If you’ve only got one day in Ljubljana, you might be wondering if that’s enough time to see the best of.
Spoiler: it is!
I only spent 24 hours in Ljubljana (pronounced Lyoo-bee-ana), squeezing it in before heading to Lake Bled. And honestly? It turned out to be one of my top five favourite European cities. That’s a bold claim, I know, but this place really deserves it.
Ljubljana is compact, walkable, and depicts pastel-coloured buildings, a castle perched on a hill, bridges guarded by dragons, and enough riverside cafés to keep your caffeine fix up for the day.
And the beauty of Ljubljana is that you don’t need much time to see its best bits. It’s perfect for a quick stopover or a day trip!
You might also like:
- How To Plan The Best Day Trip To Lake Bled
- My Review Of The Best Ljubljana Hot Air Balloon Tour
- How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip From Zagreb to Ljubljana
- Lake Bled Sunset Kayak Tour Review
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Why Visit Ljubljana?
If you’re thinking of visiting Slovenia, you’ve likely got Lake Bled on your mind, right? That’s fair. It really is a stunner. But while Ljubljana might not have the same Instagram fame, it’s every bit as magical.
The city is small enough to explore in a day but big enough to keep you busy. It’s a walkable city, with a pedestrianised Old Town (bear that in mind if you’re driving as you’ll need to park outside the Old Town and walk in – don’t worry, it’s not a far walk).
One of the things I loved most during my quick stop was the lack of tourists. Don’t get me wrong, there were tourists. But unlike some European capitals (I’m looking at you Prague), Ljubljana wasn’t full of them. It does seem to be getting more popular with stag and hen parties, but even with those, it never felt overwhelming.
By the way, I stayed at Lesar Hotel Angel right in the heart of Old Town and it was the perfect location for exploring Ljubljana. Oh, and the breakfast was great!
Search below for more hotels in Ljubljana:
One Day in Ljubljana Itinerary
Morning in Ljubljana
Bonus Morning Activity: Hot Air Balloon Ride
This is obviously one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ kind of activities. And it only works if you’re staying in Ljubljana the night before (as it’s a very early start). But it was SPECTACULAR!
Check out my review of the best Ljubljana hot air balloon tour.
Or book your hot air balloon ride here!
Breakfast at Le Petit Café
Assuming you don’t start your day with a hot air balloon ride, you can kick off your day with coffee! Even though I’m not a coffee person, I could see that Ljubljana does this well.
I recommend grabbing a table at Le Petit Café (big portions if you want more than just a pastry). It’s within easy walking distance of the Old Town and will set you up nicely for the morning.
Prešeren Square & the Triple Bridge
From breakfast, head straight to Prešeren Square. This is the city’s central meeting point and you’ll spot the pink Franciscan Church as soon as you arrive.
Right in front of you is the Triple Bridge, designed by Slovenia’s famous architect Jože Plečnik. It’s exactly what it sounds like — three bridges side by side. It’s a great photo stop if you want the castle in the background.
Why I Book With Get Your Guide
I use GetYourGuide for almost all my activities when I’m travelling, mainly for these reasons:
‣ Free cancellation on most bookings: Plans change. It’s good to know you can cancel and get a refund if needed.
‣ Clear, detailed listings: You can see exactly what’s included, how long it takes, where to go, and what to expect before you book.
‣ Verified reviews: Makes it easier to avoid wasting time or money on something that isn’t worth it.
‣ Instant confirmation: Especially useful if you’re booking things last minute.
‣ Mobile tickets: No printing, no collecting tickets, everything is on your phone.
Ljubljana Castle
No trip to the city is complete without heading up to Ljubljana Castle. You can either walk (about 15 minutes uphill) or take the funicular if you’d rather save your legs.
The real reason to go is the view. From the tower you can see the whole city spread out below, with the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the distance if it’s a clear day.
You can prebook tickets to go inside if you’re interested, but if you’re short on time during your 24 hours in Ljubljana, I’d prioritise the views and a quick walk around the grounds.
