Top 6 things to do in and around Ljubljana

Ljubljana, the green capital of Europe, has a lot more to offer than just its castle and emblematic bridges. This Slovenian gem offers a multitude of captivating activities, both in the city and in the surrounding area, that will appeal to all types of travellers. Between unspoilt nature, exceptional cultural heritage, authentic gastronomy and unusual experiences, discover our selection of the 6 best things to do in and around Ljubljana to enrich your Slovenian holiday. To explore the historic centre on your own, don’t forget to download the Ljubljana audioguide, which will guide you through the capital’s 26 key places of interest.

1. Explore Lake Bled and its fairytale castle

Category: €€ / Nature & Culture

Description

Just 45 minutes from Ljubljana, Lake Bled is a must-see excursion during your stay in Slovenia. This Alpine jewel with its turquoise waters is home to an island that is unique in the world, accessible only by pletna, the traditional Slovenian boat. At the top of the island stands the Church of the Assumption, whose vow bell attracts couples from all over the world. Legend has it that if you ring this bell and make a wish, it will come true.

Perched on a vertiginous cliff 130 metres above the lake, Bled Castle(Blejski grad, 4260 Bled, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 14,000 reviews) offers breathtaking views of the lake, the island and the Julian Alps in the background. This 11th-century medieval castle houses a museum tracing the history of the region, an antique printing works, a wine cellar and even a forge where you can have a coin minted to commemorate your visit. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous kremšnita, Bled’s signature pastry, a vanilla cream between two layers of puff pastry that will delight any sweet tooth.

A full circuit of the lake on foot is a pleasant 6-kilometre walk offering changing views of this picture-postcard panorama. To discover all the secrets of Ljubljana, don’t forget to download the Navaway app, which also offers itineraries throughout Slovenia.

Good to know: Lac de Bled is accessible all year round, but the period from April to October offers the best conditions. Admission to the castle: €16 adult, €10 child. Pletna to the island: approx. €18 return. Pay parking around the lake (2-3€/h). To get there from Ljubljana by public transport, take the bus direct from the bus station (leaving every hour, journey time 1h15, approx. €8). By car, allow 50 minutes via the motorway. Allow a full day to enjoy the site to the full. Mornings are less busy. Panoramic restaurant at the château. Hiking trails around the lake for all levels.

2. Descend into the bowels of the earth at Postojna caves and Predjama castle

Category: €€€ / Unusual & Natural

Description

Get ready for an extraordinary underground adventure in the Postojna caves, one of the largest karst cave systems in the world. This 2-million-year-old geological wonder stretches over 24 kilometres of galleries carved out by the river Pivka. The visit begins with a spectacular ride on a small electric train that plunges 3.7 kilometres into the depths of the earth, before continuing on foot through cathedral-like chambers adorned with stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.

The Grande Montagne, the Concert Hall with its exceptional acoustics, and the bridge of the Galerie Russe are among the highlights of this underground exploration. You’ll also discover the Proteus anguinus, nicknamed “the baby dragon” or “human fish”, a fascinating creature endemic to these caves that can live up to 100 years without food. The constant temperature of 10°C all year round creates a mysterious, unspoilt atmosphere.

Just 9 kilometres from the caves stands Predjama Castle(Predjama 1, 6230 Postojna, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 9,000 reviews), set into a 123-metre-high limestone cliff. This 13th-century medieval fortress, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest troglodyte castle in the world, fascinates visitors with its bold architecture. The castle is linked by a network of secret caves that enabled the knight-brigand Erasmus de Predjama to withstand a year-long siege in the 15th century, receiving supplies through these hidden passages.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Ljubljana on foot and on your own

Before or after your trip to the caves, explore Ljubljana like a local thanks to theNavaway app. This audio-guided itinerary lets you discover Slovenia’s capital at your own pace, with 26 points of interest with commentary and interactive navigation that adapts to your position. It’s the ideal way to learn about the city’s fascinating history before exploring its exceptional natural surroundings.

