Travel to Ljubljana in Slovenia without any tourist traps: Here are the top 10 attractions in Ljubljana. Read which highlights and attractions you can't miss on your vacation in Ljubljana!
The manageable capital Ljubljana delights Slovenian vacationers with its historic old town, dominated by Ljubljana Castle, bridges worth seeing, churches and palaces, and a rich museum landscape. Rest and relaxation can be found on the secluded banks of the Ljubljanica or in the picturesque Tivoli Park.
Although Ljubljana is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, it never gets boring in the green city on the green river. Especially in summer, life in Ljubljana shifts to the streets. Hardly a day goes by without some culinary or musical event taking place on some street or green space.
Together with the versatile architecture and cultural-historical heritage, it lives up to its reputation as a city of art and academy, in short - Ljubljana is definitely worth a trip. To explore all the sights of Slovenia's capital, you should plan 2 to 4 days, depending on the desired intensity. However, it is also possible to visit the top 10 sights of Ljubljana in the course of a day trip.
Table of contents
Ljubljana castle
The castle of Ljubljana on the Schlossberg, visible from afar, can be climbed either on foot or by funicular. The medieval walls attract visitors with interesting exhibitions and a magnificent view. The last major expansion of the castle took place in the 17th century. Later, the castle served as a fortress and prison, and today its historic ambience is used for open-air events, among other things.
At the foot of the castle hill there is also the oldest botanical garden in Slovenia, which invites you to stroll around, especially on hot summer days.
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Dragon bridge in Ljubljana
With its lifelike dragon figures, the striking Dragon Bridge at the foot of Castle Hill is considered a landmark of Ljubljana. The famous bridge was designed by the equally famous architect Jože Plečnik. Built in 1902, the Art Nouveau bridge was the first reinforced concrete bridge in Slovenia. Anyone who didn't have their picture taken with one of the bronze dragons wasn't in Ljubljana, they say.
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Prešeren Square and Tromostovje in Ljubljana
Prešeren Square was created in the 17th century together with the Baroque Franciscan church that occupies its northern side. An energy center of Ljubljana is located at the monument to the Slovenian national poet who gave his name to the square - probably for this reason it is considered a perfect starting point for a city walk through Ljubljana's old town. Just off Tromostovje, one of Ljubljana's most famous bridges, there is also conveniently located the tourist information office.
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Congress Square (kongresni trg) in Ljubljana
The kongresni trg is also one of the famous squares of Slovenia's capital. Once built for the Congress of the Holy Alliance, the Congress Square in the center of Ljubljana is still characterized by monumental buildings. Particularly imposing are the historic building of the city's university and the columned Holy Trinity Church.
Overlooked by the hill of Ljubljana Castle, the Congress Square is framed by impressive buildings and museums on the south side and by the trees of Zvezda Park on the north side.
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Tivoli Park in Ljubljana
As the city's most beautiful park, Tivoli Park is Ljubljana's green lung and a popular recreational destination. It covers an area of about 5 square kilometers and is home to museums, castles, sports fields, children's playgrounds, statues and fountains - a natural paradise that invites you to wander and discover.
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Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Ljubljana
As the main church of the Diocese of Ljubljana, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas is one of the most important sights of the capital of Slovenia. With its two towers and mighty dome, it dominates Ciril Metodov Square in the middle of Ljubljana's old town. The church, which was made the seat of a bishop in 1461, impresses above all with its incredibly detailed frescoes.
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Slovenian National Museum in Ljubljana
The National Museum of Slovenia, together with the Natural History Museum, offers a geological and biological as well as artistic and cultural tour through Slovenia's history. It was opened on December 2, 1888, as Slovenia's first exclusively cultural institution.
Highlights at the National Museum of Slovenia include the oldest musical instrument in the world and Europe's best-preserved specimen of a woolly mammoth, the skeleton of which has been excavated almost in its entirety.
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Plečnik House in Ljubljana
Jože Plečnik went down in national history as Slovenia's greatest architect. His architectural legacy is scattered throughout Ljubljana, and some of the city's most famous landmarks were created by him. His life's work can be traced in his former residence south of Ljubljana's Old Town.
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National Gallery in Ljubljana
The National Gallery in Ljubljana offers a complete tour of the art eras in Slovenia. It houses the largest art collection in the country, ranging from the High Middle Ages to the 20th century. Together with the Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery covers all art eras.
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Parliament in Ljubljana
The Parliament building in Ljubljana reveals its architectural uniqueness only at second glance. It was opened on February 19, 1959 with the first assembly. When Slovenia became independent 32 years later, the Slovenian Parliament moved in here with the State Assembly and the State Council.
By appointment, visitors can get to know the building during free guided tours, and it is even possible to attend parliamentary sessions.
