Treat yourself to a picnic in a beautiful park, visit a gallery, enjoy the views of the city from its picturesque bridges and embankments, and attend some of the countless free events held in the city's streets. Ljubljana is beautiful at any time of the year and being small and easy to get around, it is best explored on foot.
Museums and galleries
Visit some of Ljubljana's largest museums and galleries. Some of them offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month. Or take advantage of the following museum open-doors days:
- International Museum Day (18 May),
- Museum Summer Night (the second or third Saturday in June),
- This Merry Day of Culture (3 December, the birthday of the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren).
On the above dates, open-doors days are also held by some of Ljubljana's theatres and cinemas and a large number of free heritage-themed events take place.
Free events
Ljubljana is a city where free festivals and one-off events are held throughout the year. A major highlight is the June in Ljubljana festival in the central Kongresni trg square, which presents a wide and varied programme of events including anything from classical music concerts and DJ performances to the theatre and puppet shows. A packed programme of music, street theatre, dance, and cinema held in the city's streets and public squares continues throughout the months to follow.
Every corner of Ljubljana comes alive during the last month of the year, in anticipation of Christmas and the New Year. The whole festive month is dedicated to getting together with friends over a glass or two of mulled wine sold from street stalls, shopping for gifts at the Festive Fair, and having fun at free open-air events.
Taking a walk
Taking a walk through the picturesque streets of Ljubljana is a perfect way to see most of the city's major architectural sights, get to know some of the distinctive local features, and meet people. Climb the castle hill, spend some wonderful moments in the castle courtyard and along the ramparts, and let stunning city views make you fall in love with Ljubljana. Find your favourite spot on the relaxing Ljubljanica river embankments, treat yourself to a picnic in the scenic Tivoli Park, marvel at the diversity of plants at the Ljubljana Botanic Garden, and explore the city's unique alternative quarter, Metelkova.
Discover the Roman city of Emona on a walk to the Roman Wall. While on a wander around the city, you may come across an open-air gym. Ljubljana has fifteen of them (including one on the castle hill) and they are perfect for some free exercise. Should your feet be tired while you still want more, take a free ride on board a Kavalir electric vehicle, part of the green transport system in the pedestrianized city centre.
Markets and fairs
Visiting a market or fair is another good way to get inspired and get to know the locals and their daily life. Ljubljana's markets and fairs are places where people go not only to do the shopping, but also to meet friends and acquaintances and enjoy themselves together. Visit the picturesque Ljubljana Central Market, open from Monday to Saturday, the Antique Flea Market, held on the Breg embankment on Sundays, or one of the art fairs held in the historical city centre in the summer. If you visit Ljubljana in December, make sure not to miss the vibrant Christmas Fair.
Free Wi-Fi
To prevent you from being cut off from the virtual world while wandering around Ljubljana, the city offers you access to its free Wi-Fi network.