Good to know: The Postojna caves(Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 27,000 reviews) are open all year round. Tickets: €29.90 adults, €17.90 children (aged 6-15), free under 6s. Combined ticket for caves + Predjama castle: €42.90 adult. Guided tours in French available several times a day in high season. Online booking strongly recommended. Temperature 10°C: bring warm clothing. Tour time approx. 1? hours. Partially PRM accessible. Restaurant and shop on site. Distance from Ljubljana: 53 km (50 min by car). Direct buses from Ljubljana bus station (€10-12). Free car park. For Predjama Castle alone: €15.90 for adults. Allow half a day to a full day to visit both sites.

3. Enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience at the central market and in typical restaurants

Category: € to €€ / Gastronomic

Description

The best way to discover Ljubljana is through its flavours. Start your gastronomic immersion at the central market(Vodnikov trg, 1000 Ljubljana, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 7,000 reviews), this temple of Slovenian gastronomy designed by architect Jože Plečnik in the 1940s. Open from Monday to Saturday, this open-air market brings together local producers from all over Slovenia to offer their fresh produce: artisan cheeses such as tolminc or mohant, traditional smoked meats, forest honey, wild mushrooms, seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Every Friday from March to October, don’t miss the Open Kitchen (Odprta kuhna), an open-air culinary event that transforms the market square into a veritable gastronomic festival. Around thirty stands run by Ljubljana’s top chefs offer tastings of Slovenian and international dishes in a friendly, festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample local specialities such as štruklji (pasta rolls stuffed with cheese), kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage) and gibanica (traditional puff pastry).

For an authentic meal in a restaurant, head to Pri Škofu (Rečna ulica 8, 1000 Ljubljana, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1,200 reviews), a local institution serving traditional Slovenian cuisine in a cosy rustic setting since 1991. Try the Carniolan beef, a regional speciality, accompanied by ajdovi žganci (buckwheat porridge). Another not-to-be-missed address is Gostilna Šestica (Slovenska cesta 40, 1000 Ljubljana, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 1,800 reviews), where you can enjoy refined Slovenian cuisine in the friendly atmosphere of a traditional inn. If you follow theNavaway itinerary around the city, you will discover other good local places recommended by the locals.

Good to know: Central market open Monday-Saturday 7am-4pm (2pm on Saturdays), closed on Sundays. Free admission. Open Kitchen: Fridays from March to October, 10am-9pm, dishes €4-8. Bring cash as not all stalls accept cards. Restaurants: reservations recommended at weekends. Typical meal budget: €15-25/person in a traditional restaurant, €8-12 for a meal at the market. For the full experience, take part in a guided food tour (approx. €60-80, 3h30) which combines a visit to the market, tasting of specialities and discovery of hidden restaurants. Some tours include a visit to the Union Brewery, founded in 1864, to sample the local beers. The market can easily be reached on foot from the historic centre in just 5 minutes.

4. Paddle a canoe on the River Ljubljanica for a unique perspective

Category: € to €€ / Sporty & Unusual

Description

Ljubljana holds a little-known world record: it’s the only European capital where you can go stand-up paddling and canoeing right in the heart of the historic centre! The River Ljubljanica, which meanders majestically through the city, offers a totally different and refreshing perspective of the emblematic monuments you have admired from the quays.

This water activity, which is accessible to all, allows you to glide silently under the historic bridges designed by Plečnik, observe the colourful facades of the Baroque buildings from the water and enjoy a privileged view of the castle that dominates the city. The classic route skirts the districts of Trnovo and Krakovo, two former market-gardening areas that have retained their village charm with vegetable gardens lining the river. You’ll pass under the Cobblers’ Bridge, the Triple Bridge and the Butchers’ Bridge, as you cruise along to the peaceful rhythm of the water.

The experience is particularly magical in the late afternoon, when the golden light illuminates the façades and the terraces become more animated. Several hire companies offer kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards by the hour or half-day, with or without a guide. For beginners, the guided option is recommended, as it combines sporting discovery with historical explanations of the places crossed. If you then want to explore the capital’s land-based treasures, download theNavaway app, which offers tours throughout Slovenia.

