You can see almost everything Ljubljana has to offer in terms of sights in a couple of days. Most are concentrated in and around the old town and the castle area. A good tip is to get a Ljubljana Tourist Card . For a cheap money you get free admission to many of the city’s museums, the zoo, guided tours, tourist boats on the rivers, as well as free bus and WiFi.
Ljubljana Castle
You can not miss the castle in Ljubljana. The town is about as flat as a pancake, except for the small hill on which the castle is located. The castle area is therefore the best place to get an overview of the city from, in addition to the fact that Ljubljanski degree is in itself worth the visit. It is free to take a tour inside, unless you want to go up to the tower of the castle (if you have a Ljubljana Tourist Card, the tower is also free). The present fortress was built in the 15th century, on the same grounds as the original castle. The castle has throughout the ages been used as a prison (until 1963), and therefore has a somewhat broken history. Today you will find many art exhibitions and small craft shops there, as well as a museum, theater and concert hall, as well as nice restaurants.
The old town of Ljubljana
According to DigoPaul, the old town of Ljubljana is sandwiched between the castle and the river Ljubljanica. All buildings are from the Middle Ages and well preserved. The narrow streets are cobbled, and completely free of vehicles. Here you can stroll safely among street musicians, jugglers, fruit, vegetable and flower shops, as well as much more fun to watch. The atmosphere is adventurous, especially after dark. There are of course several sights in the old town, including the cathedral Stolnica sv. Nikolaja and the old town hall with the Robba fountain on the front. You will also find the most cozy hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars in the old town.
Cathedral Cathedral of St. Nikolai
The cathedral in Ljubljana has changed shape many times since it was first built in the 13th century. Fires, earthquakes and the ravages of time have ensured a continuous need for renovation. Today’s edition of the cathedral is in baroque style from the 18th century. The interior decoration is dominated by Giulio Quaglio’s frescoes from the years 1703–1706, altar angels and several statues of various Italian artists. You will find the Cathedral in Ljubljana’s Old Town, right next to the river, and a short distance from Prešernov Trg, the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge.
Tivoli City Park
Tivoli Park is the largest green area in Ljubljana, designed and laid out in 1813. The park is considered the city’s lungs, and extends over approximately 5 square kilometers. Most are forests with nice paths to walk on. Occasionally you will find small ponds, fountains, playgrounds, sculptures and statues, as well as a number of beautiful buildings. The most important of these is the Tivolski Grad, a small Renaissance castle that was originally owned by the Jesuit order. In another small castle, Cekin Grad from 1720, you will find Slovenia’s museum of contemporary art. The amusement park is the place to take a walk or bike ride in beautiful surroundings, perhaps with a small picnic in a peaceful grove between the trees.
Prešeren Square
This is the most important and central square in Ljubljana. Prešernov trg is named after Slovenia’s national poet, Franse Prešeren, who has his own statue on the eastern corner of the square. On the square you will also find a miniature model of the city made of bronze. When carnival, outdoor concerts, or festivals are held in the city, Prešernov trg is usually the place to be. Among the buildings surrounding the square, the Franciscan church is one of the most important, as well as several Art Nouveau-style houses. The best way to reach the old town is through Prešernov trg, preferably via Tromostovje, the triple bridge, which is considered the finest of Ljubljana’s many bridges.
Broene and Ljubljana
Ljubljanica is the river that flows through the capital. You can cross it via a number of beautiful bridges. Of these, the mentioned triple bridge is considered the most beautiful. The middle and largest of the three bridges in the trio were constructed in 1842, while the two smaller ones on opposite sides were created in the years between 1929 and 1932. The dragon bridge Zmajski Most is also among those you have to walk over when you visit Ljubljana. It is adorned with dragon statues that have also become the city’s official symbols. The historical background for the use of dragons is associated with Jason from Greek mythology. He is said to have been the founder of Ljubljana, and allegedly killed a dragon here by the river. A third bridge that should be mentioned is the shoemaker’s bridge, Čevljarski Most. It dates to the 13th century and is consequently one of the city’s oldest.
Autonomous Cultural Center Metelkova Mesto
A bit like Christiania in Copenhagen , Metelkova Mesto is a self-proclaimed sanctuary and cultural center. The center is located in what was formerly a military camp for the dual monarchy Austria-Hungary, and later the Yugoslav army. Technically, the current users and residents have occupied the area since 1991. During the day, the sanctuary is a fun place to visit for those interested in alternative art and urban culture. Exhibitions, shows, festivals and concerts are often arranged here, and in the evenings Metelkova is transformed into a solid party. All kinds of people visit the center, whether it is artists, students, music lovers, business people or tourists.
Museum of Illusions – Illusjonsmuseum
The Illusion Museum is the place to visit if you want to be fooled, inspired, or learn about how human perception works. There you will find about 40 different holograms, optical illusions and exhibited rarities. You go from room to room and experience something completely different in each of them. These include the anti-gravity room, where everything seems to hang in the air, a disco where all dance moves become surreal, and a game room where you can test your logical skills on fun puzzles and puzzles. All information and instructions are given in English, in addition to Slovenian, German and Italian.
A skyscraper
Nebotičnik was once the tallest building in the Balkans, and among Europe’s top 10, with its “dizzying” 13 floors. When it was built, it was considered groundbreaking, partly because it included air conditioning, central heating and a lift that went very fast by the standards of the time. The center of Ljubljana is free of tall and modern buildings, so Nebotičnik is still one of the best landmarks in the city. On the top floor there is a café and nightclub, while on the 12th floor there is a nice restaurant that offers great views of both the city and the beautiful mountains in the north.