How To Pronounce Ljubljana – 2 Days in The Capital City of Slovenia

Honestly, it was like a scene from The Amazing Race.

The train heading to Ljubljana – the train we need to be on – is departing at 12:36. On the other hand, we are about 13 minutes out, on a bus coming from a town called Velika Gorica in Croatia. We are on a bus, so let’s say 15 minutes out, including stops, which this bus, of course, fully… intends… to…make – each and every one, even though time is not our friend.

10 minutes remain.

The bus slowly pulls into the bus terminal. Like a racehorse waiting behind the gates, Gordana jumps out the second the doors open and runs through the long tunnel of stores under the train tracks at Zagreb Glavni kolodvor – Zagreb Train Station. I get off the bus and walk very, very quickly with our carry-on and my backpack full of camera gear.

8 minutes remain

Gordana gets to the kiosk, and there is a man in front of her. Just as the previous customer finishes, Gordy politely asks the man if she can go before him as the train for Ljubljana is coming. He made a sweet gentle go-ahead, madame type of gesture, but the ticket lady behind the magical booth that controls our Ljubljana destiny says in a loud, aggressive voice “Relax the train is not here yet. Go ahead, sir.”

6 minutes remain

I’m waiting at the platform (Peron 1) from which the train is supposed to depart. It’s not here yet. This is good. Meanwhile, back at the kiosk, the man finishes up. Gordana rushes “Two tickets to Ljubljana” and digs into her purse for euros.

Behind the magical booth, the lady says, “I can make it cheaper if I put your tickets together on one bill.”  

Gordy, busy finding change, looks up and says, “What?”

This angers the lady behind the magical booth. “No one ever listens to me, not here, not at home – I said I can make your ticket cheaper if you buy them together as one ticket for there and back.”

Feeling embarrassed, Gordana replied softly but sincerely, “Thank you.”

4 minutes remain

Gordana finds me on the platform just as the train pulls in, at which point I ask her if it’s too late for me to buy some water…

She gives me that look. That – Don’t you dare leave this platform…look

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How Do You Pronounce Ljubljana

A Little History and What to Do in Ljubljana

I can’t believe we caught that train, but more importantly… How the heck do you pronounce the capital city of Slovenia? I’m not going to lie – It’s not easy.

It involves us making our tongues do things that North Americans are just not meant to do.

Since Gordana is from ex-Yugoslavia, I’ve been exposed to this Slavic tongue for several years. The issue for us, over on this side of the pond, is their lack of vowels. Words like “TRG,” which means square (town or city square), immediately send my tongue into a panic.
In the case of Ljubljana, it goes like this:

• L is pronounced “LE,” like LUH – as in the way the French say “le” (le chateau)
• J is pronounced “YE,” like YUH – as in Yogurt without the “ogurt,” (rhymes with “le”)
• Then you have to add the LUH and the YUH together like one sound – “LUHYUH.”
• To make things interesting, ‘Lj” appears twice, adding an extra level of complication, forcing your tongue to twist.

What I will say is that it’s pretty common. I have two friends from Serbia named Ljuban and Ljiljana.

Getting To Ljubljana

By Plane

Ljubljana is served by the airport in Brnik (Ljubljana Airport), with several international and low-cost airlines operating from there. Adria Airways is a Slovenian airline connecting Ljubljana with over 20 European cities. Other known airlines with flights to Ljubljana are Finnair, AirFrance, Tunisair, Montenegro Airlines and Air Serbia.

By Train

Slovenia has a developed network of railways, connecting Ljubljana with Graz and Klagenfurt (Austria) to the north and Trieste (Italy) to the west. Ljubljana’s main train station, simply called “Ljubljana,” is within an easy walk to the city centre. 

By Bus

The website of the Ljubljana Bus station (Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana) offers timetables for all local bus connections, including the plan of the bus routes. The ticket office is open daily from about 5.00 or 5.30 till 22.30. You can buy the tickets directly from the driver for most routes. Please have small denomination Euro notes and coins ready.

The Best Hotels in Ljubljana, Slovenia

When deciding where to stay in Ljubljana, there are many different (and great) options to consider. From luxurious hotel accommodations with stunning city views to cozy Airbnbs in quieter areas just a stone’s throw away from the city centre – here are my recommendations to help you find the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring.

Things to Do in Ljubljana: A 2-Day Itinerary

Wondering what to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia, during your visit? Don’t worry, I’m here to help. This 2-day itinerary is packed with must-see sights, delicious food, and unique experiences. From exploring the old town to indulging in traditional local cuisine, you’ll discover why I believe everyone should visit Ljubljana at least once!

