Ljubljana, Slovenia After 5:00 pm

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The best place to start any adventure is in the heart of things, wouldn’t you agree?  Well, there is nothing quite as central, both geographically and culturally speaking, as Slovenia’s capital – Ljubljana.

Ljubljana’s history stretches back thousands of years when the nearby marshes were inhabited by pile dwellers. It’s also where the oldest wheel in the world (5000 y.) was found. A few millennia and numerous migrating tribes later, the Romans built a castrum called Emona, the foundations of Ljubljana. From then on, the town has seen many kingdoms, empires and states come and go. And it’s this rich and exceptionally diverse history that makes Ljubljana what it is today: A true melting pot of traditions!  

Like the Slovenia itself, Ljubljana is small, green and remarkably charming. It’s both a vibrant modern city and a quaint sub-alpine town with just the right dose of coziness. The Old Town centre is brimming with history, culture and attractions. Finding something interesting to see and do in Ljubljana is very easy indeed. Bridges, boat rides down the river, lovely parks, colourful markets, museums, restaurants, and a castle on a hill overlooking the town – Ljubljana is packed to the brim of activities and sights.  

How to Get to Ljubljana

Travelling there is a dream, as Ljubljana is right next to Slovenia’s international airport. Just hop on a public or private transfer (bus, minibus, taxi) and you’ll be in the centre of Ljubljana in approx. 30 minutes. If you’re travelling by car, the logistics are just as simple. Slovenia is on the ‘crossroads of central Europe’. Surrounded by Austria to the north, Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and Hungry to the east – you can reach Ljubljana by motorway very quickly from most border crossings. A train will take you right to the centre of town, so that option is also very convenient.

Where to Eat in Ljubljana for Dinner

Ljubljana isn’t only lively during the day. When evening approaches, this gem becomes a hive of goings-on, so you certainly won’t have a problem finding something to do and see. Not all, but many museums, galleries and other places of culture are open relatively late and come highly recommended. Restaurants of all types, on the other hand, are open until very late, while bars and clubs are swinging until much, much later. 

JB Restaurant // When you ask a local about their best restaurants, JB is surely to be mentioned. Chef Janez Bratovž was the first one to put a Slovenian restaurant among the world’s 50 best restaurants. It offers high cuisine, combined with chef’s creative ideas in an elegant interior. 

Slovenska hiša // The restaurant Slovenska hiša is a point where Slovenia rural ingredients meet the urban vibe and there are exclusively local Slovenian dishes and drinks on the menu.

Kolobasarna // The knowledge and skill of making the Carniolian (Kranjska) sausage originates from a centuries-old tradition and the name marks the geographical origin of this special delicacy. 

Šestica // As one of the oldest restaurants in Ljubljana, dating back into the year 1776, Šestica is an ideal setting to explore traditional Slovene cuisine and taste all the famous dishes they have on the menu. 

Güjžina // The first Prekmurje region restaurant in Ljubljana. Family roots of both owners are from Goričko in Prekmurje region and they offer one of the best Slovenian desserts, the Prekmurska gibanica cake.

Things to See in Ljubljana at Night

Hiking up to the ancient Ljubljana Castle // Due to its small size and extremely safe reputation, you can stroll to anywhere in the city centre within minutes. Yes, stroll. Hiking up or hitching a ride by funicular is a wonderful idea to get a 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent basin below and majestic mountains in the background. 

Ljubljana botanic gardens and Tivoli Park // Another lovely destination during late afternoon is one of the many parks, squares or Ljubljana’s botanic gardens. You can be in the forest just five minutes walking from the city centre. 

A wine tasting Ljubljana session // When it’s time to slow down and mull over everything you’ve seen, you simply must take a walk down the banks of the Ljubljanica River, lined with a colourful palette of restaurants and bars. With Wine Tasting experience you will have a luxuriously wide selection of local wines with delicious appetizers. 

Food tour Ljubljna // If you’re in town for a short while, you most like have experienced some of the culinary delight already, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge further. After all, a country’s culture can be only truly be tasted (literally) through its gastronomic endeavors. 

Wine tours Slovenia // In Slovenia, food and wine are inseparable, and as Ljubljana is a cultural hub where the multitude of the country’s traditions come to mingle, you will certainly try some amazing delicacies while in town. The best way to treat your taste buds to the max while on a tight schedule is by joining a wine tour. As mentioned, distances in Slovenia are very short, so you’ll be back in your hotel in no time. 

To sum up, Ljubljana is probably the prettiest, friendliest and most convenient destinations. For any time of day. We would like to end on a less bias note, but that would be impossible. Don’t believe us, come over for a visit and find out for yourselves. 

See you on the sunny side of the Alps!

Guide and Photos by Jovan | Slovenia Activities

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