultural importance and have banned diving in the river without a permit.
Despite all this, the river is so nice to look at, as it winds through Ljubljana. The vast number of bridges that crosses the river are each so unique. It makes me feel like I’m in Italy – a little bit of Venice.
Central Market
Ljubljana’s Central Market is located in and between Vodnikov trg and Pogačarnev trg squares. With three separate areas, you’re sure to find something to nibble on. There is an open air market, a covered market and a series of food shops running along the Ljubljanica River. If hungry, this is a great place to pick up an affordable meal. You can purchase local fruits and veggies, cured meats and bread, cheese and nuts. Everything you need for a picnic lunch.
The market is open Monday to Saturday, but hours vary depending on the day and time of year. Check the market website for the most up to date hours.
Tivoli Park
No, this park is nothing like the similarly named Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Instead, Tivoli Park in Ljubljana is the biggest park in the city. Located slightly outside the city centre, but still within walking distance, Tivoli Park is the perfect place to head after grabbing some food at the central market. Take a walk around the pond, stroll the Jakopič Promenade, a popular outdoor gallery, or explore the Tivoli Castle and Cekin Mansion.
Ljubljana Castle
Looking up at the castle
Ljubljana’s castle is perched on top of a hill in the centre of the city. It can be seen from all over the city. From the top, you can see all of the medieval centre and surrounding areas. The castle was built by the Habsburgs in the second half of the 15th century. Its main purpose was to defend against Turkish invasions and peasant revolts. It had a number of uses throughout its history from military hospital and arsenal to being used as a prison.
The inner courtyard
However, because no one lived there, and the need for fortification dwindled, the castle started to lose its importance and it started to crumble. In the 1950s, the castle was used to house poor families. But soon after, the castle was renovated to become a location for weddings and cultural events.
The fabulous view from the castle
There are a number of paths that you can take that leads up to the castle. If you’re lazy (aka me), there is also the option of paying a few euro and taking a tram up. We were able to wander the grounds of the castle, but did not go inside any of the buildings as they were all museums and required a purchased ticket. From the top, you really can see all around the city. It quickly becomes very apparent how high the castle really is! Everything is tiny below you.
Metelkova
Photo: Oxymoron on Flickr
Within Ljubljana’s city limits is an autonomous region called Metelkova. This area became a communal space for many to exercise their free will and creativity. With a handful of different buildings in the area, there are many interesting and absurd installations, graffiti and art throughout. I went during the evening (more about that soon!), and the strangeness of it all coupled by the massive crowds of people, made for an uncomfortable experience.
I would have loved to go check it out during the day so that you can take in all the strangeness in daylight. In many ways, it reminds me of some of the offbeat ruin bars in Budapest. If you want something completely different and alternative, Metelkova is your place.
Grab gelato
Not technically free, but a scoop of gelato is one or two euro and so worth it. Good enough to rival the ones I had in Italy. Grab a cup or cone and sit outside and people watch, or walk along the river.
Have you been to Ljubljana? Were you charmed like I was? What free things do you like to do in Ljubljana?
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I was there in 2010, and was not moved by the place. BUT it looks like I have to go back as I keep reading about it and it seems we missed so much of it.
I can see it being a bit boring at times. Things close early and nothing is open on Sundays, but then there are so many perks of the city. I liked visiting, but I don’t know if I could live there for long.
Great City Ljubljana! Loved it! Found a lot of modern art museums there too…
Did you visit the museums? I read about them, but didn’t go inside anything. Modern art and me have a strange relationship mostly of confusion and misunderstanding.
That was fun! Love the view from the castle. -Heather, Life of a Traveling Navy Wife
Thanks Heather! The view from above is always cool to check out.
OH! I love castles! Not a bad view either! 🙂
What sort of camera do you use?
Thanks Stacey! The view certainly is great from up there. I use a Nikon 3100 with the standard kit lens 18 – 55mm. It’s an entry level DSLR which I’m still trying to figure out how to use!
That looks like fun! I do the same: I love going on a walking tour as soon as I arrive in a new city. It gives me a sense of direction and I get to learn a thing or two about the background and history. Many European cities now have a daily free walking tour. What’s not to love 😉
PS. Found you through #SundayTraveler
Exactly my thinking! It really helps to orient you when you’re someplace new.
Another beautiful post aboust Slovenia! That makes me so proud 🙂
Thanks Urska! More people need to find out about the beauty that is Slovenia.
Thanks for the great suggestions Adelina! I have been to Ljubljana a few years back, but it seems the free walking tour would have been a great introduction to the city. The castle was definitely a great place to visit and the views were well worth the climb, but unfortunately I missed to visit Metelkova. It sounds like quite an interesting area and I try to keep it in mind for the next visit… 🙂
I didn’t hear about Metelkova until I was there. Our tour guide mentioned it in passing, but I ended up going there only because of some friends I had in the city. Definitely an interesting part of town.
I love that there is a free walking tour offered and I think your approach is great – to take the walking tour to find out some things about the city. I love the view of the Ljubljanica River, and that castle would be great to see!
Free walking tours are a great introduction to a new city. With the winding river through the city, it could not be more picturesque.
