Fun things to do in Ljubljana: 41 fun attractions and activities (2024)

The castle complex of Ljubljana, situated on top of the Castle Hill above the historic old city centre, is a popular tourist attraction with excellent views of the city. The buildings date from the 15th century onwards and form an important cultural venue.

Wonderful view of Ljubljana in an extraordinarily well renovated and maintained fortress, with several nice restaurants and bars on site. Easy access with funicular, but you should at least enjoy the footpath on your way downhill. Next time have to visit definitely the castle museum, too, closing a little bit too early.

Silviu R — Google review

You can approach the castle by foot, cable car, car or by little train :)We went by walk, it's not difficult to go to the top, it's nice and green and you can reach it in 10-15 minutes.Before enter the castle you can buy the ticket to the tower.Inside the castle you can drink a soft drink which was very nice on a warm day. The castle is clean and nicely renovated. We also saw 3 weddings on that day. The view from the tower was beautiful. The museum was interesting.We had a lot of fun and we definitely recommend it to anyone. Enjoy it!

Pis?k T — Google review

A quaint and delightful castle that seamlessly blends modern technology with medieval heritage.Offering breathtaking panoramic views from its heights, the castle's reconstruction ingeniously brings together the best of both worlds - ancient and contemporary.A must-visit attraction when in Ljubljana, this captivating castle offers not only a glimpse into the past but also a convenient ascent via a funicular.Experience the beauty of this historical gem while enjoying the convenience of modern amenities. Make sure to include Ljubljana Castle in your itinerary for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Slovenia's capital city.

Maxim S — Google review

The castle's surroundings are beautiful and the sight from the top of the hill is breathtaking! We didn't get into the castle itself, just walked around the park. Cool place.There's 2 ways to get up there by foot; through a long and tiring staircase or through the much less difficult park/forrst5 area from the other side.

Yarrow I — Google review

During my recent visit to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, I had the pleasure of exploring the historic Ljubljana Castle. Perched atop a hill in the city's center, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, coupled with stunning views of the city below.1. The AscentThe journey began with a funicular ride to the top, which was both convenient and offered a unique vantage point of the city. For those who prefer a more active approach, the well-marked hiking trails provide a lovely alternative.2. The GroundsUpon arrival, the castle's grounds were immaculately kept, with lush greenery and well-preserved structures. The courtyard was a hub of activity, with visitors milling about and taking in the atmosphere.3. The HistoryThe castle's museum provided an insightful look into the region's history, with exhibits that were both informative and engaging. The Timeline of the Castle exhibit was particularly interesting, detailing the castle's evolution from a medieval fortress to a symbol of cultural pride.4. The TowerClimbing the Watchtower was a highlight, as it offered a 360-degree panoramic view of Ljubljana. The climb was a bit of a workout, but the reward at the top was well worth the effort.5. The Puppet MuseumAn unexpected delight was the Puppet Museum. It showcased a whimsical collection that was a hit with both children and adults alike, adding a touch of playfulness to the historical site.6. The CaféThe castle's café was a great spot to relax and enjoy a coffee or a light meal. The outdoor seating area provided a serene setting to take in the views and reflect on the visit.Ljubljana Castle is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Slovenia's charming capital. It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all wrapped up in an easily accessible and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to unwind, Ljubljana Castle delivers on all fronts.

Piklu M — Google review

We took the time machine tour of the Ljubljana Castle and it was great. It is a good price for a family and includes a funicular ride both up and down. The tour is a combination of a tour guide and several actors that come along the way to talk more about what it would have been like to live in the castle during different time periods. The castle's history is very interesting. After the tour, your tickets allow for you to go into the museum, watch the 4D film on the castle, look at the town from the watchtower, and visit the penitentiary. There are also restaurants at the castle but we did not eat there. Overall a great tour!

Michelle B — Google review

This is a very nice castle with a nice observing tower, however, what makes it so special is the puppetry museum that you get access to when you buy entrance tickets. Very clean and well maintained. Great care for details and multiple benches to sit down, relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Ljubljana. A highly recommended visit and very friendly staff!

