Exploring Ljubljana, Slovenia
Time needed in this city: 3-4 nights
Ljubljana was a massive surprise. When we got off the train from Vienna, we were met with an industrial area straight in front of us and a business district to our left. Nearly everyone told me they love this town and in that moment, I couldn’t figure out why. Then… we started to wander to the older section and instantly, my mind was changed.
Just a few blocks from our hotel, the concrete buildings, trains chugging by, and bus stops gave way to cobblestone streets, historic buildings, art, and a fun, young energy about it. It was easily one of the most relaxing towns to visit.
The below information is a complete guide of the best places to stay, the top rated places to dine and drink, and all there is to see and do. We’ve also included transportation tips, as well as a summary of the history of this incredible city!
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Where to Stay
Talk about an incredible experience! Built in 2022, this 20-story hotel has everything you come to expect in a modern, luxury hotel. We were upgraded to a Club King Suite, which was not only incredibly spacious, but had some amazing views! It was a great room for us to work comfortably.
We also loved the gym and the insane amount of equipment they had available, as well as the rooftop restaurant and bar. You couldn’t help but want to spend all day up there, taking in the views, sipping on incredible cocktails from their bar menu, and dining on their wonderfully-made food.
The only two drawbacks were 1. The gym is right above your room on the 17th floor and while it closes at 10pm, it opens at 6am, which means the noise starts early. 2. While the breakfast options are vast, the warm food is not all that great.
Other Recommendations
Hotel Heritage (top-rated)
Where to Dine & Drink
Birdie
Per their site, “Fixed menu changes every week and the dishes are served in a sharing concept so that everybody can try everything. Food is seasonal, following our cooking style: "Comfort is the new fine." The wine list ranges between 70-80 different labels, covering Slovenian and the most renowned World wine regions.
Burek Olimpija
Since 1979, this restaurant has been making a traditional Slovenian dish called “Burek” - a type of pie that can include meat, veggies, etc. Note they do NOT have gluten-free options. If you do not have this allergy, then this place is a must!
Compa
An award-winning steakhouse.
Dežela Okusov
A 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurant.
Dobra Vila
They serve pins, paninis, and tramezzines. NOTE: They are NOT gluten-free.
Druga Violina
Druga violina, located in the old city centre, is a very special little gostilna-style restaurant employing several people with special needs. It serves traditional Slovenian dishes. Occasionally it hosts creative workshops for children and other events.
Gaudi&Naan
Per their site, “In the Gaudi&Naan kitchen, traditional Western recipes (Gaudi) are touched by the warm sun of the Far East (Naan). A modern bistro, whose image and offer are changed seasonally and we love products from local producers, and we even grow some of them in our own garden. The principles of Ayurveda are taken into account when creating dishes. Inspired by chef Aleksandra Komasz, the dishes can be a little Indian, a little Japanese or purely Ljubljana. We play with fermentation, modern and traditional techniques, Ayurvedic balance, and the aesthetics of the plate. We only use ingredients of plant origin. We are in love with desserts, which we make in a thousand and one ways, and we are cheeky with our wine selection.”
Georgie Bistro
Adiverse menu that includes bistro lunches, gourmet snacks, and tasting dinners.
JADRO Gastrobar
Fish, seafood, top-notch steaks, local wine and a laid-back vibe.
Julija
Understated restaurant with a local menu highlighting pasta, grilled meats, seafood & desserts.
Kodila Meet Meat Eat Market
Serving as both a deli and an upscale market.
Le Petit Cafe
Per their site, “Our chefs also prepare dishes based on original French recipes from daily fresh ingredients.”
Mala Terasa
Serving traditional Slovenian dishes in a laid back setting.
Pen klub
They serve dishes based on the chef’s inspiration. The menu can change at any time.
Pop’s Place Pizza
NOTE: They do NOT cater to Celiac.
Špajza Restaurant
Charming eatery in a cozy house, offering European comfort food & wine, plus outdoor tables.
Strelec
A Michelin-starred restaurant serving seasonal and micro-seasonal dishes, prepared by chef Igor Jagodic and his team, with a recognizable style and top-quality local ingredients.
Veganika
A vegan bistro in the old town of Ljubljana.
