Things to do in Ljubljana

Whether travellers are after relaxation or adventure, Slovenia's charming capital is the perfect destination. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely holiday in Ljubljana, soaking up the country's history and culture, sampling the unique cuisine, or relaxing at an open-air cafe on a balmy summer evening.

They can take a stroll through the historical centre, admiring the Renaissance and Art Nouveau facades, while enjoying the Baroque architecture of the Cathedral of St Nicholas or the medieval Ljubljana Castle, which watches over the city. The National Museum is home to Slovenia's only Egyptian mummy, while Pleanik House shares information on the renowned architect who helped shape the identity of Ljubljana.

Visitors can make the most of the outdoors in 2016's Green Capital of Europe by cycling alongside the Ljubljanica River or strolling through one of the city's many peaceful parks or forests. Kids will love interacting with the animals at the Ljubljana Zoo and running around as their parents picnic in the beautiful Tivoli Park.

Those who want to get active can enjoy the natural beauty of Ljubljana's surrounding areas with a trip to Lake Bled, just 45 minutes away, where they can go fishing and horse riding, or explore the Triglav National Park's fantastic walking and hiking trails.

National Museum of Slovenia photo

National Museum of Slovenia

Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of Ljubljana being extremely neat and well-planned, with his insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The re…

National Museum of Slovenia

Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of Ljubljana being extremely neat and well-planned, with his insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned architect's home and studio is open to the public a few days a week, furnished and equipped just as he left it. However, his influence is visible everywhere in the city and can be admired at sites such as the wide Shoemaker's Bridge and the colonnaded market beside the river.

Website www.nms.si

Plečnik House photo

Plečnik House

Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of Ljubljana being as neat and well planned as it is, with his insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The …

Plečnik House

Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of Ljubljana being as neat and well planned as it is, with his insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned architect's home and studio is open to the public a few days a week, furnished and equipped as he left it. However, his influence is everywhere in the city and can be admired at sites like the wide Shoemaker's Bridge and the colonnaded market beside the river.

Address Karunova ulica 4, Trnovo

Ljubljana Castle photo

Ljubljana Castle

The imposing Ljubljana Castle towers over the city, offering spectacular views of the Ljubljanica River and old town skyline, with the distant Alps providing a stunning backdrop. A…

Ljubljana Castle

The imposing Ljubljana Castle towers over the city, offering spectacular views of the Ljubljanica River and old town skyline, with the distant Alps providing a stunning backdrop. A steep cobbled street winds its way from the old town to the medieval fortress, which dates back to the 11th century. The castle complex includes a museum, restaurant and chapel, with access to the castle provided by a scenic funicular ride. Visitors can admire the view from the castle's impressive tower, stroll through the tranquil grounds, learn about Slovenian history at one of the museum exhibitions, or attend one of the many cultural events hosted at the fortress.

Website www.ljubljanskigrad.si/en/the-ljubljana-castle/

Cathedral of St Nicholas photo

Cathedral of St Nicholas

Dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, the magnificent Cathedral of St Nicholas is built in the Baroque style and dates back to the early 18th century. It was renovated and had …

Cathedral of St Nicholas

Dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, the magnificent Cathedral of St Nicholas is built in the Baroque style and dates back to the early 18th century. It was renovated and had beautifully carved bronze doors added for the Pope's visit in 1996; the doors depict the development of Christianity in Slovenia and give way to a richly ornate interior below the impressive cupola and stunning Giulio Quaglio frescoes. Other artworks include Angelo Putti's statues of four Bishops of Emona, Putti's painting of Dean Janez Anton Dolnicar, and Francesco Robba's altar angels.