Day 1

Dragon Bridge

The Dragon Bridge, originally named The Jubilee Bridge of Emperor Franz Josef I, is one of Ljubljana’s most popular attractions. The bridge was constructed between 1900 and 1901 and spans 110 feet across the Ljubljanica River. Dragon Bridge is one-of-a-kind bridge and the first of its type to be built in Europe. 

Maybe it’s a Game Of Thrones thing, but this is one of my absolute favourite bridges. I mean, come on, it looks so cool.

Ljubljana Central market

If you regularly hang out around my blog, then you know I love markets, and this one here in Ljubljana is no exception. The Central Market has been a gathering and shopping center for over 80 years! It’s an open-air market filled with all sorts of vendors selling anything from miscellaneous items to tasty snacks.

Moji štruklji Slovenije – (My Dumplings Of Slovenia) (Dessert)

I should mention this post contains a few more food options than usual.
Have you ever tried Slovenian dessert?

Not to worry, it’s one of the stops on this self-guided tour I took.

On the tour, which included both points of interest and food/drink stops, I learned a great deal about the city and Slovenian food.   

Moji štruklji Slovenije is one place you should check out whether on the tour or not, as it offers a variety of authentic Slovenian treats. In all honesty, they are famous for their Slovenian dumplings.  

Butchers’ Bridge

Butcher’s Bridge is a footbridge that runs across the Ljubljanica River and connects the Central Market and Petkovsek Embankment. Despite being a footbridge, Butchers’ Bridge is better known as an art installation, with unique glass panels and bizarre statues of mythological figures, such as Adam and Eve and the Greek Titan Prometheus.

It’s ahem, interesting to say the least, but Butchers’ Bridge is also well known as a “love bridge”.…because every city must have one?!?!

Ljubljana Cathedral & Cathedral Door

This Baroque-style cathedral is pretty with its gold and meticulously crafted frescoes. Like most in Europe, Ljubljana Cathedral was built on the grounds of an earlier church, and the main edifice wasn’t constructed until the mid-1700s.

Triple Bridge

The Triple Bridge is the main bridge of three bridges that run across the Ljubljana River. This bridge connects Ljubljana’s historic, medieval town to the modern-day capital. The current standing bridge was once a wooden bridge that connected various parts of Europe.

Slovenska Hiša

Slovenska hiša is a place that uses the best of Slovenian traditional food and drink and modernizes it. They serve everything from Kranjska sausage to meats and cheeses from Slovenia. You don’t have to select just one. Instead, you can pick a special wooden plate and try a few different ones. The drinks are also unique and worth trying. There is a large selection of “Slovenafied” cocktails.

This is definitely one of the best Ljubljana restaurants for those interested in trying more traditional cuisine.

Special tip: Try the Kranjska sausage sandwich made with buckwheat bread, sauerkraut and mustard. Also, homemade lemonade is amazing.

Prešeren Square: Prešernova Muza, Julija | Statue of France Prešeren

Modelled after Slovenian national poet France Prešeren, the Statue of France Prešeren is located in the heart of Ljubljana. The statue triumphantly stands on a platform and faces the window where his love interest, Julija Primic, once used to live.

Even I have to admit that’s cheesily romantic – I can’t believe I just said cheesily romantic.

Franciscan Church of the Annunciation

Built in the mid-17th century, the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation was initially run by the Brothers of the Augustinian order. It was later taken over by the Brothers of the Franciscan order. The church and the monastery are the two most prominent buildings in Ljubljana’s central square.

Locksmith Street

Locksmith Street is a foot passage (prehodi) that was built a long, long time ago. It was a narrow passage that looked ordinary from the outside, but it’s like another world when you go inside. Centuries ago, they say criminals were punished here in ways no one could ever imagine.

Hood Burger

Moving forward, I will always try to include places that serve traditional and cultural foods in my itineraries. I managed to do that really well here is the capital city of Slovenia, but I just want something that reminds me of home every now and then.

So when it comes to traditional, standard North American burgers, no place in Ljubljana beats Hood Burger. For about 9 Euros ($10.61), you can enjoy outstanding, flavourful, and locally sourced ingredients for their gourmet burgers, fantastic beer, and delicious fries/homemade coleslaw.

CENTRALNA POSTAJA (Drinks)

I heard of a great Ljubljana Pub Crawl, and anyone who knows me knows I love beer. Who wouldn’t want to learn about some of the best pubs and bars in Ljubljana?

Centralna Postaja is one of Ljubljana’s most popular spots. Whether you drop by for a cup of coffee, lunch, or after-work drinks, it is the type of place where locals go to unwind and let loose after work. They have live music, revelry, drinks, and delicious bites in the evening.

