Things to do in Ljubljana in just one day

The best things to do in Ljubljana including some stunning Ljubljana hotels

There are so many things to do in Ljubljana but we only had one day, so when it came to Ljubljana hotels, we knew we had to make our time count by staying in the very centre of the old town with the ability to reach all the things to do in Ljubljana by foot.

Before we go any further, I’m going to let you know how to pronounce Ljubljana. It's like this, loo-yub-lee-ya-na  see?, not so bad!

So with that in mind, please find below 10 of the best hotels in Ljubljana along with how to explore some of the best things to do in Ljubljana in just one day.As a side note, Ljubljana really is a hidden gem in the centre of Europe so be sure to visit if it fits in with your schedule, you won't be disappointed!

Ljubljana bridge and cafes

Vander Urbani Resort

Vander Urbani Resort is located in Ljubljana City Centre, close to a train station and in the city centre. Cultural attractions include the Krizanke Outdoor Theatre and the Ljubljana Opera House, as well as the Robba Fountain and the Triple Bridge. While you're in town, why not take in a show? It's always worth checking out what's on at Tivoli Hall or Bezigard Stadium. There are plenty of water activities nearby, such as kayaking and boat cruises so the hotel's central position is always appreciated by guests who can get to all the spots they need to quickly.

B&B Slamič

B&B Slamic is such a cute find! This is a charming and welcoming bed and breakfast in the heart of Ljubljana, only about a 5-minute walk from the old town and a 10-minute walk from the railway and bus station. It is the home of a lovely couple who will welcome you in a friendly but professional manner. Once again, you are near all of the major attractions meaning plenty of time to get out and explore all the best things to do in Ljubljana.

There are 17 big and comfortable rooms that are well equipped. They also own a café on the ground floor. On the upper floor, there is a lovely outside terrace where you may enjoy your breakfast on warmer days.

Hotel Heritage

Hotel Heritage is located in Ljubljana, in the Osrednjeslovenska area, 300 metres from Ljubljana Castle and 80 metres from Ljubljana Cobblers' Bridge. Room service, a concierge service, and free WiFi are all included at this 4-star hotel. At the snack bar, guests can get a drink.This is certainly one of the more luxury hotels on our list so you will find Air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private

bathroom with a bath or shower will be available to guests. Each room at Hotel Heritage comes with bed linen and towels. Every day, the Hotel Heritage serves a continental breakfast.

The main tourist areas of Ljubljana are pedestrianised meaning Cycling is popular throughout the city centre. If you are feeling a little brave and want to explore like a local, hire a bike and get ready to explore.

One66 Hotel

One66 is a colourful combination of sleek, contemporary guest rooms, flats, and urban glamping containers, with rooms to suit everyone.One66 Hotels goal is to build a boutique hotel that draws people together via art, music, and events,and they have certainly delivered!. They manage to give a low-cost hotel experience without sacrificing style or entertainment. This is a very different and unpredictably creative hotel, whilst it may not be for everyone, we loved the vibe and quirky touches here. Located in the heart of Ljubljana, with convenient access to the highway on one end and the best local landmarks and interesting places to visit on the other. One66 is only a 5-minute drive from the city centre and is conveniently accessible via great public transportation bus routes.

One66 hotel in Ljubljana
A minimalist bedroom in One66 hotel in Ljubljana

Hostel Celica

Sleep in 20 historic jail cells that have been creatively restored. An old military prison has been transformed into a modern youth hostel through artistic renovations. Food and beverage facilities are available here in the form of a small cafe bar area. Hostel Celica plays host to some great exhibitions and events so check out their calendar and you might be lucky to catch something fun on your visit.Art gallery, cultural events Surrender and spend the night in jail - and have a good time while you're doing it!

Ljubljana Resort-Camping & Hotel

We really liked the wide and bright rooms in the resort hotel. The Ljubljana Resort hotel is situated on the edge of a camping area, close to the Sava River which makes it perfect if you're looking for a bit more of a back to stay on your visit to Ljubljana.