Elena — Google review

The Castle of Ljubljana sits on the central hill that is prominent in the old part of the city. It's important to know that the top of the hill, where the castle is, can be reached on foot, bicycle, and car from different pathways. The least energy consuming pathway is the Gondola lift, located to the north-east of the hill. The use of this lift is only possible by buying a full castle tour ticket. The Castle ticket is normally 10€ if you buy it up, and 13 if you want to catch the lift. An additional fee can be paid for an audio recorded guide. The devices communicate wirelessly with the exhibits so that you can just walk around and the recordings will change accordingly. The Castle is very well maintained but the whole experience remains on the commercials side of things. Not a good bargain for the cost, but nonetheless an iconic tourist destination. Perhaps a lot more interesting and enjoyable are the small streets around the hill of the Castle, with characteristic buildings and the central water canal. At the Castle itself the visit is divided into different exhibition sites, with the high tower being somewhat the highest attraction. The exhibition sites focus on historical events in the history of Slovenia, including the more recent independence from Yugoslavia. A short but steep walk down the hill will take you back to the old town.

Nicolas T — Google review

I would definitely recommend a visit here. The view on sa sunny day is amazing. If possible go with the funicular, it is really cheap and the experience is worth it. If you want to visit the tower you have to buy a ticket, as well as for the exhibitions.

Daniel S — Google review

Don’t miss the 3D movie, included in the ticket!Modern and well refurbished Castle. It has various activities for all ages: history rooms, jazz club, restaurants, open air space. It is really well done, and big investment has been made.Only downside is Dogs are allowed only in open spaces.

G P — Google review

Very nice castle. It has museums inside, and you get a very nice view over the city and the mountains. Especially from the tower. I highly recommend it!!

Hadi H — Google review

Absolutely one of the best places you have to check out while in Ljubljana. Took the funicular/elevator up but would recommend to climb. Loved the moss on the wall along the zigzag trail. The castle itself is more than just magnificent. The medieval architecture and craftsmanship along with the modern art display are simply breathtaking. At the top, you would have a panoramic view of the city as well as the Alps which is out of this world. Had my doubts about visiting in Dec but loved the mysterious foggy view. You should get the ticket with the museum access with 9 euro more but it's totally worth it. I was very fascinated by the puppet displays and have to say the characters and styles are quite creative and attention to details. Can't wait to check out other castles in the area.

Twang3411 — Google review

Being located in the middle of the city, the castle is a very popular tourist attraction. It is therefore recommended to visit the castle as early as possible. Inside the castle multiple restaurants and several nice exhibitions can be found. Be aware that visiting the castle is free, but that all indoor exhibitions require a ticket. The castle and the surrounding paths give nice views over the city and it's worth to watch the sunset from the top of the hill! (Buying a Ljubljana Tourist Card gives free access to the castle, funicular, a lot of museums and the zoo in Ljubljana)

Thomas C — Google review

From the outside, the old castle is attractive, but from the inside it has been renovated too modern - not a cozy castle yard. The scenery is by far the best and you didn't need an entrance ticket.

Merja P — Google review

Beautiful castle, very good past time. I recommend getting the audio guide it helps a lot to enjoy the exhibits. I loves the modern additions, concrete and steel walkways, theatre. There was a queue at the funicular but it goes relatively fast.

Csongor V — Google review

The castle is located on a hill. There isn't enough parking space. We were with a child who had a scooter with them. The only way to go up to the castle walls and see Ljubljana is by climbing the stairs. There's no place to leave the scooter. We asked the lady at the ticket counter as well as the lady at the tourist information to keep the scooter for us, but they refused. The storage lockers were not large enough for the scooter. Inside the museum, it was easy to leave the scooter. Another drawback: you pay 12€ for admission, and yet the restroom is not free 😂Conclusion: You can go up to the castle walls and enjoy the view without a ticket.The castle isn't child-friendly.The service is poor.

