Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is filled with iconic sights, delectable cuisine, interesting art and gorgeous parks. For those who have just one day in Ljubljana, we’ve rounded up a list of the essential experiences!
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One Day in Ljubljana Itinerary
Wondering what to do in Ljubljana in one day? In the heart of the city, visitors can find everything from Ljubljana must-see attractions and local Slovenian eateries to reinvented neighborhoods and amazing nature.
Our 1 Day in Ljubljana Itinerary is designed for travelers who are short on time, but want to explore top sights, taste Slovenian food and experience the best of the city.
What To Do in Ljubljana in One Day
For the best Ljubljana activities and sights, use our timeline to plan what to see in one exciting day.
Save, Bookmark or Pin our Ljubljana Travel Guide to plan your trip to Slovenia!
8:30AM – Slovenian Coffee
Start your day coffee in a café. The café culture provides a fascinating introduction to the city. If the weather is nice, sit outside and watch the city wake up. The people watching is phenomenal!
Ljubljana Café Culture
In our observations, there are no rules. It is as casual and comfortable as a family room couch.
A single person can enjoy a coffee and a book, while next to them seven gossiping teenagers crowd around one small table. Families catch up with one another and youthful couples sit side-by-side holding hands.
Upon seeing friends, a passerby will stop to join them, have a drink and then continue on about their day. Some linger, while others sit/order/drink/pay/leave before we even get the waiter’s attention!
The Best Ljubljana Cafes
We think the best café in Ljubljana is TOZD. They serve gourmet coffee (some say it’s the best coffee in Ljubljana), local wines and craft brews.
TOZD has a fun, shabby chic interior and a focus on delivering the local products. They even team up with worthwhile community projects.
Another great spot for a coffee is at the trendy line of cafes between the Triple Bridge and Butchers’ Bridge. Popular with locals and tourists, most seats offer a nice view over the river and Ljubljana Castle.
While locals can chat over a cup of coffee (or beer…remember, anything goes) for hours, if you are trying see Ljubljana in a day, you will need to fuel up and get moving!
9AM – Old Town Ljubljana Sightseeing
Most Ljubljana attractions are located in the Old City Center – making it easy to see the top places on foot.
Hike up to Ljubljana Castle, cross the Triple Bridge to Preseren Square and Franciscan Church, shop at the Central Market and photograph Dragon Bridge. These are all essential things to see in Ljubljana.
However, there is more to discover than just the iconic spots. So you will want to plan your route of where to go in Ljubljana in advance.
We’ve made it easy to see all the top sights in Ljubljana in one day with our list of Ljubljana Places To See. They are even all labeled on a helpful map!
11AM – Ljubljananjam Food Tour
Eating Slovenian cuisine is a necessity when visiting Ljubljana. The small groups are personalized and guided by a local to the best eateries in town. This food tour is a must-do in Ljubljana!
On our Ljubljananjam tour, we requested regional cuisine and craft beer. We were led through the city to the hottest spots and hidden gems as we sampled locally sourced products and sipped the newest additions from Slovenia’s microbreweries.
The highlights for us were the soup made from locally-grown vegetables, perfectly prepared rump-steak and an Istrian dish of prosciutto served in teran wine sauce with polenta.
Tell them what you like and they’ll create a tour designed to suit you. You can now also plan your own Ljubljana food tour with their foodie e-guide.
2PM – Explore Nature in Ljubljana
There is no better place to go after a big Slovenian lunch than one of the Ljubljana Parks. And, it just so happens that spending time in the city parks is one of the top Ljubljana things to do!
Whether you hit the trails in Tivoli City Park, climb to the top of Roznik Hill or slowly stroll through the Botanical Gardens, these green spaces are wonderful spots to spend a few hours of your Ljubljana one-day trip.
4PM – Ljubljana Graffiti Tour & Metelkova
With one day, anyone can walk on the streets and seek out graffiti. However, on the Ljubljana Graffiti Tour, the fascinating street art scene is introduced to groups by a local guide. Plus, the tour ends with a hands-on workshop.
The personalized tours are like walking through an outdoor art museum. Not only does the guide explain the history of the art, but also tells tales of the artists – or writers – behind the work.
The tour starts in the historic city center and wanders through some of the city’s most colorful streets (literally).