The Ljubljana Resort hotel, which is surrounded by vegetation, is the ideal place to unwind after a long day exploring the sights and sounds of the city, or even a spot of hiking if that's your thing. The Hotel Ljubljana resort places a strong focus on interacting with nature in the surrounding natural park region and breathing fresh air. I actually wanted to include this place as an option if you were looking to camp but the hotel itself is lovely and if you are travelling with children, you will enjoy taking advantage of the poolside activity area.

Hostel Tresor front door in Ljubljana
Hostel Tresor front door in Ljubljana

Hostel Tresor

The Tresor Hostel is located in the heart of Ljubljana, only steps from Preeren Square and the Three Bridges. This hostel, which is included among the world's most eccentric hotels, is set in a former bank with Secession-style architecture and offers free WiFi and air-conditioned rooms.

Breakfast is served in a vault that used to be a bank. A card can be used to unlock all of the rooms. Dormitory rooms have been reorganised into smaller vaults to increase intimacy. On each floor, there are shared showers and toilets.There are two communal chill out areas and a dining area where guests can unwind. The upper atrium area with the sky ceiling is at its most lively during the day, while the former bank vault in the basement is at its most vibrant at night. Certainly worth checking out if you are looking for a reasonably priced nights stay in a cool venue right in the heart of Ljublijana.

Things to do in Ljublijana in a day

Old Town Ljublijana

The Preernov trg Square, in the centre of downtown Ljubljana, grew out of a medieval crossroads near the city's former entrance. It features three of Ljubljana's most iconic images: the Franciscan Church's pink facade, the poet France Preeren's monument, and the Plenik's Triple Bridge.

Visit Slovenska Hisa for a taste of Slovenia

A traditional yet modern Slovenian restaurant serving a variety of foods that bring back childhood memories. From cold meats, sausages, liver, pan-fried mashed potatoes, and turnip with pork rinds, there is something for everyone. Despite being in the heart of the city, it is slightly secluded from the hustle and bustle.

Hire a bike

As we mentioned, many of the areas in Ljubljana are pedestrianised meaning grabbing a bike and going exploring is one of the best ways to check out old town Ljubljana. Hire shops are dotted all around or register with BicikeLJ https://www.bicikelj.si/en/offers/groups/list#72914 to hire a bike for just one euro!

Visit Ljublijana castle

Ljubljana Castle, which has stood on a hill above the city for over 900 years and has multiple internationally recognized sustainability certificates, is the city's principal attraction. The Outlook Tower and ramparts of the castle provide some of the most beautiful views of the city, and the castle also houses a museum exhibition on Slovenian history, a puppet museum, and a number of historical rooms such as the Chapel of St George, the Prison, and the Virtual Castle video presentation room. Ljubljana Castle, which is easily accessible via funicular railway.

The lock bridge in Ljubljana
Close up image of The lock bridge in Ljubljana

Stroll over the Lock bridge

Ljubljana's love bridge is actually called the Butchers' Bridge. It's a site where hundreds of couples have padlocked their love and thrown the keys into the Ljubljanica River, which runs beneath them.

The Butchers' Bridge connects the Central Market's colonnade, designed by architect Joe Plenik, to the Petkovo nabreje embankment, and was completed in 2010. It was built on the place where Joe Plenik envisioned a bridge over a century ago.Buy yourself a padlock in one of the shops that run alongside and they will usually be able to provide you with a pen to write your initials on.

A Cocktail at Bar Lockil in Ljubljana
A Cocktail at Bar Lockil in Ljubljana

Visit bar Lockal for drinks and people watching

Sitting adjacent to the lock bridge is Bar Lockal. What better place to round off a day sightseeing than in this bar right on the river for a spot of people watching and one for their crazy cocktails. I couldn't help myself but try this gin and candyfloss creation.

Hopefully this guide has given you an insight into some of the most unusual Ljubljana hotels as well as the best things to do in Ljubljana if time isn't on your side! As you can see Old town Ljubljana has so much to offer, so definitely stay inside the city walls if you want to pack it all in, but that said, grab a bike and explore further afield if you have the time!

xoxo, Lauren
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