Anastasiia Z — Google review

The city's panoramic view is wonderful from the castle. The road is enjoyable, and in the castle is a wonderful cafe.We drank black tea. It was nice. The staff is so nice and kind.The ambience of the place is relaxing and peaceful.

Elif A — Google review

100% worth your time. The fare for the funicular is completely reasonable and there‘s a discount for students. You‘ll get amazing views from the top and things to see within the castle.

David T — Google review

The castle itself looks like it is from a fairytale. The funicular is convenient, but the climb up the hill is also very nice. At night time, the city of Ljubljana lights up.I have to give a point less as the day was cloudy, so did not get the best view.

Avik C — Google review

It is a very easy hike up to the “castle”. I would classify the “castle” as a fortress rather than a castle because there is nothing that you expect to see. Do not buy the ticket unless you want a 3D, 10 minute history lesson and a chance to go to the top of the tower. You can get great views without a ticket.

Kayleigh W — Google review

An excellent old castle and well worth a visit. Entrance to the castle grounds was actually free at the time of visit, just walk in and enjoy. There are plenty of information boards in the grounds to provide context to the history some of the buildings and renovation works that have been taking place since the 1950s which were interesting to read.You can go into the underground passages to see some of these and some excavated rooms such as the water cistern and prison cells as well as castle chapel. The only bit you actually needed a ticket for was entrance to the museum exhibit and the viewing platform on top of the tower where the flags fly. You can actually get a good all round experience of the castle for free if you miss these.Great views of the city can be had by walking along the footpath at the base of the castle walls and there are benches there to sit and relax and enjoy the views!

Niclas D — Google review

Fortunately we only paid 6 euro for the funicular and not the 16 euro to see nothing. We were so disappointed when we arrived on top. The only nice thing was the view, but the "castle"? It's so restored that it lost its charm and beauty. No signs anywhere! We couldn't find anything we wanted to see because there are no signs at all. Just pay 6 euro or go walking and enjoy the view, the rest is not really worth it.

Flor P — Google review

We walked the grounds and climbed the tower and was not crowded at all. The views from the tower to old town Ljubljana was really cool. You can take the path and walk up to castle or take the funicular, I recommend take the funicular up and do the walk down.

Shannon L — Google review

More of a culture centre than a regular castle. Museums, attractions and restaurant mix is actually not bad at all. Atmosphere was nice, view stunning and museums were small but interesting enough. Worth the money and time.

Aneta J — Google review

Great views of the city. Amazing wine bar overlooking the city and further mountains.Understandably difficult to get to on foot as it is high up. We opted for the walk over the lift.No need to buy tickets unless you want to go inside the castle walls. Access to the viewing decks are FREE!

Charlie Y — Google review

A visit to this amazing city is not complete without visiting the amazing medieval castle, be sure to climb up the steps of the clock tower to take in the perfect views,to get the best value of our visit we used the city card, after a wonderful outing, we walked backed down the hill to the old town.

V H — Google review

Beautiful views of Ljubljana city. One of the ticket options includes a return ticket on the funicular, entrance to the castle, entrance to the museum of puppetry, entrance to the exhibition of Slovenian history and entrance to the viewing tower (i.e. the top of the tower with the flags on with the best views!). There can be up to a 10 minute wait for rye funicular and then it takes a couple of minutes to reach the top/bottom. Definitely a must see when visiting Ljubljana, so much history.

Christian M — Google review

It’s worth visiting the castle and explore the history. The way to the castle is a bit steep hike so if you’re with strollers then would be good to take a ride of funicular train. Strollers could be folded and parked at the end of the train. There is also a 4d virtual tour about the history which is included in ticket, so don’t forget to explore. Also it’s worth going to the top and see the view of the city

Arunima G — Google review

Very nice place to see the city from top. Great view in the daytime as well as at night. Plenty of banks and space for picnic or rest. You can take a ride with a funicular or just walk up, it's easy. There are several paths to reach this place. We did not go into the castle itself though.

Sunnatullo F — Google review

Ljubljana Castle is a must visit when you visit downtown Ljubljana. It is the castle that overlooks the city, has great views, excellent walking paths, and a lot of history. 12€ for tickets if you want to visit the tower and see some of the historic sites otherwise just take a quick wander. An extra 4€ for the audio tour which is helpful and not too expensive.

