We planned Ljubljana as a quick stopover between Budapest and Zagreb, expecting a simple night or two. I had never visited Slovenia’s capital before, and to be honest, its name—Ljubljana (pronounced Lub-li-ana)—was intimidating enough to make me unsure what to expect. Yet in just a day, this city completely won me over. Charming, vibrant, and still largely under the radar, Ljubljana is Europe’s best-kept secret.

• Arrival Adventure: First Impressions
• Top Things To Do In Ljubljana
  • 1. Ljubljana Castle – A Bird’s Eye View of the City
  • 2. Dragon Bridge – A Mythical Symbol of the City
  • 3. Riverside Market – A Feast for the Senses
  • 4. Stroll Along the Banks of the Ljubljana River
  • 5. Prešeren Square – The Heart of Ljubljana
  • 6. Cacao – A Sweet Stop You Can’t Miss
  • 7. Day Trip to Lake Bled
  • 8. Evening by the River Bars
• Accommodation: Hostel Tresor
• Unique Slovenian Souvenirs to Bring Home
  • Related Posts

Arrival Adventure: First Impressions

Hannah and I arrived late at night, after a grueling 9-hour train journey from Budapest. The sky opened up in a torrential downpour, complete with thunder, and our sense of direction failed us completely. We wandered lost through dark streets, struggling to communicate in a city where English wasn’t widely spoken. I vividly remember the two of us sitting on the kerb, backpacks strapped to front and back, laughing through equal parts frustration and relief. Eventually, by subtly following other travelers, we found Hostel Tresor, where a warm shower and a soft bed quickly washed away our travel woes.

Top Things To Do In Ljubljana

1. Ljubljana Castle – A Bird’s Eye View of the City

No trip to Ljubljana is complete without visiting Ljubljana Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the castle offers panoramic views that make you feel protective of the charming town below. While much of Ljubljana had to be rebuilt and doesn’t have centuries of surviving historical architecture, the city’s modern charm more than makes up for it.

2. Dragon Bridge – A Mythical Symbol of the City

The iconic Dragon Bridge is centuries old and steeped in legend. According to local lore, the dragon here is tied to Jason of the Argonauts, who slew a dragon in a swamp near Ljubljana. The bridge sits at the edge of the bustling Riverside Market, a short walk from Prešeren Square, and is perfect for snapping photos of one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.

3. Riverside Market – A Feast for the Senses

The Riverside Market is a lively hub where locals sell everything from fresh produce and meats to candles and souvenirs. Hannah and I picked up breakfast here, along with a few unique kitchen utensils to take home. The atmosphere is vibrant, colourful, and a wonderful introduction to the city’s daily life.

4. Stroll Along the Banks of the Ljubljana River

One of my favorite experiences was a leisurely walk along the Ljubljana River, where cobbled streets are lined with cafes serving rich coffee and freshly baked pastries. Locals and tourists alike sit under umbrellas, enjoying the relaxed pace of life. As our tour guide said, “Life in Slovenia is quite good,” and it’s easy to see why. Hannah and I savored a seafood risotto by the river, watching the world go by with wide smiles on our faces.

5. Prešeren Square – The Heart of Ljubljana

This pedestrian-friendly square is named after Slovenia’s most celebrated poet, France Prešeren. Bustling yet charming, it serves as the city’s central hub and is a perfect starting point for exploring Ljubljana on foot.

6. Cacao – A Sweet Stop You Can’t Miss

While wandering along the river, we stumbled upon Cacao Ice Cream and Cakes, which quickly became a highlight of our trip. Famous for its decadent ice cream and pastries, this spot is more than just a dessert café—it’s a must-visit culinary experience. I could easily plan a whole trip just to enjoy this ice cream again.

7. Day Trip to Lake Bled

No Ljubljana itinerary is complete without a day trip to Lake Bled. We spent an entire day soaking up the sun, paddling in the lake, and taking in the fairytale surroundings. This destination is perfect for nature lovers and is easily accessible from Ljubljana.

8. Evening by the River Bars

After a relaxing day at Lake Bled, we returned to Ljubljana to enjoy an evening at a riverside bar. Listening to local Slovenian music and meeting fellow travelers—including some hilarious British northerners—made it a night to remember. The energy and friendliness of the city are truly contagious.

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Accommodation: Hostel Tresor

We stayed three nights (23rd–25th June 2015) at Hostel Tresor, centrally located on Copova ulica 38, just steps from Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge. Housed in a former bank, the hostel features a quirky money theme, with rooms named after global currencies, original bank fixtures, and money-inspired quotes on the walls. It’s modern, comfortable, and perfectly positioned for exploring the city.

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Unique Slovenian Souvenirs to Bring Home

• Traditional schnapps
• Slovenian salt
• Fango cosmetics (made from thermal spring mud)
• Local honey
• Handmade lace
• Slovenian chocolate (Goreijka brand)

Ljubljana may have started as a simple stopover for us, but it quickly became one of the most memorable cities of our European travels. Between its vibrant riverside life, historic landmarks, and world-class desserts, it’s clear why this hidden gem deserves more attention. A few days here are enough to fall in love—and maybe even plan a return trip.