Country Number 40: Finally Visiting Slovenia

Country number 40. Slovenia had been on our list for a long time but somehow managed to evade us. We had a long weekend and found affordable flights (Thanks, Ryanair), so we took ourselves off to Zagreb and Ljubljana for a few days! Unfortunately, the weather didn’t exactly play ball – but Ljubljana managed to win us over anyway.

Did you see? How to Get from Zagreb to Ljubljana Without Breaking the Bank

Seamless Travel: From Zagreb to Ljubljana

Crossing the border from Croatia was refreshingly simple. We used Flixbus to get from Zagreb in Croatia. At the border there was a short stop for passport control on board the coach itself. Passports shown, bags still zipped – no queues, no stress. It was the smoothest welcome to a new country you could ask for.

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The rain was pouring but Ljubljana didn’t slow down. Cobbled streets shining under the grey sky, riverside cafés steaming up their windows, strangers smiling like they knew a little secret. It’s the kind of place you can wander alone and still feel like you belong. Third safest city in Europe in 2024, and it shows. Not just another stop… Ljubljana feels like a little story you get to live inside – and I can’t wait to go back 💚 @visitljubljana #uniqueSolotravelDestinations #travel #traveltips #contentcreation #travelvlog #explore #ljubljana #slovenia #slovenija #ljubljana🇸🇮 #creatorsearchinsights

♬ Bella – from “Poor Things” Soundtrack – Jerskin Fendrix

Where to Stay in Ljubljana: B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park

We stayed at B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park, a comfortable, quiet, no-frills spot tucked away near the city centre. It’s got everything you need without being over the top. Rated 4.3/5 on Google. It’s in a great location too, just a short stroll from the fascinatingly grungy Metelkova Mesto – a colourful chaos of graffiti, bars, and alternative energy.

Nightlife in Ljubljana: Metelkova and Klub Tiffany

That night, we somehow ended up in Klub Tiffany, with zero expectations and full of curiosity. One minute we were sipping drinks in Metelkova, the next we were deep in a fog of Laško, lights and music, treated to what can only be described as a full-on, fabulous MARINA tribute. Loud, sweaty, euphoric – exactly the kind of night you remember without needing photos.

A Slow, Rainy Morning in Ljubljana

Waking up groggy but happy, we took our time. The hotel breakfast helped, but really, we just wanted to be out in the city. Ljubljana’s old town is compact and charming, even in the rain – and especially if you’re armed with caffeine.

Late Afternoon by the Ljubljanica: Lepa Vida & Butchers’ Bridge

We dipped in and out of cafés, warming up with coffees and pastries. We became a little obsessed with the cute bars and cafes along the Ljubljanica, where we sheltered with buttery croissants and people-watched as locals zipped past on bikes, umbrellas somehow balancing mid-ride. There’s a calm, European cool about this city – cyclists weaving through puddles, pigeons strutting like they own the cobbles.

@irishtraveladdict

POV: Welcome to Europe: Ljubljana edition. 😍 As far and wide as we travel, nothing beats the people-watching in a European square. You’re almost always guaranteed to find: ✅ Pigeons doing laps ✅ Accordion guy bringing the soundtrack ✅ Cyclists gliding like it’s Paris Fashion Week ✅ Locals sipping espresso and people-watching Peak #europevibes unlocked 🔓 #traveltok #slovenia #citychecklist #welcometoeurope #ljubljana #creatorsearchinsights @visitljubljana

♬ Europe vibes – Ryan ☘️ Irish Travel Addict 🌍

Dragons, Dumplings and Castle Views

Despite the drizzle, we made time for the essentials. The Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and a wander up to Ljubljana Castle were all musts – even if we kept having to duck under trees between photo stops. These spots aren’t just pretty, they give the city its personality. And the dragons were easily the stars of the show.

Next, we popped into Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral, its bright yellow baroque façade impossible to miss. Inside, it’s all golden glow and dramatic frescoes – a quiet pocket of calm in the middle of the city’s buzz. Even if you’re not usually one for churches, this one’s worth a look.

After a whirlwind of sightseeing, we stopped at Klobasarna, famous for sausages but unexpectedly brilliant for dessert – much to this sweet-toothed vegetarian’s delight… Their Štruklji z orehi – walnut dumplings with cottage cheese – were rich, warm, and exactly what the weather called for. Comfort food without any fuss.

A Toast by Butchers’ Bridge

As the sun finally showed up, we made our way to Lepa Vida by Butchers’ Bridge, also known as the love lock bridge. Glasses of wine, a plate of nibbles, and a view of the Ljubljanica River winding through town. It was the kind of late afternoon you hope for on a city break – slow, calm, a little bit magic.

We skipped Lake Bled this time… The weather wasn’t right and we didn’t want to force it. But we’ll be back. This little capital got under our skin – and next time, we’ll do it in the sun.

Did you see? How to Spend a Day in Zagreb: A Perfectly Imperfect Itinerary for Croatia’s Capital

Ljubljana Travel Tips: Quick Facts Before You Go

• Country: Slovenia (EU)
• City population: ~295,000
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Slovene (but English is widely spoken)
• Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
• Plug type: Type C & F (European standard, 230V)
• Elevation: ~295m above sea level
• Climate: Continental – warm summers, cold winters, and occasional rain (pack accordingly!)
• Getting there from Croatia: Easy! Cross-border travel is seamless, but don’t forget your passport
• Transport: Walkable city centre, with bike hire and buses if needed
• Tipping: Not obligatory, but rounding up or 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants

Ljubljana Highlights in a Weekend

If you’ve only got one day to soak up Slovenia’s capital, don’t miss:

• Stroll the Old Town – cobbled streets, pastel buildings, and plenty of charm, rain or shine
• Café hop your way through the morning – Make sure to spend time along the river in the old town if you are a fan of people-watching!
• Cross the Triple and Dragon Bridges – iconic photo stops and total Ljubljana essentials
• Hike (or funicular) up to Ljubljana Castle – epic views across the city
• St. Nicholas’ Cathedral – Those frescoes are worth a trip on their own.
• Taste traditional walnut dumplings (Štruklji z orehi) – warm, gooey comfort from Klobasarna
• Sip wine at Lepa Vida beside Butchers’ Bridge – the perfect way to wrap up your day
• Wander around AKC Metelkova Mesto – street art, bars, and an alternative scene like nowhere else
• Dance your heart out at Klub Tiffany – Fun, friendly, and full of surprises (like a full-blown MARINA tribute!)

Last Updated on 7 months ago by Ryan | Irish Travel Addict