Vinoteka Movia
A wine tasting room, serving the Movia brand wines, also offering charcuterie boards.
YAUYA patisserie
Yauya sells a variety of amazing, incredibly artistic desserts with a lot of gluten-free options! We tried the “Match Me” which was so incredibly beautiful and silky - we definitely recommend it! Click here for the video short on their display case!
Things to See & Do
Day Trips
Full-Day Triglav National Park Tour
Explore the stunning natural wonders of Triglav National Park on a stress-free adventure from Ljubljana. Travel safely through rural roads and mountain passes, with a small group aboard air-conditioned transport. Discover sights like Peričnik Waterfall, Zelenci Nature Reserve, Lake Predil, and the picturesque Soča Valley. Don't forget your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear emerald waters.
Half-Day Small-Group Hiking Tour of Viševnik
Viševnik is a mountain that is both over 2000 meters (6500 feet) high and easily accessible with regular hiking gear. But that doesn’t mean that the views aren’t up to par: the panorama is one of the best around, as you get to see other, higher mountains from a prime perspective. Triglav (literally meaning three-headed), Slovenia’s highest mountain, can easily be seen from the top, as can other proud peaks of the Julian Alps.
Idrija Half Day Excursion: UNESCO Town including Castle and Mine Tour from Ljubljana
Learn about mercury mining and lacemaking in a castle on this guided tour. Depart from Ljubljana with your driver and make your way to a mercury mine in Idrija. Hear stories from your guide about the history of mercury mining as you descend into the mine. Continue to Gewerkenegg Castle and admire the large collection of Idrija lace.
Lake Bled and Bohinj with Vintgar Gorge
Enjoy the pristine Slovenian countryside during this all-day guided tour of Bled and the Bohinj Valley departing from Ljubljana. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Bled seems like it’s drawn from a fairytale. During this tour, visit the 11th-century Bled Castle set high atop a cliff and then head to Bled Island. The tour finishes with a visit to the Bohinj glacier lake, the largest lake in Slovenia.
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Explore the fascinating network of subsurface caves during a guided tour of the Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle, leaving from Ljubljana. As you enter the two-million-year-old caves aboard a mini-train, learn about why this is one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions. Walk with your guide and witness bizarre stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations that make up the 13-mile-long (21 km) system of underground caves. Also venture to the enchanting Predjama Castle, a famous castle that still clings to Slovenia’s limestone cliffs.
private tour of venice
Take advantage of Slovenia’s close proximity to Italy, and tick off two countries in just one day, on a trip to Venice from Ljubljana. Opting for a day trip eliminates the stress of car hire and ensures you enjoy a smooth border crossing in the company of your guide. Plus, you’ll enjoy a mix of guided sightseeing and free time for added flexibility.
Private Zagreb Tour
Take advantage of Slovenia’s close proximity to Croatia during a day trip to Zagreb, the historic capital of Croatia. Without having to worry about car hire or crossing the border alone, you’ll enjoy a day exploring Zagreb with a guide who promises to provide information you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook.
Soča Valley Tour & Kranjska Gora Valley Tour
Self-driving Slovenia can be expensive. Skip the stress of a 4-hour drive and soak up the sights when you book this full-day tour of the country’s highland wonders: snowy peaks, turquoise lakes, a tumbling waterfall, and more. See Kranjska Gora, including Lake Jasna and Lake Zelenci; tour the Soca Valley, with a restaurant lunch and a stop at the Boka waterfall; and snap Italy’s stunning Lago del Predil.
Skocjan UNESCO Caves and Piran full day tour
Explore the Slovenian coast and spectacularly carved UNESCO listed Škocjan Caves all in one day on a day trip from Ljubljana. Visiting both these sites in one day can be difficult on your own, but with this tour you’ll travel straight to the Škocjan Caves, where you’ll tour the one of the largest and most mysterious underground river canyons in the world, before heading to the coast for a visit to the Socerb Castle and the Venetian-style city of Piran.
Historical Exploration
Ljubljana Castle has been standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years having been built and rebuilt over those centuries. Today, it’s one of the most favorite things to experience in the city.