Finishing in the edgy and artsy Metelkova district, because it’s one of the more alternative places to see in Ljubljana.
7PM – Sip Slovenian Craft Beer
With the popularity of craft beer around the world, some may not think sipping a Slovenian craft beer is an essential Ljubljana experience.
However, the craft brew in LJ is some of our favorite, and we believe it’s one of the Ljubljana top things to do!
Local breweries, like Tektonik, are in the heart of the city and more bars and cafes are offering innovative suds on their menus.
Some of our other favorite craft beers in Slovenia are from Pivovarna Pelicon and Reservoir Dogs Brewery. Runners up are the tastes of goodness from LOO-BLAH-NAH and HopsBrew.
A handful of outdoor cafes along the river serve Slovenian craft beer, but Sir William’s Pub and Lajbah, have the widest selection.
For a completely unique Ljubljana experience, stop by one of local beer shops, like The Craft Room, let the staff help select a few Slovenian beers and choose a spot along the river to taste test!
8PM – Dinner in Ljubljana
Our favorite restaurants in Ljubljana are along the oldest lane in the city, at the base of the castle hill, where there is something for every taste…and budget.
Our pick for fine dining is the upscale Altroke. The menu features local (but inventive) dishes and regional wine. For a traditional classic, we love the fare at Julija. Especially the hearty stews and pork dishes.
When we want something quick (or are looking for a budget meal), we go to Klobasarna. The small restaurant specializes in Slovenian-style sausages.
Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna)
Those who are lucky enough to be visiting Ljubljana on a Friday (from the end of March through October) can really feast at Open Kitchen.
Odprta Kuhna, which takes place in Pogacarjev Square, is a gathering spot for locals and tourists to sample fare from several of the area’s top restaurants.
Chefs set up in booths to cook a variety of cuisine from classic to creative. The options truly seem endless!
From traditional Slovenia fare, Thai, Mexican, Argentinian, burgers and desserts all on offer. The festival is free to attend and each vendor sets their own menu and prices.
10PM – Ljubljana at Night
End your Ljubljana one-day tour with a stroll around after dark. Ljubljana is a very walkable city that glows magically under the street lights.
Ramble through town and you are sure to find unique happenings or events during your visit. We’ve been surprised to find pop-up food markets in Preseren Square and swing dancers taking over the street in front of the Grand Hotel Union.
Street performers will certainly be around during the summertime. We’ve seen everything from a single man playing the accordion to a heavy metal band rocking out. Wander around and see what unique Ljubljana things you discover!
More For Your Slovenia Itinerary
With so many places to visit in Ljubljana, we suggest spending at least 2 full days of your European Vacation here.
There are also several fantastic Ljubljana day tours. We recommend making the city your base for your entire Slovenia trip!
Choose from the numerous Day Trips From Ljubljana to amazing Slovenian Lakes and Magical Castles and Caves and even on to the Adriatic Sea!
Tips For Your Trip to Ljubljana
Now that you know how to spend one day in Ljubljana, we have some more advice for your visit. First, get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Slovenia by using our Trip Planning Printables!
Where To Stay in Ljubljana
Guests staying overnight have several options when it comes to accommodations. No, you can’t stay in the castle!
During our visits to Ljubljana, we stay in Airbnb’s. We find that apartments often have more space than hotels and a kitchen. They are usually more affordable than hotels, too.
However, for those who prefer traditional accommodations, there are many hotels to choose from in the city center.
Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip: Hotel Cubo, Adora Hotel or the classy Grand Hotel Union.
For a truly unique stay, check out Hostel Celica. The former prison-turned-hostel features decor by local artists and a jovial atmosphere.
What To Pack for Slovenia
Now we’re offering a few of our best Packing Hacks for your visit to Ljubljana. So, grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to Slovenia!
Walking Shoes
Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable shoes for your vacation. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by New Balance and Reef. Kris prefers trail shoes by Merrell.
Travel Camera
We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip. Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for quality photos.
We travel with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. Together this setup takes amazing photos and is an excellent budget camera option.
Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day bag to organize and secure all your essential everyday travel items!
Slovenia Travel Insurance
Trip insurance could help when travel goes wrong (lost bags, canceled flights, illness, etc.). If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Slovenia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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