Ljubljana, Slovenia-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) and take a taxi or bus (about €10-15) to the city center.
  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the picturesque Three Bridges (Tromostovje), where you can take great photos.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Central Market (Grič Square), a bustling marketplace with local produce, flowers, and handicrafts. Try some traditional Slovenian food like potica or goulash.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Most, a cozy spot near the market serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the charming Old Town (Stari trg), with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque squares like Mestni Square.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restavracija Vila Finžgar, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Slovenian cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Cubo, a stylish hotel in the heart of Ljubljana, with comfortable rooms and a great breakfast buffet.

Transportation:

  • Bus no. 1 from the airport to the city center (about €10-15)
  • Taxi from the airport to the city center (about €20-25)

Things to Know:

  • Slovenian currency is the Euro.
  • English is widely spoken in Ljubljana.

Day 2: Castle and Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad), a medieval fortress with great views of the city. You can take a funicular ride to the top.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the beautiful Metelkova Park, a former military barracks turned into a vibrant cultural and artistic hub.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Restavracija Pincev, a cozy restaurant serving Slovenian specialties like goulash and schnitzel.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the National Gallery of Slovenia (SNG), which features an impressive collection of Slovenian art from the 19th century to the present day.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restavracija Oder, a stylish restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Buy a Ljubljana Tourist Card for free public transport, discounts on attractions, and more.
  • Try some Slovenian wine or craft beer!

Day 3: Waterfront and Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Ljubljanica River, which runs through the heart of the city. Take a scenic walk along the riverbank and admire the views.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the beautiful Tivoli Park (Park Tivoli), one of Ljubljana’s largest parks, featuring walking trails, gardens, and a stunning botanical garden.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Strudel, a cozy spot serving delicious sandwiches and salads with a view of the river.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the National Museum of Slovenia (NMS), which features an impressive collection of Slovenian history, art, and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restavracija Gostišče, a traditional Slovenian restaurant serving local specialties.

Things to Know:

  • Ljubljana has a great public transportation system, including buses and trams.
  • Don’t miss the beautiful sunset views from the riverbank!

Day 4: Day Trip to Lake Bled

  • 9:00 AM: Take a bus (about €10-15) or drive (about 30 minutes) to Lake Bled, a stunning glacial lake with breathtaking views.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the charming Lake Bled Island, which features a beautiful church and some great photo opportunities.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Belvedere, a cozy spot serving delicious sandwiches and salads with a view of the lake.
  • 2:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoying the scenic views and fresh air.
  • Evening: Return to Ljubljana and enjoy dinner at Restavracija 28, a modern Slovenian restaurant.

Transportation:

  • Bus no. 11 from Ljubljana to Lake Bled (about €10-15)
  • Drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled (about 30 minutes)

Day 5: Art and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MMO), which features an impressive collection of Slovenian modern art.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the vibrant Metelkova Street, a former military barracks turned into a cultural hub featuring street art, cafes, and shops.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Šiška, a cozy spot serving delicious sandwiches and salads with a view of the city.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the City Museum (Mestni muzej), which features an impressive collection of Ljubljana’s history, art, and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restavracija 55, a modern Slovenian restaurant.

Day 6: Day Trip to Postojna Cave

  • 9:00 AM: Take a bus (about €10-15) or drive (about 45 minutes) to the stunning Postojna Cave (Postojnska jama), one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural wonders.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the beautiful cave, which features stunning rock formations and a unique underground world.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café in the Cave, a cozy spot serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:00 PM: Return to Ljubljana and enjoy some free time to explore the city or relax.

Transportation:

  • Bus no. 1 from Ljubljana to Postojna (about €10-15)
  • Drive from Ljubljana to Postojna (about 45 minutes)

Day 7: Last Day in Ljubljana

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Preseren Square, a historic square featuring a beautiful statue of Slovenia’s national poet, France Preseren.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Most, a cozy spot serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:00 PM: Spend some time relaxing in your hotel or exploring the city one last time.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restavracija Vila Finžgar, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Don’t forget to try some Slovenian chocolate!
  • Be sure to leave some time for spontaneous exploration!

Additional Tips and Recommendations:

  • Consider purchasing a Ljubljana Tourist Card for free public transport, discounts on attractions, and more.
  • Try some Slovenian wine or craft beer!
  • Take your time exploring the city, as there’s plenty to see and do.

I hope this 7-day itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Ljubljana!