Ljubljana is a real-life fairytale. From the pastel-colored buildings to the cute riverside cafes, it’s hard not to fall in love with this idyllic city. Best of all, Ljubljana is free of the crowds of tourists. It may just be Europe’s best-kept secret!
Stay
Airbnb
Tom’s loft in Ljubljana is a short walk from the city center and includes parking. The apartment is thoughtfully designed, and Tom is a gracious host. We had fantastic recommendations, and he left some wonderful local treats & farm-fresh eggs for us during our stay.
April 1550 Boutique Hotel
April 1550 is beautifully decorated and centrally located, making it a perfect place to stay in Ljubljana.
Eat & Drink
There was so much I loved about Ljubljana, but the food was my favorite part. I loved how many restaurants featured local and seasonal dishes and fantastic wine at fair prices.
Slovenska Hiša
Cankarjevo nabrežje 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
If you need breakfast, a coffee break, or just a midday cheese plate (no judgment), stop in Slovenska Hiša. This charming restaurant has the cutest decor, plenty of outdoor seating for people-watching, and a great selection of snacks and coffee. Slovenska Hiša is located along the river in the city center and is close to major sites.
Must try: Cheese plate of local cheeses
Jakob Franc gostilna
Trnovski pristan 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Dinner at Jakob Franc was one of my favorite meals in Slovenia. Everything about the experience was a treat - the food and wine were great, and the ambiance couldn’t be beaten. Make sure that you make a reservation in advance.
Must try: Pork Ribs
TaBar
TaBar
Ribji trg 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
TaBar blends the concept of Tapas with a modern take on Slovenian food and an extensive wine list. We loved the creative takes on classics, such as local fish with Asian spices and a fantastic pear dessert.
Must try: the wines
Restaurant Šestica
Slovenska cesta 40, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Restaurant Šestica serves traditional Slovenian food. The restaurant attracts many locals and is a great place to try some typical Slovenian food.
Must try: beef noodle soup
Restaurant Šestica
Landerik
Stari trg 11, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
A meal at Landerik is truly a treat. I opted for the 4-course tasting menu and was not disappointed (I highly recommend asking for wine pairing recommendations). The cuisine is local food with a modern take. Everything was fresh, creative, and tastefully done.
Must try: The tasting menu
See
Explore Old Town
Ljubljana’s Old Town is delightful. I recommend walking along the river and strolling into local shops and cafes. There is no shortage of great design shops to find that perfect souvenir. Some of my favorite design shops are Formadoma and Parada.
Ljubljana Castle
The view of Ljubljana is unbelievable from the castle and well worth hiking up the many stairs. Pro Tip: there is not much to see inside the castle, so no need to pay! You can take in the sights and walk around the grounds for free.
Central Market
Central Market is a beautiful open-air market filled with fresh produce and local wares. On Fridays, mid-March - October, there is a unique market called Open Kitchen, where Slovenia’s top chefs open stands and prepare dishes.
Vurnik House
Vurnik House is not open to the public, but you can admire this incredible building from the outside (and get the perfect Ljubljana Instagram shot).
Wine Tasting Ljubljana
One of the best things about Slovenia is Slovenian Wine. Introduce yourself to the different wine-growing regions and varieties with Wine Tasting Ljubljana. I recommend doing the tasting on your first day in Ljubljana so that if you are planning on doing a day trip you can tailor vineyard visits off of your favorite varieties from the tasting.
Lake Bled
Go
Lake Bled
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Slovenia is Lake Bled. This iconic lake with a church on a small island is an image I’ve seen shared on Instagram thousands of times. Bled is one of those places that is hyped for good reasons. The views of the Karawanks mountain range are breathtaking & and there is no shortage of things to do, including visiting the famed lake, skiing in the winter, and hiking in the summer. Best of all, Bled is a quick 45-minute drive or 75-minute bus ride from downtown Ljubljana.
Ptuj
Ptuj
Everywhere I visited in Slovenia was breathtakingly beautiful, but Ptuj was one of the prettiest places. Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia and has been inhabited since the late Stone Age. The buildings are wonderfully preserved, and the town is a real-life Disney fairytale. Best of all, there are few crowds. Ptuj is also known for wine and is an excellent jumping-off point to visit the many surrounding vineyards.
x Sarah
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