Dining
Within the castle are a café (Grajska kavarna), a nightclub (Jazz Club Ljubljanski grad), a wine bar (Grajska vinoteka Strelec), and two restaurants (Strelec and Gostilna na Gradu).
Escape Castle
The Escape Castle is a fun adventure where you can learn about the history of the city through five tests, have fun, and maybe finally save the dragon!
Outlook Tower
Ljubljana Castle's Outlook Tower offers the most beautiful views of Ljubljana and its surrounding areas. It stands on a site originally occupied by the Pipers' Tower, which was pulled down in 1813 following the French occupation, and later by a fire lookout tower, home of the city's fire watchman.
Puppet Museum
Slovenia is a country with a rich tradition of puppeteering. This permanent museum exhibition, set up by the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, introduces you to the history of puppeteering in Slovenia and the creativity of contemporary Slovenian puppeteers.
The Exhibition on Slovenian History
The exhibition, divided into six sections, covers the entire known history of Slovenia. It takes you back about 200,000 years in history, to the earliest traces of human presence in the area of present-day Slovenia.
Time Machine
Instead of a guided tour, you can get to know the castle through experience. Enter the time machine and travel through the six key periods that have marked the history of the Ljubljana Castle and the development of the city. A castle guide will lead you to six time stations. At each of them you will be greeted by a figure from that time who will give you a fascinating insight into their period. It’s a fun, theatrical adventure that you will thoroughly enjoy while learning a great deal of new things along the way.
HOW TO GET THERE: You will reach the castle faster by funicular, though there are stairs if you’d prefer an intense workout.
National and University Library
Established in 1774, the National and University Library is one of the most important national educational and cultural institutions of Slovenia. It is located in the centre of Ljubljana in a building designed by the architect, Jože Plečnik, in the years 1930–31 and constructed between 1936 and 1941. The building is considered one of the greatest achievements by Plečnik.
In 2011, the library kept about 1,307,000 books, 8,700 manuscripts, and numerous other text, visual and multimedia resources, In August 2021, the National and University Library has been inscribed as part of Plečnik's legacy on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Plečnik House
Jože Plečnik was responsible for designing much of Ljubljana though when he wasn’t doing that, he was developing his dream home. In 1921, the architect moved into his brother’s house in Ljubljana and soon set about redesigning it. He envisioned “a tower, a mule, me and the garden.”
His garden extends over 150 feet to the back and the tower - a simple circular two-storied wing - was added to the house. When he later bought the neighboring house, he added a conservatory or “winter garden.” This marked the beginning of his Ljubljana phase, during which he designed landmarks like the Triple Bridge and the National and University library.
What’s even more interesting about this home are the little, practical inventions he set about making. For example, a candle-holder that can be raised and lowered to avoid wasting wax. A dragon’s head, which also looks like the devil, curves around toward the candle ready to light it with its fire but to to avoid that, the candle can be lowered. Another example, the chairs were made hard and rigid, meant for work, study, and designing—not for relaxation. That was Plečnik’s ascetic philosophy, which fit well with his monk-like existence. In the kitchen, there’s also a special chair where he could eat and work at once.
Upon his death in 1974, the house was turned into a museum and has been through extensive renovations since then.
FUN FACT: He worked in the studio of Viennese secessionist, Otto Wagner, and designed a flat in Prague Castle for Thomas Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia.
Roman Wall
According to an inscription found next to the eastern town gate of Emona, on the site of the present Trg francoske revolucije square, the Roman town walls were built between 14 and 15 AD. The rectangular-shaped walls, surrounding the town center, measured 2.4 meters wide and from 6 to 8 meters high. They included at least 26 towers and four main gates. The towers were erected at equal distances along the length of the walls and next to the town's side gates as extensions of Emona's roads. On all sides except the east, which was naturally protected by a slope descending towards the Ljubljanica river, the town was additionally protected by a double moat.
In the 1930s, the town wall complex in Mirje was restored to a design by the architect Jože Plečnik. His additions to the surviving Roman walls include a stone pyramid, upward extensions of the walls, the gates to the wall complex, an arched vault covered in stone remains from nearby Roman buildings, and a park inside the walls. The walls were renovated in the 1990s.
