©Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet

Ljubljana

Slovenia's capital and largest city is one of Europe's greenest and most liveable capitals; it was the European Commission's Green Capital of Europe in 2016. Car traffic is restricted in the centre, leaving the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city's heart, free for pedestrians and cyclists. In summer, cafes set up terrace seating along the river; it almost feels like a nightly street party.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana
Crowning a 375m-high hill east of the Old Town, this castle is an architectural mishmash, with most of it dating from the early 16th century when it was…
National & University Library
Ljubljana
This library is architect Jože Plečnik’s masterpiece, completed in 1941. To appreciate this great man’s philosophy, enter through the main door (note the…
Triple Bridge
Ljubljana
Running south from Prešernov trg to the Old Town is the much celebrated Triple Bridge, originally called Špital (Hospital) Bridge. When it was built as a…
Prešernov Trg
Ljubljana
The centrepiece of Ljubljana's wonderful architectural aesthetic is this marvellous square, a public space of understated elegance that serves not only as…
Central Market
Ljubljana
Central Market is Ljubljana's larder and worth a trip to stock up on provisions or just have a good snoop (and sniff) around. Go first to the vast open…
National Museum of Slovenia
Ljubljana
Housed in a grand building from 1888 – the same building as the Slovenian Museum of Natural History – highlights include the highly embossed Vače situla –…
Žale Cemetery
Ljubljana
This cemetery, some 2km northeast of Tabor, is Ljubljana’s answer to Père Lachaise in Paris or London's Highgate. It is 'home’ to a number of…
Cathedral of St Nicholas
Ljubljana
A church has stood here since the 13th century, but the existing twin-towered building dates from the start of the 18th century. Inside, it’s a vision of…