What to do in Ljubljana for 2 days

With a rich culture, dining and entertainment scene, there is much to do and see in Ljubljana. You may be wondering how you can see most of what this beautiful city has to offer in just 2 days, but we’re here to help. We’ve created this jam-packed itinerary for what to do during 48 hours in Ljubljana, from where to stay to where to go. Once you learn more about this city, the more likely it is that you’ll want to extend your stay or come back every year. Here are our top suggestions and breakdowns of what to do and see, where to stay and where to eat in Ljubljana in just 48 hours.

Where to stay

Where you stay is the most important thing to consider when visiting any city– is your hotel within walking distance of the city centre? Does it feature everything you need for a convenient and comfortable stay? Let’s take a look at some of the top accommodation options in the heart of Ljubljana.

Luxury: Ljubljana has its fair share of luxury and 4-5 star hotels, the best option of which is the Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel. 

Mid-Range: Mid-range or 2-4-star hotels tend to be the most popular choice for travellers who don’t want to fork out too much but still want high quality and convenience. Try the City Hotel for a reliable and convenient stay.

Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, you can still find cheap hotels nestled among the luxury ones. The Ibis Styles Hotel is a good option for cheap and high-quality accommodation.

Alternative: You may want to consider staying somewhere other than a hotel, such as a B&B, hostel or holiday rental. There are a number of these options in Ljubljana, such as Tabor Apartments and B&B Dvor Tacen.

Where to eat

Next up, you’ll probably be wondering where to eat. If you’re not staying in self-catered accommodation, you’ll be on the lookout for some top restaurants and cafes nearby. Here are some of the top places to eat in Ljubljana.

Breakfast/Brunch: If your accommodation doesn’t serve free breakfast or brunch, you’ll likely want to venture out into the city to find some top breakfast or brunch spots to start your day. You definitely want to check out Le Petit Cafe for top savoury breakfast options, Norma 23 which is known for its excellent crepes and sweet options, and Ĉad Bistro which serves the likes of waffles, avocado toast and pastries.

Lunch/Dinner: If you want to sample some authentic Slovenian cuisine, try local delicacies or stick to international cuisine you’re likely familiar with, Ljubljana’s food scene will cater to your every need. Some of the best lunch or dinner restaurant options in Ljubljana include Julija, where you can find an array of meat and seafood; Druga Violina and Peti 181. 

If you’re on the search for a cafe where you can drink coffee and enjoy something sweet on the side, you won’t find better than Tozd or Cacao. Both are known for their speciality coffees, sweet treats and convenient locations.

Where to get your culture fix

In its almost millennium of history, Slovenia has acquired a rich and diverse history, culture and art scene, showcased through its landmarks, medieval architecture and many museums. To truly get the ultimate Slovenian culture fix, head to Ljubljana Castle, the National Gallery or the City Museum. As Ljubljana is a walkable city, you can either head on a self-guided walking tour of the city or take a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. Ljubljana is a quaint and small city, with cultural and historic sites around every corner, making it perfect for sightseeing too– don’t forget your camera, and prepare for its memory to fill up rather quickly.

Where to drink

You may not associate Ljubljana with a lively nightlife compared to other larger European cities, but it’s a great place for both a bustling and more laid-back atmosphere after dark. If you’re looking to sit and sip cocktails, head to Captain’s Cabin, which has consistently been labelled as Ljubljana’s best cocktail bar. For a more lively night out, head to Prulĉek for regular live music performances and concerts, or Cirkus Club, where you can dance the night away while the DJ spins tunes.

Ljubljana’s coffee and smoothie scene is also popular, with an abundance of speciality coffeehouses, smoothie bars and cafes offering a variety of non-alcoholic drinks by day, and transforming into a bar by night. Check out LOKUS Cafe or Barbarella Juice Bar for some of the best selections of drinks in the city.

Where to shop

Ljubljana certainly knows a thing or two about good places to shop, so if you want to go on a shopping spree and splash the cash, you’re in the right place. With a combination of large shopping malls, indoor and outdoor markets and food halls, Ljubljana has a lively shopping scene where you can find everything from fresh produce, food, antiques and jewellery to souvenirs and fashion from international and local brands.

BTC Centre or CityPark are the best shopping centres/malls in the city, with both featuring a wide range of stores including international brands, dining outlets and entertainment areas. If you’re on the lookout for a more unique or memorable shopping experience, visit the Flea Market or Central Market, which is known for its wide range of fresh produce and meats. You can also try your hand at haggling in some of the markets, but some vendors may drive a hard bargain– why not use this time to brush up on your Slovenian too?

48 Hours in Ljubljana – Daily Itinerary

Ljubljana is known for being a very walkable and compact city, making getting around in a short period of time all the more easy. But, where do you start? It can be difficult to figure out what to do and where to go first, given the abundance of attractions and sights in the city, which is why we’ve created this itinerary to suggest a daily schedule of activities and sights that can be visited within 48 hours. In order to truly get a sense of Slovenian culture, it’s a good idea to try and visit as many places as possible, but also keep things realistic and practical based on how much time you have. Here’s a list of places to go and things to do each day during your 48-hour stay in Ljubljana:

Day 1: History and culture

• After you’ve eaten and fuelled up for your day ahead, don’t waste any time getting out into the city. Your first stops can include Ljubljana Castle, where you can take a tour of the grounds. That includes Dragon Bridge, which is steeped in legends, and so named for its dragon statues. You can also visit Saint Nicholas Cathedral and Predjama Castle for stunning architecture.
• Head for lunch or have a coffee break before getting back out– this time, why not visit one of the museums? Your top choices are the Heritage Museum, National Gallery or City Museum.
• Stop at or take a stroll through Tivoli Park for a refreshing and relaxing dose of nature. If you’re travelling with kids, the park features a playground and picnic areas too.
• Why not end the day by dining out at a fine dining or casual dining restaurant before heading out to a bar or live music venue? 
  

Day 2: Entertainment, markets and breweries

• Why not head for breakfast at a smoothie bar or fill up on pancakes before your day ahead? Additionally, if you’re in self-catered accommodation, the market is a great place to find food to cook at ‘home’.
• Take a couple of hours to explore the Old Town on foot, enjoying the baroque architecture.
• Visit the Central Market or one of the shopping centres for a quick shopping spree, or have lunch in one of the food courts.
• If you have the time, and if you’re a beer drinker, visit Union Experience Brewery, where you can experience a tour and beer tasting of local beers.
• For a fun and unique experience, visit House of Illusions, where you can experience the weird and wonderful through a series of interactive exhibits that defy the laws of nature.