Slovenian Railway Museum
The Šiška Railway Vehicle Workshop once housed bustling repair, maintenance, and production workshops. Today, it stands as more of a monument or museum of sorts of which you can explore (and climb at your own risk on) the old trains.
Tivoli Castle
Originally called, “Podturn Manor”, Tivoli Castle was built in the 17th century atop the ruins of a previous Renaissance-period castle. Initially owned by the Jesuits, it came into the possession of the Diocese of Ljubljana following the 1773 suppression of the Jesuit order. Used as the bishop's summer residence, it was surrounded with orchards.
In the mid-19th century, it was bought by the Austrian emperor Francis Joseph I, who in 1852, presented it as a gift to the veteran Habsburg marshal, Joseph Radetzky. Radetzky renovated the mansion in the Neoclassical style, giving it its present appearance, and spent much of his retirement in it with his wife, Francisca von Strassoldo Grafenberg, a local Carniolan noblewoman.
In 1863, the mansion was bought by the Municipality of Ljubljana, who used it as (among other things) a poorhouse, later subdividing it into condominiums. In 1967, it was again renovated and became the venue for the International Centre of Graphic Arts.
Cast-Iron Dogs
In 1864, sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn made four cast iron dogs… without one very important part - their tongues! Local rumors have it that Anton was a perfectionist at heart and during the process of developing his sculptures, he was preoccupied with perfecting their design, and completely forgot about the dogs’ tongues. He didn’t realize his mistake until it was too late.
Relgious History
In 1700, at the initiative of Dean Johann Gregor Thalnitscher and the Academia Operosorum Labacensium, the Capuchin friar, Florentianus Ponnensis, from Italy, designed a new Baroque hall church. The following year, after the construction already started, the plan was revised and complemented by the Jesuit architect, Andrea Pozzo, who designed it as a basilica and added to it a dome. He did not supervise the realization of his plan, so the buildings were significantly adapted by the builders, in particular, by Francesco Bombassi of Venice. The two belfries, resembling the Salzburg Cathedral, were added upon the plan by Lombard Giulio Quaglio.
The construction took place between 1701 and 1706. The first worship took place in the new building in August 1706, and the consecration took place on May 8, 1707.
TIP: Use the front door with the bishops heads on it to enter. It may looked closed, but most likely is not.
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation is a Franciscan church located on Prešeren Square in Ljubljana. It is the parish church of Ljubljana - Annunciation Parish. It was built on a site where two or possibly three churches stood earlier, between 1646 and 1660 (the bell towers following around 1720), under the management of Francesco Olivieri and Francesco Rosina, and its exterior was redesigned in 1858 according to plans by Franz Kurz zum Thurn und Goldenstein. The frescoes in the interior were added in the mid-19th century by Matevž Langus and on the ceiling by Matej Sternen in the first half of the 20th century. Since 2008, the church has been protected as a cultural monument of national significance of Slovenia.
FUN FACT: The pink color of the church is symbolic of the Franciscan monastic order.
NOTE: This church is hard to get into as it keeps odd hours.
Ljubljana Mosque
Completed in 2020, this mosque is the first one in Slovenia. It is located in a semi-industrial area and can hold up to 1,400 people. All of the buildings are made from white concrete, combined with elements of steel, glass, and wood. Inside the mosque, a large blue dome makes a bold statement. Other features include the main prayer hall, a standalone minaret measuring 40 meters in height, an educational center, a gym, a park, and a restaurant. It cost 34 million euros to build with most of the funding coming from Qatar.
The Arts & Sciences
Martin Bricelj Baraga’s 10 ft. Cyanometer has been measuring the blueness of the sky since 2016, though the original cyanometer has been measuring this since 1798. This structure, in the heart of the city, periodically captures images of the sky and measures them against the 53-shade color wheel toward the top of the structure. It uses the data to imitate the color, changing it to blend in with the sky.
More scientific than just for the “awe factor”. the structure also determines the air quality in the area, which is affected by the presence of moisture and particles in the atmosphere. The nearby Environmental Agency of Slovenia’s measuring station assists the sculpture in collecting this data and determining its exact nature. The cyanometer then sends the information to a website and displays it, along with the temperature, on its own surface, with air quality measured on a color scale that goes from red to green.
