Ljubljana Travelers Recommend

Set on the shores of Lake Bled, with the high peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke mountain range framing the scene, Bled is rich in natural splendor. Plus, it’s just a short distance from Slovenia’s capital, making it a doable half-day or full-day tour destination. See below for more details on Bled tours from Ljubljana.

Half-Day Tours

For time-tight travelers, a half-day tour offers the chance to see the highlights of the Lake Bled region. A half-day tour from Ljubljana might include a boat ride in a pletna (a wooden gondola) to Bled Island to see the Church of the Assumption; a visit to the medieval Bled Castle, which now serves as a museum; and some free time for a stroll along the lakeshore. Active travelers can opt for a half-day tour with a focus on outdoor activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and hiking.

Full-Day Tours

On full-day Bled tours from Ljubljana, you can expect to cover more sights in the area and explore at a more relaxed pace; for instance, you might have free time to sunbathe on the shore or to spend time at Bled Castle or Bled Island. Some full-day tours incorporate stops at nearby destinations such as Bohinj Lake, Lake Bled’s beautiful neighbor; Postojna Cave, an underground cave network that can be toured on foot and by electric train; the picturesque Istria Peninsula; or the medieval town of Radovljica.

Things to Know

• Bled is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Ljubljana. Driving takes around 45 minutes.

• Half-day tours typically last around five hours, while full-day tours can run upwards of 10 hours.

• If you’re visiting in summer, bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel, as Lake Bled is perfect for swimming.

Ljubljana is ideally situated for exploring further afield in Slovenia and with three days, there’s time to take in all highlights, immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine, and enjoy a day trip out of the city. Here are some ideas for how to spend three days in Slovenia.

Day 1: Sightseeing in the City

Ljubljana is a city best explored on foot, so start your trip with a walking tour of the Old Town. Walking tours focus on a myriad of themes, allowing you to choose one that suits your interests; you can admire Art Nouveau architecture by local architect Jože Plečnik; taste Slovenian specialties on a food tour; or customize a personalized itinerary on a private tour.

Must-see landmarks include the Dragon Bridge, the Cathedral of St Nicholas, and the Central Market, where you can sample Slovene specialties such as struklji pastries, regional cheeses, and wines. After lunch, ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle to visit the Museum of Slovene History and admire the city from above. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

Spend the evening on a sightseeing cruise of the Ljubljanica River or opt for a traditional Slovenian show and dinner.

Day 2: Castles and Countryside

Swap the city for the Slovenian countryside on a day trip from Ljubljana. To maximize your time, choose one that visits multiple destinations in one day and includes hotel pickup for a hassle-free experience.

A visit to the mountain town of Bled, popular for its fairy-tale castle and boat cruises around Lake Bled, can be combined with a hike through the Vintgar Gorge or Triglav National Park. ` Day trips often couple a tour of the clifftop Predjama Castle with an underground train ride through the Postojna Caves. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Škocjan caves are one of the country’s most impressive natural wonders; tours tend to combine this with a visit to the seaside town of Piran, located on the Adriatic coast. For a complete change of pace, you could even hop over the border and spend the day in Venice.

Day 3: Parks and Museums

Spend the morning checking out some of Ljubljana’s many museums, which include the Slovene Ethnographic Museum and the Slovene Museum of Natural History. The Jože Plečnik exhibition at the Architecture Museum of Ljubljana showcases the works of the celebrated architect while the National Gallery has an array of works by distinguished local artists. For a fun alternative, the Museum of Illusions is a favorite with kids and provides plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops; book your tickets in advance to save time.

Devote the afternoon to Tivoli Park, where you can check out the grand Tivoli Mansion and visit Ljubljana Zoo. Walkers can enjoy a network of short trails but the best way to get around is by hiring a bike.

Toast your final evening in Ljubljana by checking out the city’s nightlife on a pub crawl, which introduces you to the best bars, pubs, and nightclubs.

One day in Ljubljana is just enough time to see the main attractions of Slovenia’s capital. With limited time, planning ahead and booking tickets in advance is essential—look for tours that combine multiple attractions or opt for a private tour to devise your own itinerary. Here are some ideas.