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Day 2

Mestni muzej Ljubljana (Museum)

Located in the Turjak Palace, The City Museum of Ljubljana is both an architectural monument and a preservation site for the multicultural heritage of Ljubljana. The museum has exhibits that date back to prehistoric settlements, as well as more contemporary works that recount how and why Ljubljana became the capital city of Slovenia.

Cobblers Bridge

Built between 1931 and 1932, Cobblers’ Bridge stands over what used to be a wooden bridge that connected two important medieval town squares – Mestni Trg and Novi Trg. Cobblers’ Bridge gets its name from its location, a site where cobblers used to set up their workshops and make handcrafted shoes.

Congress Square

Built in 1821 over the ruins of a medieval monastery, Congress Square was once a venue used for ceremonial purposes during the reign of the Congress of Ljubljana. After the congress disbanded, the square was transformed into a park.

When I was first here in 2017, there was a football game involving Slovenia’s national team game on a big screen with tons of people and lots of beer!

Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity (Župnijska cerkev sv. Trojice)

Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity is a parish church here in the capital city of Slovenia. It was built between 1718 and 1726 in a Baroque style.

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is a fun and educational experience where you can test the limits of your perception. Inside, relativity is something that you experience literally. The illusions provide a different experience of space and everything you think you know about it.

Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle is important to Ljubljana for a couple of reasons. Aside from being the main tourist attraction, the castle is one of the key pieces of architecture in Slovenia’s capital; the Ljubljana Castle is the city’s largest and most frequently visited castle. Visitors can enjoy all sorts of events year-round at the castle, as well as a peaceful stroll along the castle grounds.

Museum of Puppetry & Virtual Museum

The Museum of Puppetry, as part of the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, houses the national collection of puppetry, which is being constantly updated. The Museum owns around 6000 material artifacts (set designs, drawings, posters, audio & video media, archival materials, etc.) This also includes more than 3000 puppets from the legacies of Ljubljana Puppet Theatre archive, Milan Klemenčič, Dr. Niko Kuret, Jože Pengov and other collections, all an important part of Slovenian cultural heritage.

I love puppets, and even as an adult, I find them hypnotizing to watch. 

The Virtual Museum, located under the Lookout Tower of the Ljubljana Castle since 2001, was in January 2012 given a new image as the Virtual Castle. A technical, spatial and content renovation of the past Virtual Museum diversified the offer at the Castle, taking visitors for an engaging virtual walk along with the Castle’s history.

Pritličje

I don’t really remember this place as it was where I met up with my friend Zmaja, her sister and her father for drinks. The spot was close to the Town Center with great craft beer and a great location to people watch.

My friend Zmaja owns a ladies’ fashion accessory line called Fashion District

Her father was once Gordana’s mother’s elementary school student.

Vino & Ribe

The name says it all: wine and fish! It’s best described as a gourmet takeaway seafood joint with a menu that consists of sardines, picarels, calamari, and various other types of fish. Fried or grilled (in a Green Egg) and served piping hot. Wine comes in two typical Istrian varieties, Malvazija and Refošk, and flows quite liberally by the litre or half-litre. Minimal, modern, inexpensive and delicious.

St. James’s Parish Church

St. James’s Parish Church is dedicated to St. James the Greater- one of the twelve apostles and the first apostle to be martyred. The Jesuits commissioned the church’s construction, which took place between 1613 and 1615, on the grounds of what used to be a Gothic church.

Gelateria Romantika

Gelateria Romantika offers a daily fresh selection of the best creamy gelatos, refreshing sorbets, energizing juices and icy Sicilian granitas. All are hand-made out of natural ingredients and in accordance with the traditional recipes from Italian gelato masters.

Cutty Sark Pub

The perfect place to end a day of exploring Ljubljana, this hidden gem is an off-the-grind pub only the locals go to and one of Zmaja’s favourite spots. Cutty Sark Pub is an Irish pub that has everything. The outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying the city breeze and sights while indulging in quality drinks. 

Get Ready for An Incredible 2 Days in Ljubljana

Oh, one more thing. My friend Zmaja’s fashion accessory line is called Fashion District, and you can see some of her pieces HERE.

Most of the foodie spots in this post are through this self-guided tour/app called BiteMojo. Read more about that in my app review.

FAQs

Can You Reasonably Do a Day Trip to Ljubljana?

You can definitely enjoy 1 day in Ljubljana, but you may feel rushed or struggle to see everything you want to see. I recommend planning 2-3 days in the city to make the most of your visit.

Is Ljubljana a Walkable City?

Absolutely! Its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore the charming city center on foot. You can wander along the river, admire the bridges, and discover hidden corners without ever needing public transportation.