Ljubljana’s Markets Welcome the First Tastes of Spring
16 Mar 2026
Calendar spring has not yet officially begun, but the weather hasn’t felt wintry for weeks. The first warm days have filled Ljubljana’s streets with sun-seeking residents, and the city has come alive once again. Signs of spring awakening can also be seen at Ljubljana’s markets, where we are already eagerly filling our baskets with the first seasonal delicacies, heralding the moment when the city’s treetops will soon turn green as well and when spring confidently steps into the capital.
Green Heralds of Spring
Those of us who enjoy walking in nature and who look not only at the sky but also at the ground beneath our feet have already spotted the first wild garlic and dandelions while wandering through forests and meadows. These green heralds of spring can of course also be found at Ljubljana’s markets.
At the well stocked stalls of the central Ljubljana market, as well as the markets in Koseze, Šiška and Bežigrad, and those in the BTC shopping district and Moste, wild garlic and dandelion are already sharing space with radicchio in all kinds of sizes, colours and shapes. In the coming weeks we can also look forward to seeing more and more spinach and chard, Brussels sprouts and young cabbage, arugula and lamb’s lettuce, and for many the eagerly awaited asparagus. Green is undoubtedly in season!
A Rest, a Chat, a Sip and a Bite
After diligently filling our bags and baskets with seasonal treats, we deserve a little time to bask in the sun. Warmer weather, especially on days brightened by sunshine, is perfect for relaxed lingering on one of the lively terraces around the markets. For a few hours, we can forget about the daily rush from one errand to the next and, while sipping a favourite drink and enjoying tasty bites, surrender to one of the market’s greatest pleasures: conversation about everything from plans for a Sunday outing and the latest gossip to pressing social and political topics and important life decisions, all accompanied by the pleasant bustle of the city’s green heart.
Believe us, no one will mind if Saturday lunch is cooked a little later these days.
When Does Spring Really Begin?
In Ljubljana, the start of spring is defined far less by the exact date of the spring equinox and much more by another event that the capital’s flavour explorers always carefully mark (or type) into their calendars. You guessed it: we are talking about the opening of the season of the region’s most popular culinary market, Open Kitchen (Odprta kuhna).
This year we will not have to decide which date truly opens the season, because Odprta kuhna, weather permitting, returns to Pogačarjev trg at the Ljubljana Central Market on the very first day of spring, Friday, 20 March. We look forward to meeting many familiar faces and plenty of new ones who will bring the full diversity of the Slovenian culinary scene to the market every weather friendly Friday.
Whichever springtime market experience we choose, we will not forget that Ljubljana loves green, not only in shopping bags and on our plates, but also as a way of life. In addition to an extra layer of clothing in case our outing lasts a little longer than planned, it is wise to bring a reusable bag. When planning the trip, we can also choose our favourite environmentally friendly option: walk to the market, ride a bicycle or scooter, take a city bus, or hop on one of Ljubljana’s electric Kavalir vehicles.