Slovenia

Slovenia

CAPITOL CITY

Ljubljana

LANGUAGE

Slovenian

CURRENCY

Euro

TRAVEL DURATION

12 hours

Ljubljana is a city that invites you to wander, to discover its hidden corners, and to feel its heartbeat in every street

When I looked back through my photos, I realized that my adventure in Ljubljana began in 2014. It was my first visit, and I still remember how I fell in love with the city at first sight. It felt like the city embraced me with its charm, its peaceful river, and the lively atmosphere that always seemed to hang in the air.

Since that first time, Ljubljana has always held a special place in my heart. The winding streets, the enchanting bridges that cross the river, and the relaxed vibe of the city center made an immediate impression on me. I still remember wandering through the old town, taking in the beautiful architecture with my eyes and soaking up the soft hum of busy terraces with my ears. It was as if the city was telling me a story—a story of history, culture, and a vibrant mix of old and new. The markets were full of life, the people were warm and welcoming, and everywhere I looked, there were new little discoveries that made me smile.

Every time I return, it feels like the city reveals a new layer—something special I hadn’t noticed before. My most recent visit was in 2022, when I went on a road trip through Europe with a friend. We traveled from the Netherlands, through Germany, Austria, and Slovenia, until we eventually reached the heart of Croatia.

 

Praktische zaken

  • Tips: In Slovenia, large tips are not expected. In restaurants, a service charge is often already included in the bill.
  • Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink, but it may have a slightly different taste compared to alpine water.
  • Safety: Slovenia is a very safe country, even if you enjoy traveling solo.
All photos

After a lovely and restful overnight stay in Germany, we arrived in Bled late in the afternoon. We stayed just one night, because well—there’s so much to see—but looking back, we definitely could have stayed longer. The nature here is stunning. It really brought us both peace and calm.

My food and drink experiences

  • Gostilna kurej: Of course, we wanted to try the local food, and this restaurant definitely delivered. It’s located in Zasip, near Bled, and is known for its traditional Slovenian cuisine and regional specialties. One of their most praised dishes is the Prgini štruklji, a kind of rolled dough filled with cooked pears, homemade cottage cheese, herbs and spices. This dish pays tribute to local tradition, with the pear variety tepka taking centre stage. They also offer delicious Slovenian red wines. All for a very reasonable price.
  • Pizzeria kot: We were thirsty! And when we’re thirsty, we drink (well, at least I do…)

Where I stayed 

  • Oriana studio’s: This was such a cute little studio, just a short walk from Lake Bled. Fantastic! Small but lovely. It had its own little kitchen, which was perfect for cooking up some eggs in the morning. The studio was modern and well-kept, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. The bed was super comfy, and the bathroom was clean and practical. The location is perfect—you’re right near the lake and can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The host was incredibly friendly and provided us with great tips on the best places to visit nearby.

What I saw and did

  • Lake bled: One of the most iconic and beautiful destinations in Slovenia. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear water, set against lush green landscapes and a striking castle perched on a cliff above the water. It has a magical feel that draws many visitors, both for its natural beauty and its rich history. You can swim or row here, but we opted for a walk since we had to move on.
  • Peričnik: The Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and unique waterfalls in Slovenia, located in Triglav National Park, near the town of Mojstrana. What makes this waterfall so special is that you can actually walk behind it, creating a truly magical experience. You can park your car at Trgovina Mercator, and from there it’s about a 4 km hike to the falls. The walk itself is breathtaking: you follow the river and soak in the peaceful nature all around you.

My food & drink experiences

  • Kavarna Divine is a charming café situated along the banks of the Ljubljanica River—a great spot for enjoying delicious ice cream.
  • Premier pub: The location is fantastic! Right at the river’s edge, perfect for enjoying some beers.
  • Julija restaurant: I had delicious sea bass with truffle and mashed potatoes here. Yum…
  • Pop’s place: Great vibe, friendly staff, and delicious burgers.
  • Bar shooters: Hmm, how did we end up here again…? Anne and I were definitely feeling like grannies 😉
  • Restavracija most: OMG, I had the most delicious pasta with white truffle here for lunch.
  • Opera bar: A lovely coffee spot with great coffee!
  • Tokyo piknik: Super tasty noodle ramen.

Where I stayed

  • Grand hotel union eurostars: In one word: fantastic! Very spacious rooms, a wellness area, swimming pool, and a breakfast buffet that’s truly impressive.
  • Bright side studios: A lovely little apartment on the edge of the city center. Very peaceful with a serene garden where you can relax. They also had bikes ready for us so that we could cycle straight into Ljubljana’s center.
  • Hostel Tabor: A simple and cheap hostel, ideal if you’re just looking for a place to sleep. You get a private room but share the bathroom and toilets with other guests. From the outside, the building appears somewhat closed off and unattractive, resembling an old school or office block. The breakfast buffet is very basic, and the atmosphere reminded me a little of a canteen or even a prison: functional, but not exactly cozy or luxurious. So don’t expect charm, but it’s a perfectly decent place to sleep on a small budget.

What I saw and did

  • Ljubliajana old town: The historic center is full of medieval charm, with winding streets, narrow alleyways, and cozy squares. The first time I was here, I felt right at home! The Ljubljanica River snakes through the city center, and along its banks you’ll find countless cafés, restaurants, and terraces to enjoy the view.
  • Central market: The place to be if you love food! Various stalls are offering a range of food and drinks. You could spend an entire day here.
  • Tivoli park: A large and beautiful park, perfect for walking or cycling. When I visited, there was a stunning outdoor exhibition.
  • St. Nicolas Cathedral: A beautiful cathedral worth visiting.
  • Prešeren Square: Ljubljana’s main square. You’ll find yourself right in the city center. The iconic Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) connects the two sides of the city and is a gorgeous example of Slovenian architecture.