Good to know: Several providers offer this activity: Ljubljana SUP and Outdoor Slovenia (starting point near the Cobblers’ Bridge). Season: April to October. Rental prices: kayak/canoe €15-20/hour, €35-50/half day; SUP €20-25/hour. 2-hour guided tour: €35-45/person, including equipment, lifejacket and English-speaking guide (subject to availability). No previous experience required, beginners guaranteed. Sportswear and sun protection recommended. Changing rooms and lockers available. Can be done even on grey days. Online booking recommended in high season. Accessible from age 12 for kayaking, 14 for SUP. Compulsory lifejackets provided. Suitable for beginners, calm water with no rapids. Neoprene wetsuit provided in spring and autumn.

5. Immerse yourself in the alternative and artistic world of Metelkova

Category: Free / Cultural & Unusual

Description

Metelkova represents the underground and creative face of Ljubljana, in stark contrast to the baroque elegance of the historic centre. This former Yugoslav military barracks, occupied by artists and activists in 1993, has been transformed into a self-managed cultural centre that is unique in Europe. Today, it is a veritable open-air street art museum, where every square centimetre of façade explodes with colour, graffiti and provocative artistic installations.

The complex is home to several underground clubs, alternative art galleries, a community hostel and even the Slovenian National Museum of Contemporary History. The atmosphere is resolutely bohemian, festive and committed. Each building tells a different story through its murals: social criticism, political demands, celebrations of freedom of expression. The recycled sculptures and ephemeral installations change regularly, making each visit a fresh discovery.

During the day, Metelkova(Metelkova ulica 10, 1000 Ljubljana, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 3,500 reviews) can be visited at leisure to admire the artistic work and photograph the colourful facades. At night, the district comes alive and becomes the epicentre of Ljubljana’s alternative nightlife, with concerts of electronic, punk and reggae music and themed evenings. Access is free and the atmosphere is tolerant and cosmopolitan. This is also where you’ll find the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, just a few metres from this temple of counter-culture. To discover the contrast with Ljubljana’s historic centre, follow the Navaway route, which will take you from classic monuments to alternative venues.

Good to know: Free access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Just a 10-minute walk from Ljubljana Central Station. The area is safe and welcoming, but as in any party area, be careful with your belongings at night. Best time to visit: during the day for the photos (10am-4pm, ideal light) and in the evening for the atmosphere (from 10pm onwards at weekends). Entry to clubs is generally free, or €5-10 depending on the event. Bars and concerts: beers 3-4€, cocktails 6-8€. The adjacent Slovenian Ethnographic Museum (Metelkova 2): open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm, admission €6 for adults. Several vegetarian cafés and restaurants in the area. International street art festival in summer. Respect the premises: photography is OK, but ask permission for people. Some buildings are private, so respect the signs. Accessible by bus no. 3, 5, 9 from the centre. Public car park nearby.

6. Hiking in the Triglav nature park and discovering the Julian Alps

Category: € / Nature & Sport

Description

Around an hour’s drive from Ljubljana lies the Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park and a paradise for hikers and lovers of unspoilt nature. Created in 1981, this 84,000-hectare area protects the spectacular alpine landscapes of the Julian Alps, dominated by Mount Triglav (2,864 metres), Slovenia’s national symbol whose three peaks feature on the country’s flag.

The park offers an incredible diversity of landscapes: crystal-clear glacial lakes, centuries-old coniferous forests, flower-filled mountain pastures, tumultuous waterfalls and dizzying peaks. Among the must-do hikes accessible from Ljubljana, the Vintgar Gorge stands out for its striking beauty. This 1.6-kilometre canyon, carved out of the limestone by the River Radovna, features wooden footbridges overlooking emerald waters and giant potholes. The walk ends at the Šum waterfall, 13 metres high, in a fairytale setting.

For more experienced hikers, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest natural lake, is the ideal base camp for excursions to the summits. Mount Vogel, accessible by cable car, offers a breathtaking panorama at an altitude of 1,800 metres. The unspoilt valleys of Trenta and Soča, with their river of incredible turquoise hues, delight photographers and canyoning enthusiasts alike. The alpine fauna (chamois, ibex, golden eagles) and endemic flora (over 1,300 plant species, including 400 endemics) make the park a sanctuary of biodiversity. Before your alpine escapade, explore Ljubljana with the Navaway app to make sure you don’t miss a thing of the capital.