Faces of Locksmith Street
Locksmith Street is a narrow alley in medieval old town. Cutting through the middle of it is a gully that appears to be flowing with hundreds of strange theatrical faces - there are 700 of them to be exact - that culminate into a drinking fountain and a couple other odd sculptures, namely a bronze hand and a skeleton trapped in a cage.
This almost Pollock-like scene is the work of Slovenian sculptor, Jakov Brdar, whose expressive bronze figures can be found throughout the city. This particular piece was inspired by a piece of writing by the poet, Rainer Maria Rilke. It begins, “To think, for instance, that I have never been aware before how many faces there are. There are quantities of human beings, but there are many more faces, for each person has several.”
FUN FACT: The start of the lane is marked with an image of a key, historically used to note the street name for those that couldn’t read.
Krizanke Summer Theater
What was once a church and monastery for religious military orders, such as the Knights of Templar and the Teutonic Knights, is now an open-air theatre (since the 1950s). During the summer months, the Ljubljana Festival stages musicals, ballet performances and dramas, as well as jazz, pop, and symphonic concerts.
Metelkova
What was once military barracks from 1911 - 1991 became a “squatter’s art paradise”. In 1993, the Slovenian government tried to demolish the old barracks, but nearly 200 activists, artists, and protesters took over the site and saved most buildings from destruction. Today, the remaining buildings have been covered in graffiti, folk art, tile mosaics, odd sculptures, and punk rock statements of purpose. It now also houses a bar, a nightclub and a hostel, as well as the free-living squatter population.
Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova
The Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM) displays selected works of contemporary art from the Arteast 2000+ international collection and the MG+MSUM national collection.
The Arteast 2000+ international collection is conceived as a dialogue between works by key Western and Eastern European avant-garde artists, including a number of important artists from Eastern Europe who have for a long time been unknown or overlooked.
National Museum of Slovenia-Metelkova
The National Museum of Slovenia, located on the Metelkova ulica street, houses a permanent exhibition on applied art in Slovenian inhabited areas, including several study collections, as well as presents occasional temporary exhibitions of applied art. Reflecting the creativity and skills of the past, exhibited objects testify to the ways of life in Slovenian inhabited lands over the last five centuries.
NOTE: This is not always the safest area to walk through. They do not like pictures being taken of the inhabitants, as well as the area.
Museum of Modern Art
The Ljubljana Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to modern art in Slovenia. Apart from housing a permanent collection of 20th century Slovenian art, it hosts temporary exhibitions presenting new artistic practices. It serves as one of the venues for the International Biennial of Graphic Arts held in Ljubljana every odd year. The Museum of Modern Art is also a documentation, study, research and education center providing a platform for debate and bringing art closer to the general public.
National Gallery
The National Gallery holds the country's largest collection of fine art from the High Middle Ages to the 20th century. It also houses a permanent exhibition of works by Zoran Mušič (1909–2005), one of Europe's leading modernist painters, and various temporary exhibitions.
The National Gallery's permanent collection, divided into sections according to historical periods, is comprised of nearly 600 works by Slovenian and European artists. It also keeps one of the largest pieces of Baroque art in Ljubljana - the Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers by Francesco Robba, whose original site in front of the Town Hall is now occupied by its replica.
Narodni muzej Slovenije
The central Slovenian historical museum houses many objects from the area of Slovenia, which belong to the very top of the world's cultural heritage - the 60,000-year-old Neanderthal flute from Divji Bab certainly stands out among them.
The museum is housed in a Neo-Renaissance palace in the center of Ljubljana, built between 1883 and 1885. The history of the museum dates back to 1821, when it was founded as the Regional Museum for Carniola.
Unique Experiences
Barka Ljubljanica (Ljubljana Marshes)
Passing beneath many of the spots where you’ve shopped, eaten and imbibed, the route goes upriver toward the Ljubljana Marshes — a World Heritage Site dating back millennia, where the remains of pile dwellings, or prehistoric houses, built on stilts, and the world’s oldest wheel were found.