Website lj-stolnica.rkc.si

Ljubljana Zoo photo

Ljubljana Zoo

The quaint Ljubljana Zoo is situated in a forested area just a short walk from the city centre. The small size of the zoo gives visitors a more intimate experience, with a range of…

Ljubljana Zoo

The quaint Ljubljana Zoo is situated in a forested area just a short walk from the city centre. The small size of the zoo gives visitors a more intimate experience, with a range of animals that includes wild cats, lions, sea lions, giraffes, elephants and over 100 other species. Feeding times and training exhibitions are staged throughout the day, a schedule for which is available on the website. The zoo offers a welcome break from all the cultural and historical attractions of Ljubljana, providing family holidaymakers a wonderful way to entertain the children.

Website www.zoo-ljubljana.si

Tivoli Park photo

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is a massive wooded area in Ljubljana and covers an impressive five square kilometres. The park is the perfect place for a picnic or evening stroll, boasting a number o…

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is a massive wooded area in Ljubljana and covers an impressive five square kilometres. The park is the perfect place for a picnic or evening stroll, boasting a number of ponds, playgrounds, sporting facilities, flowerbeds, grassy patches and fountains. This popular spot allows visitors to relax and really admire the beauty of wonderful Ljubljana. Tivoli Park is also a wonderful place to take the kids, allowing them to run around and let off some steam.

Lake Bled photo

Lake Bled

One of the most popular attractions in Slovenia, the charming town of Bled is located just 45 minutes' drive from the capital Ljubljana and is the base for many travellers in Slove…

Lake Bled

One of the most popular attractions in Slovenia, the charming town of Bled is located just 45 minutes' drive from the capital Ljubljana and is the base for many travellers in Slovenia. A town with gorgeous surrounds and an ancient history, Bled's foremost attraction is the glacial Lake Bled: a cobalt-blue expanse of water with a forested island in the middle, which is accessible by traditional rowboats known as pletnas. Overlooking the lake is the photogenic Bled Castle, while the island itself is home to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, one of Slovenia's most impressive sights. Bled also offers a range of outdoor sporting activities, such as golfing, fishing and horse riding, while the nearby Triglav National Park has fantastic walking and hiking trails.

Postojna Cave photo

Postojna Cave

Slovenia's Postojna Cave is the most-visited cave complex in Europe and has welcomed nearly 200 million visitors to gape at its incredible karst formations, cavernous chambers and …

Postojna Cave

Slovenia's Postojna Cave is the most-visited cave complex in Europe and has welcomed nearly 200 million visitors to gape at its incredible karst formations, cavernous chambers and interesting collection of cave art animals. Stretching for 13 miles (20km), one of the best things about visiting the astounding Postojna Cave Complex is its top-class infrastructure: the cave is well-lit and visitors access the underground walkway by train. Guided tours of the cave last about 90 minutes, during which visitors are treated to a wealth of glittering calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites. The Postojna Cave is also home to a subterranean concert hall with celebrated acoustics, and hosts regular summer concerts of classical music.

Website www.postojnska-jama.si

Triglav National Park photo

Triglav National Park

The only national park in Slovenia, Triglav National Park is named after the highest peak in the country and the Julian Alps: Mount Triglav. Appearing on the Slovenian flag, the mo

Triglav National Park

The only national park in Slovenia, Triglav National Park is named after the highest peak in the country and the Julian Alps: Mount Triglav. Appearing on the Slovenian flag, the mountain is a symbol of national identity.

Its craggy, snow-covered summit provides a wonderful backdrop to a holiday spent exploring quiet forests and hiking to pristine waterfalls. The trail that leads out to the 240-foot (78m) Slap Savica Waterfall is particularly popular, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the continent.

Slovenia is fast becoming the go-to destination for skiing in Europe, with Triglav National Park providing some easy and affordable alternatives to those found in France and Switzerland. Vogel is probably the most popular resort, its powder descents surrounded by untouched sprawls of beautiful mountain forest, while there are also runs in the nearby towns of Kranjska Gora and Krvavec.

Triglav National Park is also perfectly set up for mountain bikers and keen mountaineers keen to tackle its rocky slopes. The park offers affordable camping, and its close proximity to Italy and Austria makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers wishing to experience the Alps.

Website www.tnp.si/national_park/