Good to know: Triglav National Park is open all year round, with the best period for hiking from June to September. Admission charge for certain protected areas: €10/adult/week. Vintgar Gorge(Podhom 73, 4247 Zgornje Gorje, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 14,000 reviews): open April-October, €10 adults, €5 children, parking €5. Arrive early (8-9am) to avoid the crowds. Vogel cable car: €20 return adult ticket. Lake Bohinj: free access, parking €5/day. Distance from Ljubljana: Vintgar 65 km (55 min), Bohinj 80 km (1h15). Car hire recommended for flexibility. Some direct Ljubljana-Bohinj buses in season. Equipment: hiking boots, layered clothing, water, sun protection. Park Tourist Office in Bled for maps and advice. Mountain huts for overnight stays at altitude (booking essential). Mountain guides available for climbing Triglav (2 days, advanced level). Respect nature: stay on marked trails and take your rubbish with you.

In conclusion, Ljubljana and its surroundings offer an exceptional wealth of activities to satisfy every desire for discovery. Whether you are attracted by the grandiose alpine landscapes of Lake Bled and the Triglav National Park, fascinated by the subterranean wonders of the Postojna caves, a lover of authentic gastronomy at the local markets, a water sports enthusiast on the Ljubljanica, curious about alternative culture in Metelkova or an inveterate hiker in the Julian Alps, this Slovenian destination will enchant you. These varied experiences are the perfect complement to a visit to the historic centre of Ljubljana, which you can explore on your own thanks to theNavaway audio tour. With its cultural heritage, unspoilt nature, urban art and culinary traditions, Ljubljana is a European capital on a human scale, offering an exceptional blend of authenticity and diversity. Whether you come for a long weekend or a whole week, you’ll leave with lasting memories of this green pearl of Central Europe.

FAQ : Everything you need to know about activities in and around Ljubljana

How long will it take to visit Ljubljana and the surrounding area?

To get the most out of Ljubljana and its surroundings, you should ideally allow 4 to 5 days. Allow 2 days to explore the capital in depth (historic centre, castle, alternative districts, museums), 1 day for Lake Bled, 1 day for the Postojna caves and Predjama castle, and 1 extra day for a hike in Triglav park or other activities such as kayaking. A 3-day weekend will cover the essentials: 1.5 days in Ljubljana and 1.5 days for an excursion in the surrounding area (Bled or Postojna).

What’s the best time of year to visit Ljubljana and do these activities?

The ideal time to take full advantage of all the activities is from May to September. Spring (May-June) offers pleasant temperatures, few tourists and nature in full bloom. Summer (July-August) guarantees a warm climate perfect for water-based activities, but it’s also the peak season with more people and higher prices. Autumn (September-October) combines fine weather, magnificent colours and moderate visitor numbers. Winter (November-March) is still a good time to visit Ljubljana and the caves, but some outdoor activities such as the Vintgar gorge are closed. Lake Bled retains its charm all year round, even when snow-covered.

Do I need to hire a car to explore the Ljubljana area?

A car undeniably offers greater flexibility and allows you to make the most of your time, especially if you want to combine several sites in one day (e.g. Bled + Vintgar, or Postojna + Predjama). You should expect to pay €30-50 a day for a rental car. However, Ljubljana has good bus links to the main attractions: direct buses to Bled (€8, 1h15), to Postojna (€10, 1h), and organised excursions combining several sites (€50-90). Public transport is therefore a viable and more economical alternative if you’re only planning the classic excursions. For hikes in the Triglav Park off the beaten track, a car becomes almost indispensable.

Are these activities suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! Most of the activities are perfect for families. Lake Bled fascinates children with its island and its fairytale castle (pletna accepted from all ages, castle adapted from 5-6 years). The Postojna caves are a delight for little adventurers (accessible from age 3-4), as is Predjama Castle. The central market and the Open Kitchen are a fun way to sample everything. Kayaking on the Ljubljanica River is possible for families with children aged 10-12 and over. Only the demanding alpine hikes on the Triglav require a good level of fitness and are more suitable for sporty teenagers, but easy walks on Lake Bohinj or at Vintgar are perfect for younger children. Metelkova is best visited during the day with children, to avoid the night-time atmosphere.