Look hard enough between Slovenia’s various parks and green spaces, and you’ll find Ljubljana, the country’s capital. The abundant nature of the city, together with its serene riverfront lined with trees and cafés, gives Ljubljana a more relaxed atmosphere than most European capitals. But there are also plenty of things to do in Ljubljana for visitors looking to engage in the local culture and history, especially around its compact Old Town and up above at Ljubljana Castle.
Even with the surge of tourists that it brings, summer is the best time to visit Ljubljana—and it’s not just the warm weather that makes the season so appealing. June through August sees Ljubljana at its greenest and brings a buzz of festivals and events, such as the Ljubljana Summer Festival in July and August and the Open Kitchen street food market every Friday.
The center of Ljubljana, particularly the city’s Old Town, is small enough that most visitors will find walking a comfortable way to get around. When traveling greater distances or to other parts of the city, use Ljubljana’s bus network to access most areas. And while it is possible to walk up to Ljubljana Castle, the funicular to the top of the hill offers a quicker and less tiring way of getting there.
Getting a view of the city is easy enough from Ljubljana Castle—but for a view of the city with the castle in it (and one that you can enjoy with a drink in hand), head to the rooftop bar at Nebotičnik (Skyscraper) building. As for somewhere to try traditional Slovenian foods like Carniolan sausage and barley stew, try the affordable hole-in-the-wall Klobasarna in the city’s Old Town.