Confession: I didn’t know Slovenia was a country until a few years ago. I discovered Slovenia through a music group called Perpetuum Jazzile, which is a pure vocal music group. I fell in love with the group and wanted to know more about it and then found it was from Slovenia so then I had to research that too and then I fell in love with the idea of the country! I can’t wait to visit one day.
http://perpetuumjazzile.si/
That’s okay! I don’t think it was much on my radar either until I moved to Hungary. It’s such a small country and so easily forgotten. I hope you get a chance to visit one day. You’ll fall in love with it even more.
Ljubljana looks so lovely! It’s not the city that’s actually talked about much and I know just a few people who’ve been there…So undeserved!
Definitely! There is much to see and explore in the city. Though, to be fair, I’m not sure I want more people to visit. I like having it quiet and to myself 🙂
As someone who loves to walk, these are perfect recs! Snacking on some food from the market while walking along the river sounds like a nice afternoon activity to me. Can’t wait to hear more about your experience in Metelkova.
I’m a walker too. It’s the best way to see a city in my mind.
We loved Ljubljana! We had one of our best Couchsurfing experiences ever and really enjoyed the city. We did the same 7 things, and the castle was my favourite. We love cities from above!
Me too! I love being able to see the whole city stretched out below me and to pick out all the landmarks and see the interesting roofs on buildings. A view most don’t get to see.
How interesting that the castle had so many uses throughout history…I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of that! And yummmm gelato for only a euro? I’d be eating that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Yea you’re right. Most castles are lived in and really only have one purpose, but I guess they didn’t really need this one. At least they found some use for it!
These looks like some great tips, particularly the free walking tour as I love these in new cities. Did you try all these things in the city?
Yup I did all these things while I was in Ljubljana. It’s a fairly small city so you can easily do most of it in a day (which is what happened with me).
I did the walking tour recently there and thought it was such a great deal to discover the city – it was the first free walking tour of this type that I’ve done and I’m definitely going to keep my eyes for peeled for these in other cities! I also loved the riverside walk – it is far to pretty to get bored of and absolutely agree for spending a couple of euros for the delicious gelato!
There are some walking tours (especially the larger companies) that take a massive cut of the tips from the tour guides, but I liked that the Ljubljana one is a smaller operation and independent. I do agree that they’re a great way of getting to know a city when you’re first there.
There are some walking tours (especially the larger companies) that take a massive cut of the tips from the tour guides, but I liked that the Ljubljana one is a smaller operation and independent. I do agree that they’re a great way of getting to know a city when you’re first there.
I am so looking forward to going to Ljubljana this summer 🙂 and you’ve given me some great ideas about what I should do when I get there!
Thanks Sammi! You’re going to love it. Hopefully you’ll find lots of adventure in the city. 🙂
P.S. Your comment didn’t go to spam – yay!
Ljubljana looks like a lovely city. I would love to see the castle and medieval center. The fact about finding artifacts in the river is interesting. It sounds like a lovely city and I hope to visit there one day. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Thanks Nancie! I hope you get a chance to go one day. It really is a fabulous and beautiful city.
It looks like Ljubljana has an abundance of interesting free activities to keep a person occupied. That castle looks so imposing towering over the city. Of everything you listed, Metelkova is the one that most captivates me.
Metelkova was definitely an experience! Going at night was a surreal experience so it would be interesting to see it in daylight.
Great roundup, Adelina! We’ve been to Ljubljana many times, and absolutely love it. Sometimes we just go there for a walk and a lunch. Seems like you got to know it pretty well.
Thanks guys! I’m so jealous of your proximity to Slovenia 🙂
I love hearing about free things you can enjoy when visiting a city. I am a fan of castles so I’d be heading there first. Obviously climbing up to the castle would be rewarding, that view of the city is beautiful!
Free things are the best things 🙂 Makes traveling so much more affordable.
This year Ljubljana is celebrating 2000 years of Emona and here are some special events if someone is planning to visit our capital this summer. I hope it’s ok to post the link in your comments.
http://www.visitljubljana.com/en/activities/culture-art/49296/detail.html
Thanks for your info Mojca. I’ll add it to my post 🙂
It sounds interesting to me. Guys dressed in roman style. What’s not to like? 🙂 Anyway I’m tempted to go on some of this events myself (I don’t live in Ljubljana).
Haha exactly! Let me know if you go 🙂 Sounds like a good time.
Metelkova area seems a very cool place to spare at least one day. Next time to Ljubljana I won”t miss it!
It’s definitely worth a visit. I hope you get a chance to go next time!
If you’ll be traveling Slovenia in the beginning of July go to Žužemberk. It’s a small town by Krka river with a picturesque castle and they have medieval market with knights from all over Europe showing their skills: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.508332372570086.1073741831.134904376579556&type=3
Thanks for the tip Darja! What a great set of photos – it looks like it was a lot of fun to watch!
Hey Adelina,
Just wanted to say thanks for mentioning our tour and the nice review. We have had a great season here despite the rains .. and hope to continue and grow as years go by
Good luck to you
Jack
The LFT Team
Hi Jack! Thanks for stopping by. I had a great time on your tour and Ljubljana in general. Love your city and country!
Have you been to Belgrade, Serbia?
Yes, I have! I wish I had longer in the city though, but got a pretty good overview.
Heading there first thing tomorrow morning. Your article has just done my homework. Really excited!
I hope you had a really awesome time in Ljubljana! It’s such an amazing city.