Dragon Bridge
While medieval in style, the dragon bridge came into being in the early 20th century as part of urban renovation. An 1895 earthquake had damaged the previous boring old wooden bridge, so it was decided to create a new one out of reinforced concrete.
There is a legend that Jason (ancient Greek mythological hero) was the founder of Ljubljana, and he and his Argonauts killed a dragon, which is one of four dragon statues on the bridge. According to local legends, when a virgin crosses the bridge, the dragons will wag their tails. Some local people have nicknamed this structure "mother-in-law" because of its fiery nature.
Gornji trg Preduh Tunnel
Back in Medieval times, tunnels were used to provide ventilation and a fire break in between buildings. The Gornji TRG Preduh Tunnel is the only one that still remains, stretching just a few meters to the back of the buildings, ending abruptly at a locked door. Today, passers-by are intentionally drawn to this anomaly with decorative lights strung up on the tunnel’s ceiling and a plaque to explain its purpose, in multiple languages.
TIP: If you go around Christmastime or before the Epiphany in January, the tunnel is decorated beautifully for the holidays!
Neboticnik
For an aerial view over Ljubljana, it’s just a short walk to Neboticnik, a skyscraper with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city. It’s free if you just want the view but you can also dine at the restaurant and bar.
Walking Tours
Built in 2010, the Butcher’s Bridge connects the Central Market's colonnade, designed by the architect Jože Plečnik, with the Petkovškovo nabrežje embankment. It occupies the site of the late butchers' booths and now includes odd large statues and small sculptures of deformed creatures, sitting on the parapet.
NOTE: People are adding locks to this bridge, which is causing some damage. It’s advisable to leave the locks at home.
Cankarjevo Nabrezje
Named in honor of Ivan Cankar, the renowned Slovenian poet and writer, this walkway truly comes alive at dusk as the city lights illuminate the scene. It's always bustling with a mix of locals and tourists, making it a lively spot year-round, whether it's day or night. With charming spots like Ribji Square, featuring a delightful fountain, music, and the mouthwatering aroma of food wafting out onto the streets, it’s all against the romantic backdrop of the river and bridges.
Kongresni Trg
Built in 1821, Congress Square was built on site of the ruins of a medieval Capuchin monastery, which had been abolished during the reign of Habsburg Emperor Joseph II. The square was used for ceremonial purposes during the post-Napoleonic Congress of Ljubljana, after which it was named. It has since been used for protests and speeches alike.
Ljubljana private walking tour with a local
Get to know the city of Ljubljana from a local’s perspective but at your own pace without a crowd of other people around on this private walking tour. Visit attractions around the city, including many in the old town of Ljubljana such as the Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Preseren Square, as your guide tells you what life in the city is like from their experience.
Triple Bridge
The Triple Bridge is comprised of three bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River. It connects the historical medieval town on the southeastern bank with the central Prešeren Square on the northwestern bank. Dating back to the 13th century, it stands as the oldest bridge in Ljubljana. In the early 1930s, architect Jože Plečnik redesigned and expanded it. In August 2021, the Triple Bridge was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Plečnik's enduring legacy.
Wandering
Some of the best surprises are found just wandering the streets! We saw so many beautiful pieces of art and buildings!
How To Get Around
Ljubljana is a very walkable and public transportation-friendly city. Below are the best ways to get around when not walking.
Biciklej Bicycle Sharing System
The BicikeLJ bicycle-sharing system gives you an opportunity to hire bikes from self-service terminals located across the wider Ljubljana city centre. BicikeLJ bikes are particularly suitable for shorter, up to an hour-long rides as hire is free if you return a hired bicycle to the nearest docking station within an hour and wait for five minutes before hiring a new one.
The use of the BicikeLJ system is practically free of charge. The only cost involved is the symbolic fee for compulsory online registration with the system, which stands at €1.00 for a week and €3.00 for a year and must be completed in advance of hiring.
Ljubljana's electric-powered vehicles, referred to as “Kavalirs” (Gentle Helpers), are a free city center public transport option. Mainly used to transport the elderly, mobility-impaired people, and visitors, they run around the pedestrianized historical city center at a speed slow enough to allow you to hail them anywhere on the street. Telephone ordering is also an option.
