A Sip and a Bite with a Golden View
13 Oct 2025
As summer turns to autumn, Ljubljana stops hiding from the sun and instead starts chasing every precious ray the season offers. The most magical ones appear just before sunset, when the city’s rooftops and the lush treetops—slowly shifting from green to golden hues—glow in warm, golden light.
So, where will we head this autumn, when we’re looking to unwind after work with a glass of fine wine in hand, savoring delicate bites and soaking up those golden views of our beautiful capital?
Probably one of the most beautiful — and certainly the most historic — views over Ljubljana unfolds from the fairy-tale Castle Hill. After a short walk along one of the footpaths or a quick, elegant ride on the funicular, it feels truly special to enjoy this panorama from the lovely, wood-accented terrace of the Castle Wine Bar. Here, a wide selection of wines from all three Slovenian wine-growing regions is paired with creative interpretations of classic Slovenian dishes.
Another excellent idea for when you crave the sun and the open sky is, of course, Nebotičnik (the Skyscraper). True, nearly a century has passed since it was built as the tallest building in the Balkans, but the view from the café terrace remains magnificent in every direction. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee and croissant in the shy early sunlight, soaking up the midday warmth over lunch, or watching the sunset over the city skyline with a cocktail and a snack, you’ll quickly recognize that unforgettable feeling immortalized by the Slovenian pop classic Bele vrane.
Atop another historic building — the Nama department store — the covered terrace of NEBO Show Restaurant offers yet another spectacular view of Ljubljana’s rooftops and the castle rising above them. You can toast the view over lunch or dinner with friends, or enjoy it by night, stepping out for a breath of fresh air between one of their spectacular evening performances.
A spot perhaps less known to locals but offering an incredible panorama sits on top of the TR3 tower at Republic Square: Sky Bar Borbona. Open to the public on weekdays during the day for coffee, cake, ice cream, or a fine drink, it transforms in the evenings into an exclusive venue for private gatherings and events.
A little outside the city centre, in the BTC shopping district, you can admire Ljubljana from a different perspective at Twenty Cafe, located atop the Crystal Palace. Whether for breakfast, lunch, a delightful pastry, or a refreshing drink, it’s a perfect perch above the bustle.
It might seem that Ljubljana’s best panoramic views are reserved for hotel guests, but many hotel terraces — offering refined drinks and light bites — are open to all. So next time you’re in the mood for fine dining and exceptional drinks paired with a breathtaking view, don’t hesitate to visit B Restaurant & Bar at the InterContinental Ljubljana on Slovenska Street or the terrace of As Boutique Hotel on Čopova Street (though reservations are recommended).
And finally, let’s not forget the terraces that open their doors only for special occasions — ideal if you’re looking for a venue to celebrate something personal, or to attend one of their events and be rewarded with a panoramic “postcard” view of white Ljubljana. Stunning vistas of the capital await you from the terraces of Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, City Hotel, Grand Plaza Hotel, NEU Residences, Hotel ibis Styles, and The Fuzzy Log hostel.