Morning: Ljubljana Castle & the Old Town

Ljubljana’s atmospheric Old Town is a maze of cobbled lanes, lively plazas, and leafy riverside promenades. This is where most of the city’s landmarks are found so a walking or bike tour offers the perfect introduction. Exploring with a guide means that you won’t waste time map-reading or miss a photo opportunity—of which there are plenty.

After your tour, ride the funicular to Ljubljana Castle, which boasts panoramic city views and is home to the Museum of Slovene History—book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Afterwards, cross the Dragon Bridge, visit Prešeren Square, and spot landmarks including the Triple Bridge and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Along the way, look out for buildings designed by legendary Slovene architect Jože Plečnik. The Križanke Summer Theatre and the National and University Library are just two examples of his distinctive Art Nouveau style.

Afternoon: City Views & Cuisine

Another Plečnik design is the Central Market, a popular lunch spot for locals. A food tasting tour is a must for traveling food lovers; a guide enhances your experience by pointing out the best stalls and restaurants, and providing insight into Slovene cuisine and culture. Tours typically include samples of regional cheeses, wines, and street foods, and reveal local specialties such as struklji pastries and hearty jota soup.

It’s a short stroll from the market to the river port, where sightseeing cruises sail along the Ljubljanica River. Relax on-board as you enjoy unobstructed views of the castle, the Old Town, and the Cobbler’s Bridge. For the most impressive views, coincide your cruise with sunset.

Night: Bar hopping in the Old Town

During the evening, the Old Town buzzes with activity. There’s a myriad of options for drinking and dining, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. If you want to party, join a pub crawl, which typically include an admission ticket to one of the city’s coolest nightclubs, where you can drink and dance until the early hours.

For a more sophisticated outing, a wine or beer tasting tour is a fun way to learn more about Slovenia’s wine and beer making heritage while you sample varieties from around the country. Alternatively, experience Slovenian folk music and dance during a traditional Slovenian dinner and show.

Two days in Ljubljana gives you enough time to sample Slovenian culture, explore the surrounding countryside, and visit the city’s museums. Plan ahead to maximize your time and choose tours that combine multiple destinations for the best value. Here’s how to spend two days in Ljubljana.

Day 1: Explore the Old Town

Morning: A walking or cycling tour of Ljubljana Old Town covers landmarks such as the Art Nouveau Križanke Summer Theatre, the Dragon Bridge, and Ljubljana Cathedral, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors. Afterwards, ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for city views—book your tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

Afternoon: Gourmands can’t miss a visit to the Central Market; a food tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Slovenian cuisine. Learn about local culinary traditions and common ingredients, taste regional cheeses and wines, and tuck into specialties such as struklji pastries or jota soup.

Night: Set sail along the Ljubljanica River on an evening sightseeing cruise, during which you’ll see the sunset from the water and enjoy unobstructed views of the Old Town. Afterwards, opt for a traditional Slovenian show and dinner, for which advance booking is recommended.

Day 2: Castles and Countryside

Morning: The mountain town of Bled is less than an hour from Ljubljana, making it possible to visit on a half-day tour. Tours generally include hotel pickup and drop-off, a cruise around Lake Bled, and free time to visit to Bled Castle, which reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Afternoon: Back in Ljubljana, head to Tivoli Park for a scenic stroll through the park, if you have time, a bike tour is a fun way to get around. Art enthusiasts might prefer to visit the National Gallery of Slovenia or the Museum of Modern Art, both at the entrance to the park.

Night: Dedicate your final night in Ljubljana to the city’s nightlife. The Old Town is home to bars, pubs, and nightclubs to suit all tastes and budgets. Join a pub crawl to drink and dance into the early hours, or opt for a beer tasting tour to discover Slovenia’s beer making heritage.

Ljubljana’s museums may not be world famous, but they are as vibrant and varied as the city itself. Whether you’re looking to delve into the turbulent history of Slovenia, admire the masterpieces of local artists, or simply while away the hours on a rainy day, here are some of the best museums in Ljubljana.