Paterjo — Google review

Very nice view from the castle top and interesting exhibition about the history. Tickets can be easily bought there. Definitely worth a visit!

Leo L — Google review

Loved the place. I enjoyed the nice views of Ljubljana and Alps in the back, but one thing that caught my attention was the underground spaces, with the wooden gallery supported by wooden pillars, there you can see the dragon made of wire and learn about the history of the fortress.There is a public bathroom as well, costs 1€.

Petra J — Google review

Acest castel din secolul 15 oferă o frumoasă priveliște asupra orașului. Aici sunt mai multe restaurante, un magazin de vinuri, expoziții de artă, muzee. Nu trebuie ratată experiența 3D în care se povestește istoria castelului.(Translated by Google)This 15th century castle offers a beautiful view of the city. Here there are several restaurants, a wine shop, art exhibitions, museums. The 3D experience telling the history of the castle is not to be missed.

Aida B — Google review

Nice castle with good views. The funicular railway was good quality and efficient. You're by a metal dragon from which you can walk to the main square. The square is nice and spacious to walk around. There are multiple viewing platforms which offer good views. Around the square you can also find some informative boards about the castle. The cafés at the square also offer good drinks. The square also has a Slovenian history museum which was good. At the end of the day it took a little time to find the exit but it is in fact just at the entrance. The path back down was pretty good too.

Digital A — Google review

A beautiful castle atop a hillock overlooking the city of Ljubljana. The edifice is fairly modern in comparison to other major European capital castles. The landscape and vistas from atop are great! Hike up or down if possible, you'll definitely not be disappointed!

Sendhilkumar A — Google review

It's worth visiting if you're visiting LJ but it's not a great value. The ticket is expensive (€12) for visiting the tower (worth it for great view) and a few museums which are small and not great. For example, the Slovenian history museum is mostly small touch screens with long text on otherwise empty wall displays and the puppet museum is slightly interesting but very random to include in a package ticket.

Andy A — Google review

When visiting Ljubljana, don't miss the castle. Perfectly accessible on foot, by funicular or by car. You will enjoy a beautiful environment, great views, and whoever wants to, can also pay for entrance to the museum part.

Peter S — Google review

Very interesting castle built by Habsburg dynasty. Within the castle there are multiple joined locations to visit: museum of puppetry, tower, prison for nobility and prison for general population, chapel… Note that these require tickets to get in (ranging from 16 euros per person).

Ivan D — Google review

This castle was renovated for best experience. You get your tickets before getting into finucular and it is the whole package. Do not throw away your tickets because you show them in every attraction within the castle. There are restaurants inside and places to rest. Adult ticket costs 16 euros (april 2024) and includes fanicular up and down.

Murat U — Google review

Nice castle, good renovation, lot of things to see here with a relatively good price over quality ratio and also the coffee is really good in the coffee shop. Also the view is beautiful from the tower and the parking is easy and for a good price. So overall I can recommend to visit this castle.

Balint B — Google review

Very nice castle situated on top of the hill. There are museums and various attraction. The entrance fee includes return ticket with funicular. Beautiful view from the tower - whole city and surrounding mountains are visible. Definitely highly recommend when visiting Ljubljana.

Katka ( — Google review

Fun things to do in Ljubljana: 41 fun attractions and activities (2024)

FAQs

What is Ljubljana Slovenia known for? ›

Ljubljana is the green capital of a green country. The area on either side of the river with its picturesque bridges and the central market owes its distinctive appearance to the great architect Jože Plečnik. The city of thousands of events is surrounded by parks and areas of protected nature.

Is there a lot to do in Ljubljana? ›

As the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana makes for a natural stop on your Slovenia itinerary. With its pretty pastel buildings, castle, dragon bridges, and small city charm, Ljubljana belongs on any travelers to-see list. I found there were plenty of things to do in Ljubljana if you only have one day in the city.

