Things to Do in Ljubljana

Established in 1774, the National and University Library of Slovenia is one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. The Jože Plečnik-designed building holds some 1.3 million books, 8,700 rare manuscripts, and major collections of Slovenian artifacts and maps, available to view in ornate exhibition rooms.

Crossing over the Ljubljanica River, the 13th-century Shoemaker’s Bridge connects two major areas of Ljubljana’s historic Baroque center. Redesigned by beloved Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik in 1931, the stone bridge is a popular gathering point for street artists and stallholders when the weather is warm.

Connecting the Petkovšek Embankment to the Central Market, Butchers' Bridge (Mesarski Most) features a slick modern design, with slender glass walkways, steel railings, and avant garde bronze statues by Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar. Since its construction in 2010, couples from all over the world attach padlocks on the footbridge to symbolize their eternal love.

Located in Ljubljana’s cobbled Town Square (or Mestni Trg, the baroque-style Town Hall (or Magistrat was renovated with Venetian inspiration in 1719 by famed Slovenian architect Gregor Maček and houses the city’s mayor and administration. Ljubljana’s Town Hall is a popular landmark for visitors and many walking tours of Ljubljana Old Town set out from here.

In stark contrast to the tidy, postcard-pretty streets of Ljubljana is Metelkova, a funky graffiti-strewn enclave packed with grungy bars, nightclubs, and artist workshops inside the abandoned barracks of the defunct Yugoslav People’s Army. This fiercely anti-establishment, autonomous cultural center hosts rock and punk shows and events promoting human rights.

Located inside a former medieval monastery in Ljubljana’s historic center, Križanke Summer Theatre is one of the city’s most popular spots for prestige musical concerts and theatrical productions. During the warm summer months, live performances are held in the courtyard’s romantic open-air amphitheatre.

The Ljubljanica River flows right through the center of Old Town Ljubljana and was once an important trade and supply route. Today, the river embankments are the heart of Ljubljana’s social scene. Lively outdoor cafes and restaurants, street markets, and picturesque buildings line the canals and tourist boats cruise up and down the river.

Dominating Ljubljana’s skyline to the north, the twin peaks of Grmada and Mount Saint Mary (Smarna Gora are popular outdoor recreation spots for locals and visitors. Mount Saint Mary is the eastern of the two peaks and panoramic views of the Julian Alps and the Ljubljana basin can be enjoyed at the summit where you’ll also find a popular restaurant and an 18th-century baroque church.

Perched on top of Castle Hill overlooking Slovenia’s capital city, the mighty medieval Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski Grad) dates back to the 11th century. This well-preserved fortress is visible from most everywhere in town and is a must-see for unbeatable views of the city. Tour the castle’s Museum of Slovene History for a fascinating introduction to Slovenia’s past.

Named after the Slovene writer and political activist Ivan Cankar, the Cankar Centre (Cankarjev Dom) is Ljulbjana’s arts and cultural hub. Designed by postmodernist Slovene architect Edvard Ravnikar, this vast complex features several performance venues and hosts hundreds of annual events such as the Ljubljana Jazz Festival and the Ljubljana International Film Festival as well as numerous conferences and other cultural events.

Formed by the Reka River, which still flows through this underground canyon, the Škocjan cave system is a 4-mile (6-kilometer) network of interconnected caves and one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes cavernous chambers, pools, sinkholes, and jumbo-size stalactites and stalagmites.