Ljubljana, Slovenia — Where to Go
Ljubljana Sightseeing Overview
Ljubljana is an easy city to explore as most of the main sights are located within a compact area that includes the old town on the right bank of the Ljubljanica river and the center on the left.
The city's castle harks high above the city, making it a good place to start, offering sweeping views of the city. The old town below is a cobbled warren of boutique shops, pavements cafes and restaurants and also houses the city's dramatic cathedral and its daily market.
Across the landmark Triple Bridge is the city's main square, Prešernov Trg, which ushers in a wealth of art nouveau architecture, a major change from the old town's baroque and medieval styles.
With such a large student population, Ljubljana has a thriving cultural scene, which manifests itself in a flurry of galleries and museums, while away from the city's cerebral attractions some of Europe's most unspoiled and dramatic mountain scenery awaits.
Ljubljana Tourist Information
Ljubljana Tourist Information Center
Adamič-Lundrovo nabreje 2
Tel: (01) 306 1215.
Website: www.ljubljana-tourism.si
This is the city's main tourist office, located on the old town side of the Triple Bridge. The helpful staff dispense information, hand out maps and brochures and there is also one terminal with free Internet access. They can also supply digital headsets for self-guided tours of the city.
The Slovenian Tourist Information Center
Krekov trg 10
Tel: (01) 306 4575.
Website: www.slovenia.info
The Slovenian Tourist Office offers information on the city and the country. They also have Internet terminals and can organize tours of the city.
Ljubljana Sightseeing
The Ljubljana Card offers free or discounted entry to a number of attractions as well as free use of public transport. It is available from the tourist offices.
Ljubljana Sightseeing
The Ljubljana Card offers free or discounted entry to a number of attractions as well as free use of public transport. It is available from the tourist offices.
Key Attractions in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Prešernovtrg
Prešernov trg (Prešeren Square) is at the very heart of the city both historically and spiritually. The square boasts three river crossings, the landmark Frančiškansa Cerkev Marijinega Oznanjenja (Franciscan Church of the Annunciation) and a statue of seminal Slovenian poet France Prešeren. Ivan Zajec’s and Maks Fabiani’s dramatic monument to the man celebrated as the country’s greatest bard stands proud overlooking the scene.
LjubljanaCastle
Ljubljana Castle hangs omnipresent above the city. There is a tourist train up here from Prešernov trg, as well as a modern funicular from Krekov trg, but a better option is to walk up the steep slopes and savour the view of the city and surrounding mountains in the distance. From June to September, the castle’s history is bought to life by knowledgeable guides who lead visitors through the various halls, chapel and the dungeon. Year round, a hi-tech audiovisual show delves into the history of the city.
Tel: (01) 232 9994.
Website: www.festival-lj.si/virtualnimuzej
Old Town Squares (Mestni trg, Stari trg and Gornji trg)
These connecting squares, which hug the base of Castle Hill, ripple through the heart of the old town in a flurry of appealing baroque and medieval buildings. Many of the city’s most popular cafes, bars and restaurants are located in or around these long squares, which buzz with life.
Ljubljanica
The Ljubljanica may not be as impressive and grand as some of Europe’s great rivers, but what is often little more than a sleepy stream can churn into quite a lively rush of water after heavy rain or snow melts. There are boat tours on the river, which leave just across from Prešernov trg on the old town side with guided commentary on some trips.
Moderna Galerija
The Museum of Modern Art is one of Ljubljana’s true joys and lovers of avant-garde art should make a beeline for this gallery and allow plenty of time. Even if your tastes are more traditional, it is well worth looking around for some interesting domestic artists and a variety of temporary exhibits. The museum is only a stone’s throw from the National Gallery.
Tomšičeva 14
Tel: (01) 241 6800.
Website: www.mg-lj.si
Further Distractions
MestniMuzej
The impressive City Museum is housed in the elegant Auersperg Palace, with myriad displays, children’s workshops, adult classes, as well as a congress hall and a relaxed cafe. The main permanent collections follow the evolution of the city, the Auersperg family and Ljubljana’s citizens. Look out too for remnants of old Roman Ljubljana in the lower floor.
Gosposka 15
Tel: (01) 241 2500.
Website: www.mm-lj.si
Arhitekturni Muzej Plečnik
The Architectural Museum Plečnik Collection, housed within the architect’s beloved Trnovo house, is a must for Plečnik devotees. The building, which Plečnik made his home for 40 years, now comes under the auspices of the Architectural Museum.
Karunova 4
Tel: (01) 280 1600.
Website: www.aml.si