How many days in Ljubljana is enough? ›

Because Ljubljana is small and everything is close by, you don't need a car, just like in other European capitals. You can walk everywhere and 2 days give you enough time to see the best of the city as well as get outside and explore some surroundings on a day trip!

What are 3 interesting facts about Slovenia? ›

8 Awesome Facts About Slovenia
  • No. 1 fact – Mt. ...
  • No. 2 fact – Slovenia has more than 10,000 caves. ...
  • No. 3 fact – Slovenia has 27,000 kilometers of rivers. ...
  • No. 4 fact – There are around 90,000 beekeepers in Slovenia. ...
  • No. 5 fact – Slovenia as an exceptionally wine-growing country. ...
  • No. ...
  • No.

Do they speak English in Ljubljana? ›

While the youngsters speak English quite fluently, older people are more skilled in Serbo-Croatian, German and Russian, and can read cyrillic. However, learning a few words of the local language will earn you a great deal of respect and some friendly smiles.

Is Ljubljana a clean city? ›

In the Slovenian capital, its greenness and fresh air are considered the driving force behind the recovery of city tourism after the pandemic. Lonely Planet described Ljubljana as “extremely clean and increasingly green”.

Is Slovenia a rich or Poor country? ›

The economy of Slovenia is a developed mixed economy. The country enjoys a high level of prosperity and stability as well as above-average GDP per capita by purchasing power parity at 92% of the EU average in 2022. The nominal GDP in 2023 is 68.108 billion USD, nominal GDP per capita (GDP/pc) in 2023 is USD 32,350.

Is water drinkable in Ljubljana? ›

Ljubljana is a city which can be proud of its clean drinking water. Also elsewhere in Slovenia, tap water is of good quality and suitable for drinking. While rambling the streets of Ljubljana, you can quench your thirst for free at public drinking fountains, which operate from April to October.

Is Ljubljana a beautiful city? ›

I like everything about Ljubljana old town, it is small and as so easy menegable on foot and it has many good restaurants, bars and shops. I also like that it has many historical buildings and architectures.

Can you swim in Ljubljana? ›

If you're visiting our capital city of Ljubljana, there are quite a few city swimming areas available: Kolezija and Ilirija Swimming Pools are just a stone's throw away from the city centre. You can also be refreshed at the Kodeljevo Swimming Pool or the Laguna City Beach.

What is special about Ljubljana? ›

Ljubljana is the political and cultural heart of the Slovenian nation. It is an important European commercial, business, exhibition and congressional centre as well as the transport, science and education centre of Slovenia.

Is Ljubljana a walkable city? ›

Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, is a beautiful spot that sits on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. A small city, it's incredibly walkable and easy to explore on foot. The Slovenian gem is one of Europe's most eco-friendly cities and was once the European Green Capital.

Is Ljubljana cheap or expensive? ›

You should plan to spend around $94 (€86) per day on your vacation in Ljubljana. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average for one day: $18 (€17) on meals.

How did Ljubljana get its name? ›

Silvo Torkar, a linguist with expertise in Slovene names, put forth the idea that Ljubljana's name has its roots in Ljubija, the original name of the Ljubljanica River. This can be traced back to the Old Slavic male name Ljubovid, which translates to 'the one with a lovely appearance'.

How old is Ljubljana? ›

Ljubljana is first mentioned in written sources from 1144, its historical rise beginning in the 13th century when it became the Capital of the Province of Carniola.

What are nicknames for Ljubljana? ›

Ljubljana is dubbed “The Dragon City”, and the origins of the nickname are the stuff of legend. One claims it comes from Jason and the Argonauts after they fled from the Mediterranean up the Danube to camp by the Ljubljanica river, where Jason fought and killed a dragon living in a swamp.

Is Ljubljana the city of love? ›

Being a truly romantic city full of beautiful views and inspiring stories, Ljubljana is a perfect place for a romantic getaway. Love emanates even from the city's name, which sounds very similar to the Slovenian word 'ljubljena', meaning 'the beloved', and many people believe that this is not just a coincidence.

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