If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a storybook town where medieval charm meets modern flair, then let me introduce you to Ljubljana. Tucked away in Slovenia, this hidden gem often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, but don’t let its modest fame fool you. This compact capital is brimming with character, and the best part? You can experience its magic in just a day.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: exploring an entire city in a day sounds like mission impossible. But Ljubljana isn’t your typical sprawling metropolis. It’s a cozy haven where every cobblestone street will easily lead you to a new discovery—from dragon-adorned bridges (yes, dragons!) to vibrant open-air markets and a hilltop castle with panoramic views.
So slip on your most comfortable shoes and get ready for 24 hours filled with historic sights, riverside cafés, and perhaps a slice or two of potica (trust me, you’ll want to try it).
What to see in Ljubljana in a day:
I firmly believe your first day in Lubi should be mostly spent aimlessly wandering the tiny cobbled streets of the old town and lounging in cafes by the river. You really must get the vibe of the city, so just chill and soak in the sun! Of course while you do that, you’ll certainly stumble upon the most famous landmarks.
1. Dragon’s Bridge
Originally named “The Jubilee Bridge of Emperor Franz Josef I” – which wasn’t understandably catchy enough – the Dragon’s Bridge is one of Ljubljana’s most popular attractions. The bridge was constructed around 1901, and at the time it was of the largest bridges of this kind to be built in Europe.
Why dragons? Well, first of all, they’re awesome, and secondly, a local legend suggests that Jason was actually the founder of the city, and that he and his Argonauts bravely killed a dragon.
2. Prešeren Square
Leaving the dragons behind and strolling along the river, you’ll soon find yourself in this little square that is pretty much the heart of the city: Prešeren square. Just next to it, you can see a lovely Baroque Franciscan Church. Fun fact: the church was once painted in a vivid and intense red, and just naturally faded into the fab shade of pink you see today.
3. Triple Bridge or Tromostovje
Right in front of the main square you’ll find TromostovJe. The Triple bridge is, unsourprisingly, a group of three bridges and it’s a rather unique architectural gem of Lubi. The central bridge has actually been standing there since 1842, and was all alone until 1929, when the side bridges, intended for pedestrians, were added by the architect Jože Plečnik.
4. Farmer’s Market
A short walk from the Triple Bridge, on Vodnikov Square, you’ll find the Central Market, an open-air market filled with vendors selling anything from miscellaneous items to tasty food. It’s a great place to shop for fresh fruit, random farmer’s products, and a sausage-oriented snack.
5. Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana castle is an architectural patchwork, but most of what you see today dates back to the 16th century, when it was rebuilt after a destructive earthquake. The castle today houses a museum about Slovenian history, a puppet museum, the Chapel of St George and other historical rooms such as “the Prison”.
To be honest, I’m not sure the inside of the castle is an absolute must-see. However, the walk from the city center is very pleasant, and the view from the top is quite nice. An alternative way to reach the castle is taking a 70m-long funicular that leaves from the Old Town (near Vodnikov Square).
6. Tivoli Park
Did you know Slovenia is the greenest country in Europe? It is, and Ljubljana definitely does its part of the job to make that happen. Tivoli Park takes a good chuck of the city’s center, and it’s a really beautiful and peaceful place to spend a chilly spring / autumn afternoon.
7. Metelkova
Berlin has Tacheles, Copenhagen has Christiania, and Ljubljana has Metelkova.
A former military neighbour, Metelkova is today a weird-but-in-a-good-way city within the city, filled with urban street art, bizarre sculptures and clubs. Everything started in 1993, when a barracks complex was squatted by a group of volunteers of the so called “Metelkova Network” to stop the army complex from being destroyed. After that, the former barracks were slowly re-designed during the years by numerous artists.
During the day, the area hosts art performances, exhibitions and festivals. Things get even cooler once the sun goes down though, when the entire neighbour becomes a popular nightlife hotspot.
Final Tip: squeeze in a day-trip to Lake bled
Did you know that the scenic area of Lake Bled is only 40 minutes away from Ljubljana by car? Yes, Lake Bled, that annoyingly beautiful scene plucked from the pages of a fairytale that you totally saved on your “Instagrammable places” board on Pinterest. I highly suggest adding an extra day to your Slovenian getaway and visit this incredible lake.