Ljubljana (pronounce it lyoo-blee-ah-na) might be Slovenia’s capital city, but it feels more like a charming riverside town. With its dragon statues, pretty pastel buildings, quirky bridges, and family-friendly vibe, it’s a perfect city to explore in just one day.
Compact and walkable, it’s easy to navigate yourself and, unlike some cities, it’s calm and stress-free! Ljubljana offers a mix of history, street art, food, and fun that’s guaranteed to keep the whole family on board. Here’s what to do in Ljubljana in a day.
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Planning Your Trip to Ljubljana
How to Get There:
- By plane: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is about 30 minutes from the city centre, with easy shuttle or taxi connections.
- By train/bus: The city is well-connected to other nearby capitals—Zagreb is 2.5 hours away, Venice is 3 hours and Vienna is a 6 hour drive.
- By car: Slovenia as a country is compact and easy to drive around, so renting a car is great if you want to travel from Ljubljana to Lake Bled or combine it with the Julian Alps, or Postojna Caves.
Book day trips from Ljubljana HERE
Getting Around Ljubljana:
- Ljubljana old town is pedestrian-only, so walking is the best way to see the sights.
- Teens will love the free electric shuttles that buzz around the centre. They are usually for people who may have difficulty walking, though!
- For something a bit different, you can also see the city from the river—by kayak, SUP, or boat.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and early autumn (April–June and September–October) are ideal— you’ll experience mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer brings festivals and open-air concerts along the river but it can get hot (although not as hot as some more southerly cities). We visited in summer and is was busy – but it didn’t feel crazy busy – perhaps due to it being car-free.
- In December, Ljubljana is magical with Christmas lights and markets.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Teens
We all know teens are hard to impress – but try them with these fun facts about Slovenia’s capital city:
- Ljubljana is known as the City of Dragons—you’ll spot dragon statues all over the city. Legend has it that Jason (of Golden Fleece fame) fought a dragon here.
- The name Ljubljana sounds like ljubljena in Slovenian, which means “beloved.”
- It’s one of Europe’s greenest cities—with more than 70% of the land covered in forest. Definitely reason enough to extend your stay in Slovenia and explore!
One Day Walking Tour of Ljubljana (Family-Friendly)
Looking for things to do in Ljubljana? A walk around this beautiful city will take you to all the highlights.
Prefer to be shown around the city? Book HERE for guided walking tours of Ljubljana
Morning: Start at Prešeren Square & the Triple Bridge
- Begin your day in Ljubljana’s main square, with its striking pink Franciscan Church (this is the meeting point for many city walking tours). Teens will also love snapping photos from the Triple Bridge—a quirky architectural highlight which connects the square with the medieval old town.
Wander Along the Ljubljanica River
- Stroll the riverside paths and spot the open-air cafés. Stop at the Central Market for fresh fruit, honey, and snacks. Look out for the unusual milk vending machine! There are also some beautiful arts and crafts stalls to pick up souvenirs. We spotted some lovely stalls selling small wreaths and mementos made from dried flowers – perfect for gifts.
Cross the Dragon Bridge
- This bridge is perfect for family selfies (if your teens allow). Here’s another legendary tale: the dragons are said to wag their tails when a virgin crosses the bridge (though, conveniently, no one has ever seen this happen).
Cathedral of St. Nicholas
- Pop inside for a peek at the ornate pink marble interior or just spend time outdoors looking at the cathedral’s equally impressive bronze doors, which tell the story of Slovenia’s Christian history.
Take the Cable Car to Ljubljana Castle
- The funicular (cable car) ride up to the castle is short but fun (and much easier than hiking up the hill). At the top, you’ll be greeted with impressive views of the whole city—perfect for you all to grab some great photos. You can purchase a return ticket but we opted to walk back down
- Inside the castle (purchase your tickets HERE), you can opt to take part in the Time Machine Tour (perfect for families), which brings the history of the castle to life. It’s a theatrical experience through six time periods, led by a castle guide. Family tickets are available.
Purchase tickets for the funicular and castle HERE
Lunch at Julia Restaurant
- Head back down and enjoy lunch at Julia Restaurant, where you’ll be treated to Slovenian comfort food with an Italian influence. Julia was somewhere I’d read about and was excited to try – and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I tried handmade Istrian pasta with porcini mushrooms and asparagus, and they even made spaghetti bolognaise for my daughter, even though it wasn’t on the menu.
Afternoon: Explore Ljubljana’s Quirky Side
- Mesarski Most (Butcher’s Bridge): This glass bridge doubles as a love-locks bridge but is also decorated with fun, slightly creepy bronze statues, created by Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar. Look out for Adam and Eve, Prometheus and Satyr.
- Metelkova Mesto: A short walk from the old town, this ex-army barracks turned alternative art hub is filled with graffiti, murals, and sculptures. Teens will love taking some instagram-worth pics.
Book HERE for walking tours of Ljubljana
Late Afternoon Shopping & Snacks
- Head back to the old town or beyond for some shopping. Try:
- BTC City Ljubljana (a shopping mall 3km outside of the city).
- Čokoladnica Cukrček (a fantastic chocolate shop with chocolate fountains, chocolate pralines and plenty of gifts to take home)
- Local souvenir shops for honey, olive oil, salt, and mini bottles of fruit liqueurs.
- Stop for a slice of Prekmurska gibanica, a yummy layered cake with apples and walnuts. Perfect for refuelling after your shopping!
Evening:
- If you’re staying the night, consider taking a river cruise at sunset. It’s a relaxed way to end your day and see the city lit up.
Where to Stay in Ljubljana (Family-Friendly Options)
- Apartments and Rooms Meščanka – Right by the river, ideal for families who want space and great views – this place has great reviews!
Book Apartments and Rooms Mescanka HERE
- Bloom Hotel – Boutique-style, breakfast included, and bike rentals for exploring.
- Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana – A short taxi ride outside of the city centre, this hotel has large rooms, great views and is right next to a shopping centre worth a visit.
Book Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel HERE
Food & Drink Tips for Families
- Expect a mix of Italian, Austrian, and Balkan influences—pizzas, pastas, sausages, and schnitzels are easy wins with kids.
- Vegetarians will find plenty of soups, risottos, and veggie-filled pastries like burek.
- Parents: Slovenia has excellent (and affordable) wines—look out for Traminec.
With More Time
Book HERE for Day Trips from Ljubljana
If you have longer, Ljubljana makes the perfect base for day trips. Think about adding these to your Slovenia trip:
- Lake Bled & Bled Castle – Slovenia’s most famous lake (40 minutes away).
- Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle – A fairytale cave-and-castle combo.
- Triglav National Park – For hiking and adventure.
