33861SLO
Lyuub-lyee-AH-nah. Slovenia’s capital is a small and accessible city, and groups usually feel very comfortable exploring on their own during free time. This university-city is built along the river Ljubljanica and has a relaxed Mediterranean / Salzburg-like feel to it. There are loads of cafes and wine bars, boutiques and galleries. The sprawling daily market is a destination in itself and provides a great contrast to the feeling of the medieval Old Town. Ljubljana’s ambience leads travellers to wonder how come they had not heard of, let alone visited, this city beforehand.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Getting Around
- The preferred mode of transport is the bicycle, and many of the streets have been pedestrianized.
- There is a funicular that transports those visitors, who choose not to walk, up to the castle.
Tourist Offices
- “TIC”: At the Triple Bridge on the opposite side of the river from Prešeren Square. Open 8:00-18:00 Oct-May (til 17:00 Sundays) & 9:00-19:00 June-Sept; +386 (0)1 306 12 15.
- “STIC”: One block in from the river at the Dragon Bridge on the east side of the river (market side). Open Mon-Fri 8:00-19:00 (closes at 21:00 in summer), Sat/Sun 8:00-17:00. +386 (0)1 306 45 75. Bike rental here also.
- Tourist Offices also at the Airport and Main Railway Station.
Health
- Tap water is potable
- Emergency number for ambulance: 112
Publications and useful websites
- Where To?; Ljubljana Life; and maps are available at the tourist offices for free.
- Slovenia News is Slovenia’s English language news magazine (available online as well)
- http://www.visitljubljana.com, http://www.ljubljana.si/en/, and http://www.slovenia.info/en/Towns/Ljubljana,-the-capital-of-Slovenia.htm?_ctg_kraji=2611&lng=2 are great resources.
Closing Hours / Days
- Most banks take a siesta from 12:00-15:00 M-F; some are open on Saturday mornings
- Most museums are closed on Mondays
- Post office is open M-F 8:00-19:00; Sat 8:00-12:00
Shopping and Markets
- Daily Market along the river colonnade from the Triple Bridge to the Dragon Bridge features souvenirs, food shops and a basement fish market. At the Dragon Bridge, the main market square is packed with produce (for a picnic?) and clothing, with the rear stalls behind the market hall offering flowers.
- Sunday mornings 8:00-14:00 there is a flea market along the river south of the TIC on Cankarjevo Nabrežje between the Triple Bridge and the Shoemakers Bridge.
- Chain-type stores are mainly located on Copova Ulica, which leads into Prešeren Square. There are also malls, but who goes to Slovenia to visit a mall?
- Shopping possibilities are everywhere, but starting at the Town Hall and walking south through the mediaeval / Old Town area you will find many small, arty shops
Eating
- There is a strong café culture in Ljubljana, and many can be found along the river or in the Old Town area between the Town Hall and St James’ Church (Levstikov Trg).
- The daily market provides ample opportunity for people to purchase picnic fare.
- There is a seafood restaurant under the Triple Bridge (proximity to the fish market).
- There are many pastry/ice cream shops along the river just northeast of Prešeren Square.
People watching
- Everywhere, really
- Between Cobblers Bridge and Triple Bridge
To Explore
The Old Town can occupy the group indefinitely, but should they wish to spend time elsewhere, you can suggest the following. Check beforehand for opening times as they change each season. Below are places of interest not covered during the guided city sightseeing tour.
Secessionist architecture near Prešeren Square
- Centromerkur (façade and interior)
- At #3 Copova Ulica, City Savings Bank
- Hauptman House (only bldg. on Square to survive 1895 quake)
- Miklosiceva Cesta (street) is strewn with post-earthquake buildings. Two of the most impressive are Hotel Grand Union and the Cooperative Bank opposite at #8.
Jože Plečnik House Home of the principal architect of Ljubljana. Tours in English on the hour. Open: Tues – Sun 10:00-18:00.
National and University Library (“NUK”) occupies the entire block between Tujaška Ulica and the Krizanke and is considered Plečnik’s most important work. Bombed during WW2, it is like the US Library of Congress and holds a volume of every Slovenian published book. Access to the Reading Room is restricted, but you can enter for free and admire. Open: Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00; Sat 9:00-14:00.
Serbian Orthodox Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius Striking interior, free entrance. Open: Daily 8:00-19:00.
Tivoli Park (the lungs of the city where locals relax/exercise) is the location of several museums including the interesting Contemporary History Museum.
Kavalir is the name of the small, eco-friendly electric vehicles, which circle downtown and offer free rides! These can be particularly handy for your non-walkers or just the footsore!
Boat Cruises run from April through October weather permitting. Most convenient departure point is near the Triple Bridge. English commentary. Check timings.
Bike Hire is possible at the TIC from April to October.They also schedule bike tours.