Slovene Ethnographic Museum

With its distinctive collection of folk costumes, traditional musical instruments, and cultural artifacts, the Slovene Ethnographic Museum is the perfect introduction to Ljubljana’s diverse cultural heritage. Its colorful exhibits bring Slovenia’s vibrant history and traditions to life. 

Museum of Contemporary History

The National Museum of Slovenia, the Ljubljana City Museum, and the Slovene Museum of Natural History are all worth a visit for those interested in Slovene history, but the Museum of Contemporary History is among the most compelling. Focusing on the city’s evolution throughout the 20th century, it’s located in the exquisite Cekin Mansion at the heart of leafy Tivoli Park.

Ljubljana Castle Museum

Ljubljana’s hilltop castle is one of the city’s most visited attractions, but after taking a ride on the Ljubljana Castle funicular and admiring the views from the Outlook Tower, be sure to visit the castle museum. The Exhibition of Slovene History chronicles the region’s history through Roman, medieval, and Victorian times, WWI, and WWII, plus there’s a puppet museum devoted to the Slovene art of puppeteering.

National Gallery of Slovenia

The top ticket for art lovers is the National Gallery of Slovenia, home to the country’s largest art collection. The vast collection spans the 13th to 20th centuries, with a focus on Slovene art, and is housed in the Narodni Dom Palace. The neighboring Museum of Modern Art is also worth a visit, with a selection of works by 20th-century Slovene and international artists.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MSUM)

For something a little more cutting edge, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSUM) is renowned not only for its permanent exhibition of postwar avant-garde artworks from around Europe, but for its boundary-pushing temporary exhibitions. Located in the Metelkova district, it’s just a short stroll from the Slovene Ethnographic Museum.

Architecture Museum of Ljubljana

If you’ve been admiring the dramatic art nouveau designs of local architect Jože Plečnik, head to the Architecture Museum of Ljubljana. There you can check out his collection of works and learn more about the city’s architectural development and homegrown architects.

Museum of Illusions

Among the latest additions to Ljubljana’s museums, the Museum of Illusions is fast becoming one of its most popular. Filled with quirky displays, mind-bending illusions, and interactive exhibits, it’s a fun way to take a break from sightseeing and entertaining for all ages. 

The architectural highlights of Ljubljana, including historic bridges, a fairy-tale castle, and graceful art nouveau buildings, make an impressive backdrop for a walking tour. Here are some of Ljubljana’s top architectural landmarks.

National and University Library of Slovenia

Much of Ljubljana’s architectural heritage can be attributed to one man—Slovene architect Jože Plečnik—and the National and University Library of Slovenia is typical of his distinctive art nouveau style. Inspired by Rome’s Zuccari Palace (Palazzo Zuccari), the striking stone and brick facade gives way to a magnificent black marble staircase in the entrance hall and a reading room adorned with chandeliers.  

Three Bridges

Another of Plečnik’s creations is the landmark Triple Bridge, which spans the Ljubljanica River between the medieval old town and the modern city. Lined with stone balustrades and streetlamps, the trio of adjoining footbridges dates back to the early 20th century and offers fantastic views of the city, as well as steps leading down to the riverside.

Ljubljana Castle

Looking down over the city from its hilltop perch, Ljubljana Castle is one of the city’s most memorable sights. The imposing medieval fortress showcases a mix of different architectural styles, with highlights including the 19th-century watchtower and the 15th-century Chapel of St. George.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas

Ljubljana’s oldest church has a history dating back to the 13th century, but the current structure was built in 1706. The work of architect Andrea Pozzo, the baroque church has lavish pink marble interiors richly decorated with white stucco, gilt, and elaborate frescoes. 

Vurnik House

The Cooperative Business Bank building, also known as the Vurnik House, was designed by architect Ivan Vurnik in 1922. Its bold coral-colored facade, adorned with Slovenian tricolor motifs, stands out even among the many vibrant buildings of the art nouveau quarter.

Urbanc House

Commissioned by Feliks Urbanc, the Urbanc House (Centromerkur) was built to house Ljubljana's oldest department store in the early 20th century. The palatial building is the work of architect Friedrich Sigismundt and inspired by Belgian and French art nouveau styles, with notable elements including its fan-shaped glass awning and rooftop statue of Mercury, the god of commerce.