Afternoon in Ljubljana
Central Market
Next, make your way to Ljubljana’s Central Market. It runs along the river and into an open-air square, with stalls selling fresh fruit, local honey, and everything in between. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s worth a wander.
If you’re here on a Friday between March and November, you’ll get to see the Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna) where chefs set up stalls and cook dishes from all over the world. It’s lively, smells incredible, and is a good excuse to snack before lunch.
Dragon Bridge
A short walk away is Dragon Bridge, which has become one of Ljubljana’s icons. The dragons on each corner are a nod to the city’s symbol, and you’ll spot them on everything from souvenirs to manhole covers. It’s a quick stop, but one of those “you have to see it” kind of places.
Lunch in the Old Town
For lunch, Julija is a solid choice with a mix of Slovenian and Mediterranean plates. It’s in the Old Town, so it’s easy to sit outside, enjoy the atmosphere, and recharge for the afternoon.
Tivoli Park
After lunch, walk off the goulash with a stroll to Tivoli Park. It’s about a 20 minute walk from Julija, and you’ll know you’re there when the cobblestones give way to tree-lined paths and wide green spaces. Tivoli is Ljubljana’s biggest park and a favourite spot for local joggers, families, dog walkers.
I do love to people watch when I travel, and this is the perfect spot for it.
Optional Museum or Gallery Stop
If you’re more of a museum person, you’ve got a couple of solid options nearby:
- National Gallery of Slovenia – for a hit of art and history in one.
- Museum of Modern Art – if you prefer contemporary exhibitions.
- Museum of Illusions – more playful, especially fun if you’re travelling with kids or just want something light.
Given you’ve only got Ljubljana in one day, I’d recommend picking one and keeping it short — maybe an hour at most — so you don’t end up stuck indoors for too long.
Evening in Ljubljana
Ljubljanica River Cruise
Start your evening with a river cruise on the Ljubljanica. Boats leave regularly from the centre and the ride takes about 45 minutes. It’s a completely different way to see the city, gliding under the bridges you walked across earlier and catching reflections of the colourful buildings as the sun goes down.
Tickets are around €10 – €12. You can usually pick up tickets on the day, but if it’s peak tourist time, I recommend booking in advance.
Dinner in the Old Town
Back on land, head to the Old Town for dinner. If it’s a fine evening, there are plenty of riverside restaurants serve everything from local dishes to pizza.
Nightlife in Ljubljana
If you’re up for nightlife, join a Ljubljana Pub Crawl. It’s a good way to meet fellow travellers while trying a mix of Slovenia’s craft beers and spirits.
The guides keep things fun without it turning into chaos, so it’s definitely a safe bet if you’re exploring solo.
Not much of a drinker? Head back up to the castle instead. It’s beautifully lit at night, and the views over the city are just as nice as during the day. It’s a calmer but equally memorable way to round off your one day in Ljubljana Slovenia.
Why I Use Airalo eSIM When Travelling
I’ve started using Airalo on most of my trips now, mainly because it removes the hassle of sorting out data when I arrive in a new city.
It’s a digital SIM card, meaning I don’t need to insert anything into my phone (unlike local SIMs). I just need to install the eSIM before I travel and as soon as I land, I’ve got data.
Here’s what I generally use it for:
• Google Maps
• Checking train and bus times
• Booking activities or looking up opening times
It’s not at all complicated to set up. You buy a data plan in the app, follow a few steps to install it, and then switch it on when you arrive.
Got More Time in Ljubljana?
If you happen to be using Ljubljana as your base for exploring Slovenia, here are some more recommendations:
- Go on a walking tour of Ljubljana with a local
- Take a day trip to Postojna Caves
- Head to Lake Bled for the day
- Go on a bike tour around the city
Conclusion
So, can you really spend just one day in Ljubljana? Sure! As you’ve seen, in just 24 hours I’ve covered castles, markets, riverside cafés, a cruise, leafy parks, and maybe even a late-night pub crawl.
If you’re planning a day trip to Ljubljana or adding it onto a Slovenia itinerary before heading to Lake Bled or further afield, don’t skip it. This city is proof that small doesn’t mean boring. It does mean compact, charming, and completely manageable in a day.