Avoid the crowds waiting for taxis and public transport at the airport by booking this Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU) 1-Way Private Transfer Service. This service sends a private driver to meet you and your group at the airport so you can easily pop into a vehicle to make your way into the city, to your preferred destination. Plus, this is a private transfer so you’ll enjoy the ride that’s saved for just you and your own personal group.
Taxis are aplenty in the city. Charges range between €0.80 and €1.50 for the starting fee and from €0.70 to €1.70 per kilometer. They highly recommend asking for the fare charge before getting in the taxi, which means this is NOT a regulated service. For example: If going to/coming from the airport, it can cost €20.00 to €45.00 depending on who you go with.
A History Summary
2000 B.C. - The Ljubljana Marsh was settled by people living in pile dwellings. These lake-dwelling people survived through hunting, fishing, and primitive agriculture. To get around the marshes, they used dugout canoes made by cutting out the inside of tree trunks
50 B.C. - 452 AD - The Romans built a military encampment that later became a permanent settlement called, “Iulia Aemona”. It was destroyed by the Huns under Attila's orders, in 450.
6th century - The ancestors of the Slovenes moved in.
9th century - The ancestral Slovenes fell under Frankish domination, while experiencing frequent Magyar raids.
12th century - Ljubljana castle was built and during the second half of the century, urban settlement started.
1200 - Market rights were granted to Old Square, and both the Franciscan Bridge and Butcher’s Bridge were built.
1220-1243 - Town privileges were granted, which included forming guilds and the settlement of monk orders.
1256 - The provincial capital was moved from Kamnik to Ljubljana.
Late 1270s - After Ljubljana was conquered by King Ottokar II of Bohemia (he was defeated a year later), the town became the property of Rudolph of Habsburg (along with the rest of Carniola).
1327 - 1515 - The Jewish Quarter was established with a synagogue until Emperor Maximilian I expelled the Jews from Ljubljana at the request of its citizen, which they had to pay a fee for him to do so.
1335 - 1797 - Ljubljana became the capital town of Carniola. Together, it was continually owned by House of Habsburg.
15th century - Ljubljana became recognized for its art, particularly painting and sculpture. In addition, the Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Ljubljana was established and the Church of St. Nicholas became the diocesan cathedral.
16th century - 5,000 people resided in the town, 70% of whom spoke Slovene as their first language, with most of the rest using German. Also, the first secondary school, public library, and printing house opened.
1511 - After the Idrija earthquake, the city was rebuilt in the Renaissance style and a new wall was built around it.
1524 - Wooden buildings were forbidden from being built. due to a widespread fire.
1529 - 1598 - The town had an active Protestant community until the Counter-Reformation when they were expelled and their books, burned. The Jesuits arrived one year before that happened.
1606 - The Capuchins arrived to support converting the town.
1702-1703 - The Ursulines settled in the town and the following year, they opened the first public school for girls.
1750 - 1800 - Foreign architects built and renovated monasteries, churches, and palaces and introduced Baroque architecture.
1809 - 1813 - during the "Napoleonic interlude", Ljubljana was the capital of the Illyrian Provinces until it was returned to Austria, though it remained the administrative center from 1815 - 1849.
1821 - The Congress of Laibach took place to fix the European political borders for that period.
1849 - 1857 - The first train line from Vienna arrived and in 1857, the line extended to Trieste.
1895 - The city of 30,000 suffered a 6.1 earthquake that left 10% of buildings in ruins and many dead.
1896 - 1910 - Rebuilding took place, which entered the town into a more modern architectural style, as well as implemented more modern technologies, such as electricity in 1898.
1918 - The region joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
1929 - Ljubljana became the capital of the Drava Banovina, a Yugoslav province.
1941 - 1945- During WWII, Italy occupied the city and made it the capital of Italy’s province, the Province of Ljubljana. Nazi Germany took control in 1943, but remained the capital until 1945.
1942 - The city was surrounded by barbed wire, later fortified by bunkers, to prevent co-operation between the resistance movements that operated inside and outside the fence.
Post WWII - 1991 - Ljubljana became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It retained this status until Slovene independence in 1991.
2004 - Slovenia became part of the European Union.
